Psychiatric Bulletin (2007) 31: 273. doi: 10.1192/pb.31.7.273a
© 2007 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
Reasons for entering staff grade posts
Mark Fielding, Staff Grade Doctor
Department of Old Age Psychiatry, St Martin's Hospital, Clara Cross Lane,
Bath BA2 5RP, email:
mark.fielding{at}yahoo.co.uk
I was surprised that Fung et al (Psychiatric Bulletin,
February 2007, 31, 76) did
not find non-availability of a National Training Number (NTN) to be a primary
reason for entering staff grade and associate specialist grade (SAS) posts. I
passed the MRCPsych part II in June 2006 following which there were no NTNs
available locally. I was aware that a few candidates were applying before
results came out and in retrospect I wish this is something I had pursued more
actively. However, at that time I could not have known the intensity of
competition for NTNs that would be precipitated by the approach of run-through
training.
It was apparent that I would not secure a higher training post before the
senior house officer rotation ended and therefore I applied for a staff grade
post locally. Fung et al cite pay protection and additional clinical
experience as the primary reasons for entering SAS posts. Although these are
without doubt benefits of holding the post I did not see them as reason enough
for postponement of higher training. I entered staff grade because I had no
alternative.
My feeling from discussion with senior colleagues is that times have
changed. Previously doctors would work as staff grades to accumulate
additional clinical experience or for other reasons, and enter higher training
when they felt ready to do so. With the introduction of Modernising Medical
Careers (MMC) competition has become more intense and there is a general
feeling that in future it will be much more difficult if not impossible to
re-enter training from career grade posts.
Although I have been lucky enough to secure one of the last NTNs it
required numerous applications, more than would have been allowed under MMC. I
have certainly benefited from pay protection and additional clinical
experience, however I could not cite these as reasons for entering the grade
in the first place.
Related articles in PB:
- Bed numbers as a limitation to acute in-patient care
- Mat Kinton
PB 2007 31: 76.
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