Nationale Standardisierung der HNO-Weiterbildung in Großbritannien

Introduction

Compared to German medical training, in Britain, postgraduate medical education follows a national standard. My experience of completing German otolaryngology training, English clinical Fellowship and Clinical Supervisor training provided inside into this model.

Material and methods

For Ear, Nose and Throat, English medical graduates have to complete two Foundation Years covering a variety of specialties, each for four month, followed by two Core Surgical Training years in surgical Departments to be completed by the intercollegiate MRCS exam. Thereafter, one may apply for a limited, highly sought-after national training number for six years of otolaryngology training. Resident Doctors are obliged to pass their Annual Review of Competency Progression (ARCP), where an independent panel of three physicians reviews their e-portfolio and decides on their outcome. Finally follows the national FRCS exit exam.

Results

A major contrast is the individual German career progression after specialty exam, essentially the path from Specialist to Consultant (Oberarzt). British competency-based teaching of advanced procedures like neck dissections provides a formal framework of achieving Consultant-level. The official English medical curriculum takes about ten years in a competitive environment with frequent need for relocation during Job rotations. However, it delivers a structured program and systematic support for trainees where in Germany much may depend on appointed educators within the local Department.

Conclusion

Is the national British model an inspiring example of the future or should one prefer the individualised German model? These differences are not least a result of the historically distinct health care systems of both countries.

Nein