Faculty development programmes:

The change to a robust, transparent and assessment-driven curriculum has meant a huge sea change in the way that residents and faculty work.  Focused courses on how to conduct workplace-based assessments and objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) are urgently required.  Although the number of orthopaedic faculty is small (around 6 people), the faculty development courses can include other surgical faculty in GPHC, given sufficient notice and planning.

2.     Focused training courses for residents:

There is a definite need for short focused training courses on communication skills and other “softer skills” for Guyanese residents, since these skills are not traditionally taught or assessed in the country.   There is also the need for focused courses on specific topics to which they have limited exposure, such as orthopaedic oncology, and management of major trauma.

3.     Exposure to UK training in orthopaedic subspecialties for Guyanese residents:

Our goal is to eventually have orthopaedic surgeons who are able to practice independently, and competently to an acceptable world standard.  As a part of this aim, the Institute of Health Science Education at GPHC and WOC UK have discussed the possibility of Guyanese residents spending up to 12 months in the UK, gaining exposure to the fields of trauma, spinal surgery, arthroplasty and paediatric orthopaedics.  We would welcome any assistance in achieving this goal, particularly in respect of facilitating GMC registration.  The Medical Training Initiative scheme would tie in very well with this.

4.     Regular UK faculty:

There is also a need for more UK faculty to regularly engage with both Skype teaching and regular short-term visits to Guyana in order to oversee the delivery of the curriculum and provide input into the recruitment process and local examinations.

Conclusion:

WOC UK and the Institute of Health Science Education at GPHC would heartily welcome any assistance and support which can be provided by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh for the MMed programme.

Further information on the link in the JTO article can be found here.

Link person:

Ms Deepa Bose

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham

Chairman of World Orthopaedic Concern UK

Vice Chair of the Trauma & Orthopaedic SAC

Educational secretary to British Limb Reconstruction Society

E-mail: deepa.bose@uhb.nhs.uk

            deepabose@yahoo.com

Opportunities for trainees

Ms Bose would be delighted for trainees to accompany her on visits to Guyana. Especially those with an interest in Medical Education. Visits are usually 1-2 weeks in duration. Please get in touch using the contact above.