Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow Annual Review 2009/10 Contents
CONTENTS President’s Review...... 2 Looking Back, Going Forward...... 5 Chief Operating Officer Registrar’s Review...... 6 Treasurer’s Report...... 8
COLLEGE UNITS Delivering Excellence...... 10 Education and Professional Development
Setting Standards...... 12 Examinations and Assessment
Quality Services...... 14 Membership Services
SPECIAL FOCUS Changing Lives...... 21
SUPPORTING DISCIPLINES Physicians...... 22 Surgeons...... 23 Dental...... 24 Travel Medicine...... 26
WORKING TOGETHER 28 Intercollegiate Involvement
LEADING HEALTHCARE 33
COLLEGE FOCUS College Council...... 36 Organisational Structure...... 36
Produced by the Office of the Chief Operating Officer and Membership Services
Editor Elaine Mulcahy Design Shaw Marketing and Design Print David Winter & Sons
Copyright 2010 The text and images in this document may not be reproduced without permission from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. To request permission, please contact the Publications and Communications Coordinator at the College.
RCPSG Annual Review 2009/10 1 President’s “College must remain an open, welcoming and engaging institution for all, thereby Review ensuring that as an organisation we do Mr Ian WR Anderson everything we can for the betterment of our patients, for our professions and for society at large, both at home and overseas” It is a challenge for any President to draft an end of his first year’s Review in autumn. Such is the pace of change nowadays that any message delivered may Mr Ian WR Anderson be rendered redundant by winter. Nor is it reasonable to be candid and say it President has been a very busy job in a very busy post because, after all, that should have been obvious to the incumbent. Equally, the fact that College life has had its ups and downs should have been easily predicted by someone who has been round the block for some time.
In terms of the highlights, we have welcomed consensus that any form of revalidation has to Fellows and Members can be assured that, some new faces to College, which is always be cheap and cheerful but also fit for purpose. despite a healthy degree of intercollegiate co- a healthy development, and they have made It is regrettable that the change of heart needed operation, particularly among the three Scottish valuable contributions. Our new Chief Operating the interaction of others, including politicians, to Colleges, your College will continue to adopt an Officer, Mr John Cooper, clearly relishes his bring about such a sea change. independent position and robust engagement new civilian role with its many challenges, only in all Collegiate matters both in the UK and some of which have been as exciting and At a recent meeting I attended, I was amused overseas. I see no reason for either our College unpredictable as those he found in his previous when a former high ranking official in the or sister Colleges’ positions to be subsumed military life. He remains remarkably resilient and General Medical Council commented that in by any other organisation, including the UK measured dealing with everyone both within the past he doubted that revalidation would Academy of Medical Royal Colleges. and outwith our College. come in during his professional lifetime. He has now amended that prediction to doubting I would like to pay tribute to the Council, Office There have been disappointments. Our joint whether revalidation would ever come in during Bearers and staff of our College for the energy, venture with Glasgow School of Art and its his time on earth. I can report that the individual dedication and support during this first year of Digital Design Studio has proved to be an remains a very sprightly physical and mental my post as your President. Above all, I wish to increasing and unsustainable pressure on specimen to date. formally thank Dr Frank Dunn, who retires as our ability to single-handedly fund such an Vice-President at the AGM. Frank has been a ambitious project to its full conclusion. We have The new Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine is reliable anchor in difficult times and I have both reached an amicable agreement to cease the about to become a reality and, as a sponsored relied on and respected his wise counsel. I wish funding stream whilst retaining our share of the supporter of that project, we wish it every him every happiness in retirement. Professor joint intellectual property in the project so far. success. I would, however, urge caution about Mike Lewis completed his term as Vice- I must pay tribute to the enormous hard work the scale, size and number of proliferating President (Dental) in October and I am deeply and dedication of Mr George Gray who was Colleges and Faculties within the UK. I doubt indebted for all his hard work towards the our Clinical Lead in the project. We have offered whether such a development will add to the continuing success of the Dental Faculty. the Glasgow School of Art continued clinical strength of the profession and indeed, may input if their efforts to find an alternative funding have the reverse effect of giving rise to a My final remarks remain a rallying call to all source bear fruit. We wish them every success divided weakness. Other countries have Fellows and Members to each play a part in the in that venture. retained a smaller number of Colleges but life of College in all its activities. College must incorporated in-house Chapters encompassing remain an open, welcoming and engaging Our College did not jump headlong into what Specialties without any apparent loss or institution for all, thereby ensuring that as an can only be described as a revalidation circus. strength of each Specialty’s individual voice and organisation we do everything we can for the Many Colleges did not share our caution and representation. I rather doubt that all current betterment of our patients, for our professions are now beginning to regret the time, effort and and prospective Colleges and Faculties can and for society at large, both at home and expense involved in setting up what became be assured of long term viability as individual overseas. Everyone deserves a basic human a bewilderingly complex, expensive and time- organisations, particularly during the current, right of physical, mental and social wellbeing. consuming solution to what would seem to be a and likely to be continuing, period of austerity fairly straightforward task. There is now general which is obvious to all.
2 RCPSG Annual Review 2009/10 RCPSG Annual Review 2009/10 3 “We shall place our membership Looking Back, at the centre of our activities, because we are above all, a Going Forward membership organisation” John Cooper, Chief Operating Officer
John Cooper Chief Operating Officer The theme of this Annual Review is ‘Looking Back, Going Forward’ and I see real potential for the future for our great College.
I assumed the post of Chief Operating Officer We have redefined our mission as: in May 2010 and I find the College in rude good health. We made an operating surplus and all “To provide career support to the membership of the various elements of College performed above expectations to contribute to the by delivering education, training, CPD, success of this year. We increased the number examination and assessment, whilst acting of educational, training and professional development events, while the Examinations as a charity and leading voice on health issues and Assessment Unit continued to generate in order to set the highest possible standards significant activity for the College; the details of these uplifts are given elsewhere in this Review. of health care.”
We have continued to act at international, UK, Scottish and local levels across our range of of our activities, because we are above all, a with this, a comprehensive survey of members’ operations. We have sustained our involvement membership organisation. We shall continue to website requirements is currently being in local charities through our contribution to carry out the core functions of career support, undertaken. This project will be useful in and public lectures, both within and outwith the education and professional development and of itself to improve outputs and process, but College building; we have also continued examinations and assessment for members. the real benefit will be to make contact with the our involvement in the Men’s Health Initiative. We shall seek to be a leading voice on medical College membership much easier, more flexible We continue to support scholarships for our issues. All of this will be with the enduring and more responsive to their needs. younger members to travel and develop their unifying purpose of raising standards – clinical skills and we have a firm footing in the wherever the College operates. Explicit within Additionally, we shall review policies across all international arena with strong examination this is a continuing commitment to charitable College activities to ensure that we are meeting performance in the Middle East and the sub- causes at local, Scottish and international level. the needs of existing and potential members. continent of India. Furthermore, we continue to We shall report the details of these various play an active part across the spectrum and at In the difficult economic times of today, we studies in next year’s Annual Review. We have all levels of intercollegiate activities. need to ensure that we are as commercially much on which to build and I look forward to strong as we can be. This will involve reviewing informing our membership of the outcomes As a newcomer, it seems to me that College our strategy and policies across the College in next year. does punch above its weight in many areas. order to ensure that we are meeting the needs of the membership and potential membership. Let me close by saying how much I have However, as Churchill said “take change by We shall review and confirm our international enjoyed my introduction to College. I have the hand or it will take you by the throat” and and charitable objectives. We shall focus been made so very welcome by everyone: thus we need to ensure that College is fit for on business development and marketing to the whole membership, Office Bearers and the demands of the second decade of the 21st optimise our returns in terms of membership, staff. I look forward to a long and happy time Century. As directed by the Office Bearers, we core activities and income. with the College. have carried out an analysis of the College’s current and future aims, objectives and priorities. We need to be able to contact and interact This analysis is set against an acknowledged with you, our members, more easily and to more difficult economic situation in the next understand your views so that we can identify twelve months for which we must prepare and and meet your needs. Accordingly, the College adjust. From this analysis, we have laid out a website and IT system is the subject of a review forward-looking direction for the College. that will result in a brand new system reflecting We shall place our membership at the centre the requirements and needs of members. In line
4 RCPSG Annual Review 2009/10 RCPSG Annual Review 2009/10 5 Registrar’s Review
Dr Robin J Northcote, College Registrar
As the Annual General Meeting in December approaches, I can reflect upon a busy and challenging year as College Registrar.
Many Fellows and Members will wonder what Since coming into office at the beginning of the Throughout the year I have been supported by the role of the Registrar is. In taking up the year, I have taken time to review and acquaint the dedicated staff within College, my fellow position I regarded this as something akin to a myself with the governance procedures and Office Bearers, Council Members, and other “Minister without Portfolio”. In the course of the standards as they relate to the College’s Fellows whom I have called upon from time to year I have found myself responsible for a vast electoral system, and governing Byelaws and time. Without this support I would have been array of tasks, in addition to being the official Regulations. Out of this assessment came unable to achieve what has been achieved Keeper of the Rolls. The Registrar has a formal a significant piece of work which I am sure to date. I wish to give all of these individuals responsibility to maintain the College Register will be refined in the forthcoming year – the enormous thanks for their assistance. and formally review Regulations and Byelaws in re-design of College nomination and electoral “College needs to be progressive in a regular fashion to reflect changes to medical voting papers, undertaken by Membership In the coming year, we will be exploring the practice and society in general. There is a Services, has improved the standard to that option of creating a lounge in College, with the its outlook, adapting its systems and wider responsibility as an aide to the President available in external agencies recognised as aim of providing a welcoming facility for use by and his Office Bearers in the day-to-day “standard setting”. In conjunction with this, the Members and Fellows, and a meeting point, becoming more responsive to the management of College affairs. written form and governing practices articulated at a time when opportunities for meeting our in the College Byelaws and Regulations are colleagues are declining in NHS practice. external working environment if it is to Over the course of the last few years, the under review with the aim of modernising and College has evolved into a professionally simplifying practice and will be presented to I also aim to promote College’s participation meet the needs of Fellows and Members, managed organisation with a clear Fellows and Members at the AGM. in the twentieth Commonwealth Games in administrative structure and governance 2014, when we will explore opportunities for regardless of their professional position, process. We must never become complacent Since the foundation of College in 1599, we collaboration with the agencies responsible for on the back of such success. College needs to have continually modernised and evolved, delivering the games. This will be a wonderful be progressive in its outlook, adapting its revising these documents to make them fit for opportunity for College to promote its activities geographical location or discipline” systems and becoming more responsive to contemporary medical practice. In doing so, I on an international stage. the external working environment if it is to meet trust we have recognised the proud traditions the needs of Fellows and Members, regardless and heritage of College. Dr Robin J Northcote of their professional position, geographical College Registrar location or discipline. Revalidation has, and will continue to generate a substantial body of work. As the Revalidation The development of a new IT system is now Lead for College, I have been tasked with taking in hand and will go some way to transforming forward College’s views with intercollegiate the way we communicate and interact with the fora and the Scottish Academy. I am pleased professional services and education offered by to say that our efforts have been positioned the College. The President and Office Bearers wisely having gained agreement from the GMC have placed a great deal of commitment to develop a streamlined revalidation system behind this and other College investments, which will be both measured and proportionate. and I am encouraged by those Fellows and The “common sense” approach is supported Members who have taken the time to provide by members of the newly formed College feedback and support on this and other Revalidation Working Group. The expertise of activities. We have embarked on a review of this group will be invaluable in delivering the the services which we currently provide and aspirations for revalidation to our Fellows and may provide in the future. Members in the coming years.
6 RCPSG Annual Review 2009/10 RCPSG Annual Review 2009/10 7 Accounts
Treasurer’s Report
Mr Paul N Rogers, Treasurer
In my first year as Treasurer I am pleased to be able to report that the College has recorded an operating surplus.
This surplus is solely due to the receipt of restricted Unrestricted operating activities in the year did My thanks go to Mr2009/10 Kevin Sweeney Expenditure and his (£4,232,667) 2009/10 Income (£5,209,897) 2009/10 Expenditure (£4,232,667) 2009/10 Income (£5,209,897) grant monies. College received £525,910 from produce a surplus, but this was cancelled by the colleagues on the Audit & Remuneration the William and Elizabeth Davies Foundation Trust impairment of the College’s investment in a joint Committee for their thoughtful guidance on in support of College educational events and project with The Glasgow School of Art. In 2008/09, Governance, enabling us to comply with the £66,000 and £80,000 from the Academy of Medical the College undertook a joint venture with GSA to ever increasing regulatory requirements facing Royal Colleges relating to the College’s SIGN and produce a 3D computerised image of the human charities. As an example, the College is introducing Revalidation projects. body. The costs associated with this project were an Internal Audit process at the suggestion of capitalised. During the year, Council reviewed the Committee. For the third year in a row, Council agreed to a College participation in the project. Whilst it is freeze in subscription rates. undoubtedly a worthwhile project with potential My thanks also go to the College Auditors, Wylie for commercial development, Council came to & Bisset LLP, and especially to their Audit Partner Income from Examinations and Assessment the conclusion that the College did not have the Jenny Simpson ACA and her team, for provision of 15% Education 7% Education 15% Education 7% Education increased by 68% in the year. This excellent necessary resources to continue funding it. As a an efficient audit service during the past year. 34% Examinations 42% Examination Fees 34% Examinations 42% Examination Fees
performance is due to the College being result, £522,770 has been written off in this year’s 5% Fellowships and grants payable 14% Grants received 5% Fellowships and grants payable 14% Grants received
able to accommodate overflow candidates in accounts. However, College retains a significant Finally, looking to the future,5% theGovernance College costs is moving 0% Other incoming resources 5% Governance costs 0% Other incoming resources
intercollegiate exams and a significant contribution interest in the Intellectual Property rights and to a 3 year budgeting cycle12% reflectingImpairment ofa programmefocus on related investments 8% Investment income 12% Impairment of programme related investments 8% Investment income
from the joint MRCP(UK) examinations. Mr David should commercial exploitation emerge in the business development.6% It is anticipatedIntercollegiate thattraining within 26% Members subscriptions 6% Intercollegiate training 26% Members subscriptions
Galloway, Valerie Hogg and her team have future, College would benefit. this approach 2010/11 3%will returnLetting a ofdeficit College accommodationbecause 3% Letting of College accommodation 3% Letting of College accommodation 3% Letting of College accommodation delivered these increases whilst controlling costs. of the wider economic situation,5% Library but we aim to at 5% Library In recent years, College has relied on investment least break even in 2011/122% andMedical plan governance to return to 2% Medical governance Whilst income from Education and CPD has fallen, income to support its operating activities. This surplus in 2012/13. 11% Members subscriptions 11% Members subscriptions the number of activities has not. College has cushion cannot be relied upon in the current increased the number of free events open to its financial climate. Investment income in the year Members and Fellows and the wider community. dropped by 34% and it will be some time before The summary information shown here has been extracted from the full annual Dr Frank Dunn, Kay Rennie and her team have income returns attain the level reached in the 2008 accounts for the year ended 31 March 2010. It is intended to give an indication produced this programme and managed to accounts. The investment strategy devised by of the breakdown of the type of income received and expenditure incurred by the reduce costs. my predecessor and Mike Wilson CA of Speirs College. The full accounts have been audited and copies can be obtained from and Jeffrey has been successful in protecting the College offices in St Vincent Street, Glasgow. our capital base. I wish to express the College’s gratitude to Mike Wilson and his partners, who have given prudent advice to the College on a pro-bono basis.
8 RCPSG Annual Review 2009/10 RCPSG Annual Review 2009/10 9 Delivering Excellence Education and Professional Development
Going Forward Delivering Our priorities for the next year are to ensure continued quality of education to Members and Fellows as we prepare for our role in Excellence revalidation and to expand the broad base of education to allied health groups. We also plan Education and Professional Development to maximise use of both the educational and clinical skills facilities within College and to develop an e-learning programme that matches the quality of our in-house educational activities. Dr Frank G Dunn, Vice-President (Medical), Chair of the Education and Professional Development Board
The year in review In Education and Training: In extending health education and learning In improving the use of e-methods: to the wider community: Highlights This year has seen both consolidation of a : We delivered over 80 educational events : We re-introduced College’s provision of Supporting Medical Trainees and number of new initiatives from the previous (an increase of 10 over the previous year) : We continued to engage with those video-linked meetings to remote and rural Undergraduates year and a further expansion of our educational including collaborative events with other interested in medical sciences at areas in North of Scotland, MRCP(UK) College recognises the importance of programme. The figures reveal a 10% increase Medical Royal Colleges and special secondary school via The Young People’s examinations centres throughout the UK increasing its profile to medical trainees and in the number of symposia and collaborative interest events for healthcare providers. Lecture, National Science Week and ‘So and dental centres in other parts of the UK. undergraduates. With this in mind we have events with other medical constituencies. You Want to be a Doctor?’ symposium. launched initiatives to assist both constituencies. Our priority is to ensure innovative, high quality : We saw a significant increase in and well balanced education for Members attendance at College events, with : We added to the prestige of the Glasgow We are delighted to have hosted the Inaugural and Fellows. approximately 3250 delegates attending Leadership Lecture Series with lectures Glasgow University Surgical Society Symposium various events over the course of the year. from Lord Advocate Elish Angiolini and and to provide The Foundation Skills in Surgery Our lectures to the general public have now : We held the inaugural ‘Glasgow University The Right Honourable Lord Patten of Course and What Speciality’s for Me? career been taken on the road and we are hopeful Surgical Society’ symposium for Barnes, CH. events, both of which have been well supported. that this will expand the numbers receiving undergraduates and included this target : We engaged with members of the For our medical trainees the PACES educational advice regarding matters of group in Foundation Skills in Surgery public by delivering lectures in College Demonstration Evenings led by Colin Perry health. The Glasgow Leadership lectures have Courses and ‘What Specialty’s for Me?’ on various medical topics including and Lawrence McAlpine have been greatly attracted much interest within and outwith the career events. Rheumatology, Obesity, Diabetes, appreciated by all who attended, both in College College Membership and the most recent Epilepsy and Travel Medicine and also : We met trainees’ requirements by and in examination centres throughout the UK, to lecture from Lord Patten attracted our biggest taking some of these lectures ‘on the road’ introducing PACES Demonstration which the sessions were video-linked. attendance to date. Evenings, re-designing Preparing for to venues in Easterhouse and Cardonald. the MRCS series, continuing to run : We held a successful ‘Question Time’ We have also redesigned the Preparing for the The IMPACT course, founded in the Glasgow MRCP(UK) Preparatory Course, MFDS event in collaboration with Membership MRCS series and expanded the preparatory College and with its administrative base there, Preparatory Courses for Part 1 and Part Services and Lay Advisory Boards. courses for the MFDS (parts 1 and 2). continues to expand throughout the UK. In 2 examinations, briefing sessions for addition, we continue to provide a diverse foundation and specialty trainees and Increasing our profile programme of events both for school pupils, Careers evenings. College also recognises the importance of undergraduates and trainees at all levels. increasing its profile in other areas and, in : We ensured College continues to influence collaboration with Membership Services, the first the strategic development of curricula by Finally, as I come to the end of my time as of the College Regional Advisers’ events was representations on collaborative bodies Chair I would like to acknowledge the held in Belfast in May 2010. The theme for the such as JRCPTB, JCST and JCSTD. outstanding work of the staff in the Education day was ‘Maternal Health’. There was an excellent : and Professional Development Unit, and We continued the MSc Degree in Clinical turnout and the presentations were well received. particularly to Kay Rennie for stepping in so Leadership – Year 2 for the first cohort of This was the first of a number of events that our effectively to the role of Acting Head of Unit. students and Year 1 for the second cohort Regional Advisers will be co-ordinating. of students.
10 RCPSG Annual Review 2009/10 RCPSG Annual Review 2009/10 11 Setting Standards Examinations and Assessment
Setting Standards Examinations and Assessment
Mr David J Galloway, Vice-President (Surgical), Chair of the Examinations and Assessment Board
The year in review In improving the facilities, arrangements In introducing new qualifications: In ensuring that examinations and In increasing the number seeking and cost-effectiveness of delivery assessments reflect changes in College qualifications: Highlights for written and clinical examinations: career paths: The Examinations and Assessment Board has : We launched the College’s restructured Surgical Ophthalmology Examination the responsibility to oversee the strategic and surgical examination in Ophthalmology, : We trained new MRCS examiners in The Examinations and Assessment Board is operational delivery of College examinations. : We, supported by College Fellows, training examiners in multiple centres while : We refined the Membership in Oral Dubai to meet increasing demand from pleased to report the successful launch of the Historically this has been one of the most established additional examination implementing quality assurance measures Surgery and Membership in Paediatric candidates. significant areas of College activity and has revised surgical examination in Ophthalmology centres in England for MFDS and MRCS to assess the performance of candidates, Dentistry examination regulations, : We advanced development of assessment provided an important basis for interaction with in November 2009 following a period of examinations respectively to facilitate examiners and test items. nominating College Fellows to the opportunities for allied health professions clinicians in specialist training. concentrated effort by a group of College access for candidates. : panel of examiners, in collaboration We responded to candidate and examiner in accordance with College’s aim to Fellows who have devoted a lot of time to : We enhanced collaboration with the feedback by reducing the number of with sister Colleges. extend its portfolio of provision. We continue to develop a programme of aligning the nature of the examination to fit Education and Professional Development written test items while maintaining the improvement and expansion and are actively : We collaborated with sister colleges to current thinking in assessment methodology. Unit by: robustness and reliability of outcomes, exploring a number of new examination and establish the Specialty Board tasked The result has been an increase in demand as informed by formal psychometric assessment opportunities. - informing educational needs and with development of a new Membership from candidates: a total of four diets of enhancement of training through evidence. examination in Special Care Dentistry. the written examinations were held in an provision of examiner input and : In collaboration with the UK Colleges increased number of overseas locations, as The training environment has changed radically : We initiated peer review of the Diploma in candidate feedback, of Surgeons: well as delivery of structured oral and clinical over the last few years and this, together with Geriatric Medicine at the invitation of the - We obtained approval from the examinations in collaboration with partner the explicit demands now made of College - scheduling courses in alignment with Royal College of Physicians of London. assessment activity, has brought a need to examination entry dates. Postgraduate Medical Education and hospitals in Glasgow, India (Hyderabad and really focus and foster a constructively critical Training Board (PMETB) for structural : We contributed to development of the New Delhi), Jordan and Oman. view of the examination portfolio. and content changes to the IMRCS restructured PACES examination and further to feedback and consideration of trained MRCP(UK) examiners in Glasgow, The College has a debt of gratitude to statistical evidence, and linking to sites in Altnagelvin, Dumfries, We have developed increasingly close those Fellows, hospitals, staff and patients - We obtained approval from the GMC for Hull, Inverness, Leeds, Oban and collaboration with sister Colleges, have who continue to support our activities in the curriculum and assessment system Sheffield, as well as training examiners endeavoured to respond to feedback from this way and we look forward to continuing for Otolaryngology. in Belfast. several sources, including trainees, lay and collaboration and success. medical examiners and assessors in order to ensure that assessments remain appropriate and retain educational validity. Going Forward
Our priority for the next year is to continue to develop relevant assessments and examinations. These are essential elements of our College’s commitment to ensuring highest possible international standards of healthcare.
It is fair to say that the recent changes to career structure and dynamics may leave a sense of uncertainty in relation to the ongoing applicability, relevance, academic level and style of various assessments. We have seen a need for some additional work to take advantage of opportunities created by the interests and training needs of clinicians in various specialties. Junior clinicians are by nature a high achieving competitive group and there is likely to be a continuing appetite for additional qualifications which will add gloss and value to job applications in an oversubscribed marketplace.
12 RCPSG Annual Review 2009/10 RCPSG Annual Review 2009/10 13 Quality Services Membership Services
Quality Services Membership Services
Dr Jackie Taylor, Honorary Secretary, Chair of the Membership Services Board
The year in review In continuing to improve the quality and In enhancing communication to improve In working collaboratively across the range of high value services and benefits engagement and access: College to increase the number of Trainees’ Committee Membership Services is the most diverse to Fellows and Members: newly recruited Fellows and Members Awards and of College operations. Accountable to the admitted annually and retaining the Juliette Murray, Convenor of : We extended the Regional Advisers’ Scholarships Membership Services Board its remit includes: level of membership to sustain the Trainees’ Committee : We completed training of the first cohort of network with six advisers now covering This has been another successful the adminstration of admissions for fellowship organisational growth: mentors and matching with mentees the length and breadth of the UK. year for the Awards and Scholarships and membership, subscriptions, awards and The Trainees’ Committee meets four times is planned. : Committee. The quality and number of scholarships, verifications, adminstration for the The Regional Adviser for Northern Ireland, a year. The Committee represents trainee : : We attended a number of undergraduate award applicants has increased yet again Dental Faculty and Faculty of Travel Medicine, We introduced a new triennial scholarship with the support of Membership Services opinions and concerns at all levels of College career fairs and conferences across with a total of £58,050 being granted Library and Heritage, Policy Consultations, award for the Faculty of Travel Medicine, and the Education and Professional work and new members are always welcome Scotland. As a result College’s Introductory to 22 individual Fellows and Members Special Projects, SMJ, College and Faculty with the first award being granted in 2011. Development Unit, delivered a successful to get involved. Membership has increased across all from 01 October 2009 to 30 September elections, Lay Advisory Board, communications, : We undertook an in-depth review of the educational event on Maternal Health in disciplines. 2010. As part of the College’s focus on This year, the Trainees’ Committee has: and marketing and business development. elections process with best practice Belfast. Plans for delivering other regional : developing high value benefit packages Though the breadth of remit continues to be a guidelines being adopted for the 2010 events in 2010-11 are being developed. We welcomed 15 new Honorary Fellows. for its membership, this year the Awards challenge, the team, working alongside other College elections. : We established a new communications : College representatives attended the : Worked hard to strengthen links between and Scholarships Committee, working units, is committed to developing and delivering post dedicated to improving the 37th Annual International Congress of the other trainee groups in the Royal Colleges along side the Faculty of Travel Medicine, services for Fellows and Members. quality of current provision of print and Egyptian Society of Cardiology in Cairo. To and Academy and other bodies involved in initiated a new one-year research e-communications. Work completed to mark this special occasion, College Fellows the training of junior doctors and dentists. Membership by Location fellowship award of £2,000. The award Last year great strides were made in providing date includes a range of promotional flyers, and Members across Egypt came together is open to all members of the Faculty benefits and services to meet the needs of improvements to membership application to honour the conferment of Fellow qua : Helped to arrange several events for and will be granted every three years Fellows and Members at critical stages in their forms, re-vamped Faculty newsletters and Physician ad eundem on Ali Ramzy Abdel- trainees. This includes evenings offering to support individuals in taking forward careers. The initiation of a programme to train election papers. Magid, one of Egypt’s eminent Professors advice about choosing a specialty and a small scale travel medicine project. events offering advice on a range of mentors for consultants, extending our support : Library and Heritage delivered the event: of Cardiology and President of the Egyptian The Committee is eager to promote the issues, including the application process, to trainees choosing their specialty careers, ‘Medical History Comes Alive’, a College Cardiac Society. value of this new award and other college specialty training and surgical and medical and the establishment of a Regional Advisers’ tour for over 150 participants, both members awards in the forthcoming year. update seminars. network to increase engagement with the and non-members. Given its popularity this membership across the UK were some of event will be repeated in 2010-11. : Been involved in helping to generate the highlights. ideas for new colloquia and seminars and in helping to put together the programmes This year has been one of consolidation Going Forward for some of these events, such as the for Membership Services during which we have 41% UK and Ireland Time for consolidation has resulted in a firm foundation for existing services. To ensure that anatomy programme and parts of the focussed on improving service quality. We have 27% Scotland we are responsive to the current and future needs of our Fellows and Members, Membership triennial meeting. however delivered a number of key results. 32% Rest of the World Services must take every opportunity to gain formal and informal feedback on service delivery. We will be utilising information from the Training Needs Analysis and Website/IT survey and : Worked to get trainees and junior Finally, I would like to record my thanks to also embarking on a competitor analysis project. Our aim is to provide the right ‘package’ of consultants involved in all areas of College all members of the Membership Services benefits and services at each stage of a doctor’s career, and by so doing to recruit, retain, work such as teaching on courses and the Board, to Caryn Nicolson, and to all staff in the involve and grow the Membership. examination process. Membership Services Unit for their continued hard work and support without which we could If trainees have ideas about educational not function. events that they would like to see the College running please get in touch or get involved.
14 RCPSG Annual Review 2009/10 RCPSG Annual Review 2009/10 15 Quality Services Membership Services
Broadening Knowledge Library and Heritage Services
Dr Elaine Morrison, Honorary Librarian
The year in review In widening access to College’s library, : We delivered the Livingstone Lecture, archives and art collection: which was given by Gp Capt Andrew This has been a busy and productive year for Monaghan, maxillofacial surgeon, who the Library and Heritage service. The team are recounted his experiences on active : We held Library Conversations, open to committed to widening access to College’s service in Afghanistan. all, on Wednesday mornings in the Library modern information resources and historic Reading Room. : We loaned Audubon’s Birds of America collections, and to education and training. (Vol 1) for an exhibition to Temple : We delivered successful teaching and We continue to establish important Newsam House, Leeds. A display on training sessions, including a Medical collaborations with other institutions and to Audubon and his work was mounted in History course in collaboration with the increase our out-reach activities. Special the Lower Library. tribute is due to our Library Volunteers, Department of Adult and Continuing : We continued the Adopt a Book scheme without whose support and expertise some Education (DACE), Glasgow University. and delivered the annual College Concert of this work would not be possible. We delivered historical resource sessions to Glasgow University medical students to contribute much needed funds for and to post-graduate students from all conservation. In extending the Library and three Glasgow universities. Faculty of Information service to Fellows and Travel Medicine students received on-line In offering work opportunities within the Members: resource training. heritage sector: : We held Doors Open Day when over 500 members of the public visited College. We : We saw use of the SHELCAT library system : We worked with Glasgow University’s Club also co-ordinated the visits of 300 children by Fellows and Members steadily increase. 21, a student work experience scheme, to from 40 schools to College during National Members and Fellows can apply for an enable two students to research and plan Science and Engineering week. Athens password to access the online an exhibition on Travel Medicine for the Lock resources on NHS Scotland’s Knowledge : We marked the 400th anniversary of Room. Work was also given to two young Network. The Library aims to provide a swift the death of College’s founder Maister unemployed people as Library and Heritage delivery service for those journal articles not Peter Lowe at the Goodall Memorial Assistants under the Government’s Future available online. Lecture. Vivian Nutton, Emeritus Jobs Fund Scheme. Professor of Medical History at University : We continued to prepare and distribute College, London delivered a lecture the daily Media Update and the on Renaissance Medicine. This was President’s newsletter. accompanied by a display of College’s 16th and 17th century books. : Carol Parry, Library and Heritage Manager, Going Forward delivered the Incorporation of Gardeners’ We aim to provide an easy to access, up Lecture on ‘Herbals from the College to date information resource to Fellows Collection’. This was accompanied by a and Members. As a marker of excellence, display of Herbals in Crush Hall. we are pursuing museum accreditation for the College’s historical collections.
16 RCPSG Annual Review 2009/10 RCPSG Annual Review 2009/10 17 Quality Services Membership Services
Lay Advisory Fellowship Board
Dr Colin G Semple, Chair of the Fellowship Committee
John Breckenridge, Chair of the Lay Advisory Board The Fellowship Committee continues to process an increasing number of applications to join College and this year the Fellowship Committee considered over 300 applications with 240 of these being accepted for The work of the Lay Advisory Board (LAB) has been wide ranging and either Fellowship or Membership. We continue to be encouraged by the reflects a stronger sense of direction this year. This is largely due to interest in joining the College from members and non-members at home the updating and redefinition of the LAB’s Constitution and Terms of and overseas. Reference, clarifying the ways in which we support the College’s activities. We would remind our Fellows and Members of their right to promote A number of members stood down in the early part of the year and we others for advancement. Those who are interested in sponsoring are grateful for their contribution over the years. We have been very colleagues to the Membership/Fellowship may seek further information fortunate in being able to recruit new members with strong backgrounds Senior from the ‘Join Us’ area of our website at the following address: in medical jurisprudence and ethics. Virtually all members have now www.rcpsg.ac.uk Over the coming year, we hope to use our website as a assumed Lay Advisory roles on the other medical boards with which the more effective tool to provide information about the different membership Fellows Club College interacts. categories and to make the application process more straightforward. Our highlight this year has been the organisation of a stimulating and I would like to take this opportunity to thank our overseas advisers and successful Question Time event in College. The topic was ‘Is the NHS committee members for their continued support and commitment. Value for Money?’ This was chaired by Professor Ken Patterson, with panel members: Over the past year College has conferred its Honorary Fellowships on a number of distinguished individuals who have contributed to healthcare Dr J Douglas Briggs, Honorary Secretary Mr Jim Martin: Scottish Public Services Ombudsman and society. We are pleased to welcome the following individuals, Ms Susan Douglas-Scott: Chief Executive of LTCAS recognising their positions at the time of their formal admission. Mr Charles McGee: Retired Editor The Herald The Fellowship Honoris Causa The 2009/10 session has continued the traditions of the Senior Dr Alan Rodgers: Retired Oncology Clinician The Rt Hon The Lord Provost of Glasgow, Councillor Bob Winter Dr Charles Winstanley: Chair of NHS Lothian Health Board Fellows Club, the vital ingredient, of course, being the willingness The Fellowship qua Physician ad eundem Professor Ali Ramzy Abdel-Magid Ramzy of members to offer topics for presentation to the membership. Turnout was excellent and the ensuing debate was notable for the frankness of the discussion and the range of topics covered. We plan to Dr John Francis Donohoe repeat this exercise. Profesor Jean Marco Professor Joseph Michael Muscat-Baron As usual, there were seven meetings in the The December talk was unique in that it was theme being illustrated by his own varied and We have modified the way we respond to consultation requests session, starting off with the fourth in a series of given by an Honorary Fellow of the College, highly successful career. Kenneth also provided The Fellowship qua Surgeon ad eundem with a view to improving the quality and coherence of the response. six talks on ‘The History of Glasgow through the Professor Arnold Maran, Past President of interesting insights into the personalities of Dr Edward B Diethrich Wherever time permits, the consultation document is discussed at our Post’ by Ian Evans, the topic of this one being the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. some of the politicians with whom he had come Professor Arnold DK Hill meetings and the consensus view of the meeting is put forward as the Professor Francis Brian Vincent Keane The Edwardian Era. This talk was fascinating, as He has lived in and travelled to Italy over the into contact. response. On complex matters such as the recent Nuffield Council on Dr Peter W Marcello have been the previous ones, and the depth of past 50 years and he took us on a fascinating Bioethics consultation on Human Bodies in Medicine and Research, a Professor Per-Olof Nystrom knowledge as indicated by the number of talks journey touching on the topics of ‘Berlusconi The final talk of the session was a fascinating sub-committee drafts an initial response which is finalised and ratified Mr Peter M Sagar in the series is impressive. and the Mafia’. account by John Calder of his experiences as a at the next LAB meeting. On other major or complex issues such as doctor in Africa, initially as a medical officer the College’s response to the End of Life Assistance (Scotland) Bill, Dr Rakesh Prasad Srivastava The February talk also was one of a series, on David Hamilton is both a medical and a golf in Malawi and later as a radiologist in Kenya. Members join the College’s working party in developing the response. The Fellowship in Dental Surgery ad eundem this occasion the sixth and last on ‘Doctors in historian of high standing and his talk in this Professor Jonathan George Cowpe Opera’ delivered by Ian Robertson. This has session related to the prominent position which In the past session we arranged to have a My thanks go to all members of our Board for the time and effort they Professor John Joseph Sauk been a remarkable series in its demonstration both doctors and ministers occupied among lunch prior to three of the meetings instead have put into our work, with special thanks to Carolyn Capps who keeps Dr Marie Ewart Watt of Ian’s knowledge of opera and hopefully he the ranks of golfers of former years with plenty of two, as the lunches give our members the us on track. Many thanks also go the Membership Services Board, to will find the time to publish the information and of anecdotes and items of information. opportunity to have a chat with their friends. Caryn Nicolson and the staff of the Membership Services Unit for their anecdotes on which the series is based. This proved popular and we plan to repeat this continued hard work and support without which we could not function. The penultimate talk of the session was by Sir in future years. The November talk was by Robert Cumming on Kenneth Calman. He pointed out the ways in the subject of photography and the examples of which the acquisition of the skills provided by his own work which he showed clearly indicated training in clinical medicine could be of value his high standing as a photographer. in walks of life other than as a clinician, this
18 RCPSG Annual Review 2009/10 RCPSG Annual Review 2009/10 19 Quality Services Special Focus
Maximising Changing Potential Lives
Over the past 12 months, we have made Mentoring significant progress: Going Forward Malawi Men’s Health Going Forward College has a strong commitment to supporting The College has historic links with Malawi dating In 2007, College formed a partnership with We envisage that a flexible, yet College will continue to work with the SPL its Fellows and Members in all aspects of their : In November 2009 and May 2010 we back to Honorary Fellow, Dr David Livingstone. Celtic and Rangers Football Clubs to run a pilot coordinated mentoring programme will where possible to facilitate the delivery career. We are in the process of developing delivered two introductory mentor training Today, many of our Fellows and Members are health programme for male football fans aged develop further in College over the next and support for this programme across the RCPSG Mentorship Programme to provide days in College. active in charity work in regions across Malawi. 40 to 60 in Glasgow. The aim of the programme year. Further training dates will be offered the 12 Scottish football clubs in the SPL. our Fellows and Members with the skills In 2009, College embarked on a series of was to educate and encourage men to adopt : To date, 14 experienced Consultants to expand and develop our community of The programme also has potential for needed to help colleagues manage their activities with the aim of helping to improve a healthier lifestyle, look after their health, eat have attended the initial ‘Introduction mentors. As the number of mentors and growth into other sporting arenas. career opportunities and challenges effectively. medical education and training in Malawi. This healthier and be more active. We also aimed to Mentoring’ training. This group will those requiring mentoring grows, College With more focus than ever on continuing included the delivery of a Basic Surgical Skills to address the national clinical priorities of constitute our first cohort of mentors. will be proactive in developing this professional development, College hopes Course in Kamuzu Central Hospital in the coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke, : This group will be invited to attend scheme to continue to meet the needs of to assist by matching mentees with suitable capital city of Lilongwe. cancer and alcohol/drug addiction. In total, additional training sessions to learn and our Fellowship. mentors who will help them to maximise their between 2007 and 2009, 128 men successfully apply necessary mentoring skills before potential, develop their skills and improve This year, we have: completed the programme. In 2009, the SPL being matched with a mentee at a stage their performance. In the initial stages of this approached College to discuss the potential for in the near future. programme, we will be focusing on newly running a similar programme at all SPL clubs. : Completed the installation of 10 PCs in appointed consultants who will be linked with : College is also developing a Mentoring an interactive learning centre in Kamuzu more experienced colleagues for support Pack which will include a manual and This year, we have: Central Hospital. We sourced and shipped and guidance. additional information to support all mentors and mentees throughout the PCs via Glasgow City Council’s Lord Provost and International Office and : Reported the final evaluation from Membership Services thank Dr Graeme process. installed these PCs in a learning centre cohorts 1-3 (completed during 2007- Macphee and Dr Nancy Redfern for leading the : We have received expressions of interest using GCC’s IT support team who had 2009). This was submitted to the Scottish mentorship training programme. from a number of potential mentees. We travelled to Malawi on Council business. Government Health Department in will be introducing them to the scheme January 2010. and matching them to our trained mentors : Sent medical texts and equipment to during the 2010/2011 session. Kamuzu Central Hospital (in the same : Provided clinical results which showed shipment as the PCs). These books were significant reduction in cholesterol, the building blocks for what we hope will weight and BMI for those that completed become an extensive and useful medical the programme. library. We continue to receive book : Reported sustained improvements in the donations and hope to continue to send recalled participants who attended the more texts in future to keep growing this pilot and previous courses, showing the resource. programme was being maintained. : Paid for the first 12 months internet : SPL have secured funding from connection for the learning centre to help the Football Pools and the Scottish establish use of this interactive facility. Government to offer a similar programme Feedback from the hospital has been across all SPL football clubs. extremely positive and they have found : In September 2010, SPL will be launching both resources to be invaluable. Football Fans in Training (FFIT) which is an adapted model of the College programme being rolled out across SPL clubs. Going Forward : College continues to be involved in supporting this programme. Activities in Malawi will continue to be considered as part of the College’s wider international and charitable work strategies.
20 RCPSG Annual Review 2009/10 RCPSG Annual Review 2009/10 21 Supporting Disciplines Supporting Disciplines
Supporting Physicians
Dr Frank G Dunn, Vice-President (Medical)
The College is well aware of the substantial time pressures that Fellows and Members are under and recent proposed changes to the contract have increased these pressures further. We view the proposed reduction in SPAs with much concern and are, with the other Colleges, making representation in regard to this and, indeed, into the clear need for an expansion in consultant numbers as a consequence of changes in Junior Doctor hours, appraisal, revalidation and a reduction in new contracts from 48 to 40 hours. Supporting While College recognises the important role College continues through a number of Surgeons played by specialist societies in the delivery of channels to influence thinking regarding the educational meetings, we are confident that we whole revalidation process. Hopefully common Mr David J Galloway, Vice-President (Surgical) will continue to provide relevant and up-to-date sense and an appreciation of the practical symposia with continued excellent feedback aspects will lead to a compact and workable for Fellows and Members. The introduction of system that assists in ongoing development Leadership lectures has been a major success and does not stifle the profession. and further well-known national figures will be gracing the College in the year ahead. College recognises the importance of improved communication and to this end we The College is fully engaged with the other three ancient surgical Colleges in the British Our programme for trainees goes from strength are conducting a complete overhaul of our IT Isles in driving forward common interests and supporting Fellows and Members in to strength with the continued success of systems including the website. We are confident IMPACT and the recently well-received training this will be of considerable help to Fellows and professional matters, education and assessment. It is a real encouragement that there evenings for MRCP(UK) PACES. In addition, we Members. is so much co-operative effort and diminishing tension between the Colleges when it now have excellent physician representation on comes to matters of common concern. the clinical skills group and further programmes The success of our College is totally dependent will emerge from that. on involvement of and interaction with Fellows and Members and in this there can be no Our Faculty of Travel Medicine has been a complacency on our part. We hope that Fellows In Glasgow we have taken the view that consultants alike is certainly coming of age and become accessible for surgeons working in success story and we plan to look to ways of and Members will find a way to become more surgical interests should be fostered early and proving its value to trainers and trainees alike. different parts of the globe and in the expanding this model into other disciplines. We involved and we would be delighted for you to we offer several good sources of support for mainstream surgical specialties. It is a continue to foster links with medical students, contact us if you feel there any areas you would undergraduates with a surgical interest. Some For established trainees there is a range of testimony to the esteem in which a Fellowship especially in regard to educational meetings, like to be involved. of these are web-based but medical students relevant courses and educational events. of one of the UK Colleges of Surgeons is held and will continue to increase the number of can now become introductory members of the The Surgical Forum, which is held in the that there is such demand from surgeons to introductory members so that from an early College - free until qualification. College in early November each year, again measure their knowledge and clinical skills stage they may identify with our College promises to maintain its excellent reputation against the international benchmark We have been keen to support the Glasgow with an internationally acclaimed faculty and a represented by the ‘exit’ Fellowship. We are Recruitment of examiners for PACES remains University Surgical Society and will once again stimulating but intensely practical programme. actively exploring ways in which we might of paramount importance and for most is an host their annual conference in November 2010. address some of that demand. opportunity to meet with colleagues and to This year’s event was oversubscribed and drew For surgeons in all career grades, we continue benefit from their expertise as well as refreshing students from across the UK. There is also a to be politically active and have campaigned on There is more to be done - web developments our examining skills. We remain indebted to all good deal of web-based support for developing such issues as working time, workforce and enhancements, improved communication our examiners and especially to Host examiners a surgical career, advice about specialties, planning, job descriptions and revalidation. and better membership support. Maybe more at so many different centres. logbooks and the surgical curriculum as well Specific developments on the examination front than anything else we crave more both active of course as the examinations which are such are summarised in the Examinations and interest and involvement from our surgical important waymarkers for career progression. In Assessment report. There is a growing interest Fellowship to enhance our influence and particular, the Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum in the possibility that the intercollegiate surgical effectiveness. Programme now used daily by trainees and Fellowship examinations might once again
22 RCPSG Annual Review 2009/10 RCPSG Annual Review 2009/10 23 Supporting Disciplines Supporting Disciplines
Going Forward Whole Team The Dental Faculty needs to address the misconception held by many dental professions that the RCPSG Dental Approach Faculty is purely for specialist dental surgeons in the West of Scotland. The Dental Faculty The College is in an ideal position to provide professional support for all members of the dental profession at any location. Professor Michael AO Lewis, Vice-President (Dental), Dean of the Dental Faculty
The year in review The aims for the future must be to: In increasing the membership of the Faculty: In enhancing membership benefits: In developing educational events: Dental Council 2009/2010 : We continued to deliver two membership : We continued to deliver extremely popular The Dental Faculty has maintained a high level : Continue to attract new Fellows and : We attended the Dental Undergraduate Professor MAO Lewis benefits that have proved to be particularly revision courses for both parts of the MFDS of activity during the past 12 months and I am Members. Trade Fair in November 2009, which Dean and Vice-President (Dental) extremely grateful to all those individuals who attractive to members and potential examination. These have been revised Dr APM Wray : Develop appropriate involvement at UK resulted in a record number of almost 200 have served on Dental Council and its three members. These are the complimentery further in response to feedback from the Dean Elect dental events. applications for Introductory Membership. subsidiary boards, without whose efforts the provision of the professional journal participants. Dr JR Pilley : : We held the Dental Careers Evening for achievements outlined below would not have Extend provision of ‘Dental Update’ to ‘Dental Update’ and access to funding : We have been exploring contemporary Secretary to the Dental Faculty Final Year Dental students from Glasgow been possible. other professional groups. from the T C White Awards. methods of delivering education and Mr IWR Anderson and Dundee in the College in December : Include representation of Dental Care were delighted with the success of the College President 2009 to generate further applications. : We have successfully secured a further I am particularly indebted to Mrs Lyn Cranwell Professionals (DCPs) on Dental Council. three year exclusive deal with ‘Dental web streaming of the T C White lecture Dr R Northcote : We have placed Dental Faculty Liaison for her sustained and faultless administrative : Develop additional sites in the UK for the Update’. The journal provides an excellent on facial transplantation to approximately College Registrar Officers in the Dental Schools in Glasgow support during a time when she had the Faculty Membership examination. forum for the promotion of examinations 100 individuals in the MANDEC facility Mr IS Holland additional workload due to my role as Chair and Dundee in order to enhance in Manchester. : and educational events through the Ordinary Councillor Provide education and professional engagement with dental professionals at of Joint Meeting of Dental Faculties. medium of ‘Grace’. Dr J Leitch development of dental care workers an early stage of their professional journey. Ordinary Councillor throughout the world. : We saw a record number of applications This is my last Annual Review as Dean of : We have progressed the newly-formed Mr PCM Benington : Promote the Dental Faculty at RCPSG for the T C White Awards and there In providing quality examinations relevant the Dental Faculty and I wish my successor, Associate Membership for Dental Care Ordinary Councillor as a UK and international professional was strong competition for many of to the profession: Dr Alyson Wray, all the best for the future. Professionals (DCPs) and to this end a Mr A Walker home for all members of the Dental the categories. Working Group with representation from Ordinary Councillor Healthcare Team. : DCPs has been established. The Faculty : We saw the inclusion of a Lay Member in We are particularly pleased to report that Dr J Gibson has held a stand at the annual meeting the September meeting of Dental Council. the outcome of the external educational Co-opted Member Director Dental E&PD Board of the British Dental Association and In addition, trainee or non-consultant assessment of the dental Specialty Mr L Savarrio the triennial meeting of the International representation is being introduced into the Fellowship examinations has shown Co-opted Member Director Dental MS Board Symposium on Dental Hygiene. Both them to be of high quality. subsidiary boards. Mr HA Critchlow events provided invaluable information Co-opted Member Director Dental E&A Board on ways in which the Faculty can engage Dr SC Barclay with the dental profession. Regional Councillor: UK outwith Scotland Dr C Irwin Regional Councillor: UK outwith Scotland A new look for Grace Mr S Hislop Grace has become a well-known and much-loved member of Regional Councillor (Clyde and Argyllshire area) the Dental Faculty. This year, she was given a new look by the Dr E Connor well-known political cartoonist Iain Greene. Over the coming Regional Councillor (Grampian, Highlands & year we will follow her progress as she continues to work Islands, Tayside) towards her dream of becoming a fully-qualified dentist. Dr C Jones
Regional Councillor (South East Scotland) Ms L Crane Fellow or Member with less than 10 years GDC registration
24 RCPSG Annual Review 2009/10 RCPSG Annual Review 2009/10 25 Supporting Disciplines Supporting Disciplines
Pushing Boundaries The Faculty of Travel Medicine
Professor Peter L Chiodini, Dean of the Faculty of Travel Medicine
The year in review In improving communication : The Faculty CPD scheme is now agreed : We adopted the journal ‘Travel Medicine In increasing our international profile: and promotion: and will go live from April 2011. and Infectious Disease’, published by Travel Medicine Executive Board 2009/10 Elsevier, as the journal of the Faculty of My report begins with congratulations to Dr Eric : A particularly exciting development is : We were particularly pleased to be Professor PL Chiodini Travel Medicine. The journal is available in Walker, who was Dean of the Faculty of Travel : We delivered well-supported academic the future transfer of responsibility for the represented at the Northern European Dean electronic form as a membership benefit to Medicine from 2006 to 2009, on being awarded meetings. The Autumn Symposium Diploma and Foundation courses in Travel Congress on Travel Medicine held in Dr ME Jones Associates, Members and Fellows without an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list of of 2009 entitled ‘Travel Medicine - Medicine from Health Protection Scotland Hamburg, Germany in May 2010. The Vice-Dean June 2010. (HPS) to the College. These courses, their paying an additional subscription. Communicating the Message’, Faculty has a strong international ethos Mrs JH Chiodini which HPS has provided with distinction, : We launched a new category of Affiliate. challenged us to think more about and our stand generated a great deal of Secretary As I look back over my first year in office as communication skills and their central are highly regarded internationally and we Entry as an Affiliate does not require an interest. It was a pleasure for us to meet so Mr IWR Anderson Dean, I have pleasure in recording a number role in travel medicine practice. look forward to sustaining their examination and confers no post-nominals, many of our international members. of key achievements which demonstrate current success and nurturing their but gives Affiliates the opportunity to College President : We were gratified by the audience : We have continued to work with the Nordic considerable enthusiasm and energy on the future development. receive our newsletter ‘Emporiatrics’, Dr R Northcote response to a public lecture given at the countries to facilitate development of part of Faculty members of all grades. The a reduction in registration fees for our College Registrar college, entitled ‘Keeping Travellers travel medicine education in their region. Faculty has delivered on a number of fronts. scientific meetings, and the chance to join Healthy – It’s not just the Sun Block’. The Nordic Initiative in Travel Medicine Mrs CM Driver We have worked hard on a new standards In leading standards in Travel Medicine: our thriving travel health community. Education (NITME) has now been formed Ordinary Executive Board Member document for Travel Medicine, which we hope : We are planning a survey of our and we look forward to our continued Dr VK Field will be taken up by all practitioners working in In developing educational events: : We have now completed our document membership for the coming Winter, better involvement with this exciting venture. Ordinary Executive Board Member the field. We have had a strong presence at a ‘Standards for the Practice of Travel to inform our forward planning. number of conferences and events, and run Dr AM Grieve Medicine’ which is out to consultation with many of our own events to promote the Faculty : We held our laboratory-based hands-on Ordinary Executive Board Member relevant stakeholders and is due to be and the field of travel medicine. We have also meeting ‘Travel Medicine the Nets and Dr GT Flaherty published by the College in 2011. improved the benefits for our members and Bolts’, which rotates to a different city each Ordinary Executive Board Member introduced a new Affiliate Membership category. year, in Glasgow in 2010. The chance Dr E Anderson to test an insect repellent against live In enhancing membership benefits and Associate of the Faculty mosquitoes and to see at first hand the meeting the needs of all those working in Going Forward Mrs AC McDonald snail hosts of schistosomiasis was exciting travel medicine: Over the coming year, our objective is to promote and help to raise professional standards Associate of the Faculty even for experienced practitioners. for the practice of Travel Medicine. After publication of our professional standards document, : We shall continue to hold joint scientific we shall proceed to development of a training curriculum as the next step towards speciality : We have continued to deliver the regular meetings with other Royal Colleges and recognition for Travel Medicine. their Faculties. This year, our joint meeting Dean’s email news bulletin which is designed to highlight upcoming events was with the Scottish Branch of the We hope to see many more practitioners join our Faculty, whether as an Affiliate or via the and important developments. Royal College of General Practitioners. examination route to become an Associate or a Member. In return, we shall do our best to This generated a great deal of goodwill : We recognised a need for a more look after their professional development needs throughout their careers. on both sides and bodes well for future lengthy and detailed information source collaboration, not least because a great and are delighted to report that the first many travel health services are provided in edition of ‘Emporiatrics’, the FTM’s primary care. biannual newsletter, was published in September 2010.
26 RCPSG Annual Review 2009/10 RCPSG Annual Review 2009/10 27 Working Together Working Together
Joint Committee on Surgical Continuing Professional Working Training (JCST) Development Chaired by cardiothoracic surgeon Chris Munsch, the JCST works The Colleges operate a continuing professional development (CPD) with the four surgical colleges of the UK and Ireland and the specialty programme for consultant physicians. Work involves developing the role Together associations to enhance the quality of surgical training. JCST is the parent of CPD in the revalidation of doctors, as recommended in the 2007 white body for the Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Programme (ISCP). paper ‘Trust, assurance and safety – the regulation of health professionals JCST and the nine Specialty Advisory Committees (SACs) enrol and in the 21st century’ and the 2008 report of the Chief Medical Officer monitor trainees and make recommendations to the regulator when ‘Medical revalidation: principles and next steps’. they are ready for the award of the CCT. On the regulator’s behalf, JCST also evaluates applications for the Certificate confirming Eligibility for CPD is the postgraduate educational programme physicians must Specialist Registration (CESR). undertake to stay up-to-date in their field, maintain and demonstrate competence, and enhance their medical knowledge and skills. The CPD As part of our intercollegiate involment, RCPSG plays a leading role within approval processes maintain the quality and educational value of CPD a number of important organisations that develop education and training, live events and distance-learning materials, using robust guidelines and specialist feedback. examinations and assessment standards. Reviews of activity from these organisations are presented here. This year, the JCST has: This year, CPD has:
: Conducted a major review of the JCST curriculum and syllabuses, : Carried out a detailed five-year data analysis to establish the nature Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians now approved by the regulator and in use since August 2010. In of CPD activities among registrants. Training Board (JRCPTB) particular, there is now a specific syllabus for core surgical training. : Completed enhancements of the CPD system for revalidation. During the review period the GMC assumed responsibility for the : Reviewed and revised the event approval fee structure regulation of postgraduate training, and working with the new The Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians Training This year, the JRCPTB has: : Managed and enhanced the distance-learning application process. Board is the Federation body responsible for regulator is a major priority for us. Many trainees and others were Going Forward : Reviewed CPD credit categories to inform changes. delivering the three Royal Colleges’ remit, alarmed by guidance on the timing of assessments, issued by the : Completed and implemented 30 new Plans for the future include embedding the : supporting the national authorities in the setting GMC in April 2010, and we were pleased to be able to work with Agreed and implemented credit category changes. specialty and sub-specialty curricula externality process to improve the quality and maintaining of standards for specialist other bodies in negotiating a pragmatic solution to the problems : Achieved funding from the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges for incorporating 5 new assessment methods of training supervision and oversight and physician training in the UK. posed by the guidance. enhancing the CPD system for revalidation. and 6 quality standards. Each curriculum embedding the curriculum review process : Improved the functionality of the ISCP website. : received GMC approval and was ready for to ensure that patient and service focus is Processed a high volume of event-approval applications. : implementation on 01 August 2010 and on the agenda of specialist committees. Worked to incorporate the Orthopaedic Competence Assessment : Achieved an increase in the number of registrants on the CPD updated the ePortfolio. JCRPTB also plans to raise awareness of Programme (OCAP). scheme. : : Introduced a transfer process to the new the process of workforce planning allowing Appointed urologist Ian Eardley as ISCP Surgical Director. : Completed the study of the effectiveness of CPD with the College of General Internal Medicine (GIM) curriculum the specialties to give advice to workforce : Completed a best practice toolkit for selection, now available on the Emergency Medicine (CEM). to allow trainees to achieve Certificates planners and trainees. The academic JCST website, and many of our SACs have contributed to successful of Completion of Training (CCTs) in their ePortfolio will be used to ensure the national recruitment exercises. quality of academic training is consistent specialty and GIM. : Delivered interface fellowships, offering advanced training in areas http://cpd.rcplondon.ac.uk/ throughout the UK. : Developed a process for implementing straddling more than one specialty, which have also gone from curricula based on feedback from strength to strength. educational supervisors, trainees and proactively seeking input from patients and the service. www.jcst.org : Launched a new and greatly improved www.iscp.ac.uk JRCPTB website. : Produced a process for delivering external Going forward Going forward advice on assessing training programmes Priorities for the coming year include establishing a ‘light touch’ Plans for the future include implementing an online-only approval for the deaneries (externality). intercollegiate committee to oversee core surgical training and application system and communicating regularly with fellows, : Developed the idea of an academic reviewing the quality enhancement strategy and the way in which the members and the Patient and Carer Network about developments ePortfolio to provide the facility for academic organisation works with deaneries and schools of surgery. for revalidation. There are also plans to improve the management trainees to record their training and to of the transition of JRCPTB trainees to the Consultant CPD Diary ensure it is being delivered effectively. The JCST shall continue to press for proper support and resources scheme. : Liaised closely with training programme for those who train future surgeons and shall support moves towards directors to capture unique information the accreditation of trainers. With the European Working Time Facilitating online payments for CPD event providers, introducing about the career progress of trainees Directive (EWTD) fully implemented, the JCST shall also be looking further methods to quality assure the CPD event approval process awarded a CCT. This provided valuable at how to make the most of limited time by maximising the use of and introducing a method to provide direct feedback to organisers data about the job market in the medical technology such as simulation. The JCST shall continue to improve of College-run CPD events are also objectives for the future. specialties and the movement of doctors the functionality of the ISCP and welcome all suggestions and out of the UK. feedback from those who use it. Please get in touch if you have any suggestions.
www.jrcptb.org.uk
28 RCPSG Annual Review 2009/10 RCPSG Annual Review 2009/10 29 Working Together Working Together
Intercollegiate Committee for Joint Committee on Intercollegiate Basic Surgical Examinations (ICBSE) Examinations (JCIE)
ICBSE is the intercollegiate committee responsible for the membership The JCIE supported by its nine Intercollegiate Specialty Boards is examination of the Surgical Royal Colleges of Great Britain and Ireland responsible to the four Surgical Royal Colleges (RCPSG, RCSEd, (MRCS) and the Diploma in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery RCSEng, and RCSI) for the conduct, content and quality control of (DO-HNS). It comprises members from each of the four Surgical Royal the Intercollegiate Specialty Examinations (Specialty FRCS). These Colleges and trainee and patient representatives. ICBSE is chaired by examinations continue to be a feature of the training regime and passing Mr Chris Oliver, a Consultant Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon, and its the examination remains a mandatory requirement for any surgeon in the secretariat is based at the Royal College of Surgeons of England. UK and Ireland completing training and seeking entry to the UK or Irish Specialist Register. ICBSE has three main activities: The ISB Secretariat manages 40 examinations a year conducted : maintaining the quality and standard of its examinations; throughout the UK and Ireland. It provides support to the JCIE, its nine : delivering incremental improvements in service; Specialty Boards, Panels of Examiners and Panels of Question Writers for both MCQs and Orals. The organisation’s efficiency is highly acclaimed : developing its examinations to meet internal and and in 2009 it was awarded the Investors in People Gold Standard external requirements. for excellence.
There are many developments ongoing within the Central Administration : As part of the assessment system for the Intercollegiate Surgical Office of the Intercollegiate Specialty Boards including the following: Curriculum Programme the MRCS examination was significantly revised in 2008 and an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (Part B OSCE) was introduced. The main focus of the ICBSE’s : Psychometric analysis of both the Section 1 and Section 2 work in the past year has been the conduct of an evidence- examinations continues and has demonstrated high levels of based evaluation of the first three OSCE diets, the preparation reliability and content validity. and submission of proposals for change to the GMC and their : The on-line application and payment system [Candidate Management Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians Going forward implementation. The revised OSCE was introduced in May 2010. A System] and interactive website went live in October 2009. This is further major review will take place following the February 2011 diet. of the United Kingdom (MRCP(UK)) One of the most pressing issues in 2010 working extremely well and has proved to be a great success for both : has been the accelerated timetable for Part A of the MRCS is a multiple choice examination. During the year, applicants and candidates. Candidates are now able to access their The Federation of Royal Colleges of Physicians brings together the expertise of the three Royal medical training and NHS recruitment. ICBSE established a number of working parties to review and expand examination results via their personal profile, guaranteeing that each Colleges of Physicians of the UK. Working together, the three colleges develop and deliver MRCP(UK) is acting on several fronts to its computerised item bank. Work has continued to quality assure one of them receives the results at the same time. membership and specialty examinations that are recognised around the world as quality ensure that qualified trainees are ready to the MRCS and DO-HNS examinations including the creation of an : The Joint Committee on Intercollegiate Examinations has formally benchmarks. At the end of 2009 Dr Neil Dewhurst demitted as MRCP(UK) medical director. enter their posts on time. archive of examination materials and the publication of a ‘Fair access announced that, from January 2011, the Section 1 examinations Professor Jane Dacre was appointed and took over the role from 01 January 2010. by design’ booklet for all examiners. ICBSE has also conducted a will move from paper based to computer based testing (CBT). The year ahead will be equally busy as major review of the security arrangements for all of the examinations Candidates will be able to sit the Section 1 examination in one of over Key developments this year include: the MRCP(UK) continues to cement within its remit. 150 Pearson VUE professional test centres in the UK and Ireland. its position of excellence, providing : The MRCS continues to be available outside the UK and Ireland. The A pilot examination was conducted using the specialty of Urology. : Recognition of the MRCP(UK) Diploma as a requirement for entrance into specialist training. examinations that remain up-to-date, fit for structure of that examination has been reviewed and amended with A number of Examiners (Urologists and General Surgeons), some effect from 2011; new Regulations and associated documentation early year Urology trainees and members of the ISB Secretariat : UK and international roll-out of an enhanced version of PACES (Practical Assessment of Clinical purpose and the first choice for candidates have been issued. participated in the pilot to assist with the look and feel of the test Examination Skills), the clinical element of the MRCP(UK) Diploma. wishing to demonstrate their knowledge and clinical skills. delivery and, whilst there was no standard setting process to set a : Launch of additional Specialty Certificate Examinations (SCEs). pass mark, the questions certainly discriminated well! Feedback : Introduction of a ‘zero tolerance’ campaign against cheating through transparent processes to www.intercollegiatemrcs.org.uk from the pilot was most encouraging and reaffirmed that the move to remove opportunities for dishonest conduct and ensure fairness. computer based testing was definitely the way forward and would be : Appointment of a new Associate International Medical Director to lead promotion and a much more convenient method of testing for all candidates. expansion of the examinations overseas to ensure our successful international programme remains a priority. www.intercollegiate.org.uk
www.mrcpuk.org Going forward Going Forward The ICBSE continues to review and further develop the MRCS New examination regulations will be implemented on 01 January examination based on the evidence available and is committed 2012. The new Regulations will restrict the number of attempts at to undertaking a further review of the examination following the both sections of the Examination. The Regulation changes were February 2011 diet. approved by the GMC Postgraduate Board and in July 2010, the four Surgical Royal Colleges approved their implementation with effect from 01 January 2012. Information on the transition from the current Regulations and implementation of the new 2012 Regulations has now been posted on the Intercollegiate Specialty Board website.
30 RCPSG Annual Review 2009/10 RCPSG Annual Review 2009/10 31 Working Together Leading Healthcare
Working Leading Together Healthcare
The College operates alongside external faculties, including the Faculty of Public Health and the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine. Reviews of activity from these faculties are presented here. RCPSG is a leading UK and international body in the provision of medical education, examination and support services to physicians, surgeons, dental and travel medicine Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine Faculty of Public Health practitioners. The College also has a role and responsibility in the greater healthcare arena by providing a professional voice on a range of policy issues. Dr Jackie Taylor, The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine is a Faculty of the three The Faculty of Public Health is a Faculty of the three Royal Colleges of Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom and this year Physicians of the United Kingdom. It is the leading professional body Honorary Secretary, oversees policy consultations. is 21 years old. Pharmaceutical Medicine is a medical specialty for public health specialists in the UK. It aims to promote and protect concerned with the discovery, development, evaluation and monitoring the health of the population, and improve health services by maintaining Throughout the year, governments and other health bodies regularly request College consultation on a of medicines and the medical aspects of their marketing. The Faculty professional and educational standards, advocating on key public health variety of issues. Responses are formed by Fellows, Members and the College Lay Advisory Board. has 1400 members, a third of which work outside the UK. issues, and providing practical guidance for public health professionals. Key consultations requested and responded to in the past year include: This year, the Faculty:
Consultations Requesting Body Consultations Requesting Body : In November 2009, the Faculty’s new governance structure was : Launched the FPH e-portfolio system for all individuals involved in launched. The effect of this is to make the Board much smaller and public health training. Project on the health professional CHRE Draft National DNA CPR Scottish Government regulators’ registers separate its activities from the major committees of the Faculty. This : Strengthened our international function by establishing an International Review of the future regulation of medical PMETB change puts a greater responsibility on Board members who are all Development Department and increased partnership working with The Framework for Responsible Officers and Department of Health education and training Trustees and each of the parent Colleges has a representative on both WHO and PAHO. their duties relating to the Medical profession the Board. Distributed Regulation CHRE : Held a successful three day membership conference in Scarborough Cardiff Discussion Document N/A : In 2002, Pharmaceutical Medicine was recognised as a specialty in June. Revised Performance Review Process and CHRE in its own right and awarded its own Certificate of Completed : Produced a guide on tackling climate change aimed at getting the PFPI Strategy Consultation NHS Standards of Good Regulation Training (CCT) via the Faculty. In December 2009, a team from the NHS to reduce its carbon emissions. Draft Clinical Standards for COPD QIS Social Security (Disability Living Allowance) DWP Postgraduate Medicine Education Training Board (PMETB) made : (Amendment) Regulations 2010 its first inspection of the Faculty and its associated Deanery. The Played an active part in the development of a robust and appropriate Draft CEL guidance: Introduction & Availability AoRMC system of revalidation for all members. final report was very satisfactory and although there were a few of new medicines in the NHS Scotland North Review of Drink/Drug Driving Law Scottish Government recommendations, it was clear that the PMETB team were pleased : Took forward the membership’s desire to achieve Royal College status . Proposed framework for quality accounts AoMRC Nicotine Containing Products MHRA with the progress being made in supporting trainees in the specialty. : Introduced new working practices to ensure that FPH increases its : Revalidation remains an issue for the Faculty and it has a working sustainability. Inquiry into out-of-hours health care: Scottish Parliament MHRA Publication of MLX 367 MHRA provision in rural areas group looking at what will be required by the GMC for its members. : Updated the curriculum and assessment systems to fulfil the Revalidation GMC In November 2009, the GMC introduced the licence to practise requirements of the GMC. GMC/PMETB merger AoMRC and the Faculty has recommended that pharmaceutical physicians Scottish Foundation Programmes Review Scottish Government : Established a prize for ‘Excellence in Educational Supervision’ in should have such a licence in the UK. This means that they will need The Healthcare Quality Strategy for Scotland SGHD Public Health. Patient consent for transfusion Government (UK) to revalidate and the Faculty has been designated in the legislation Consultation - The NHS Confederation - NHS : Reviewed training and induction frameworks for specialist assessors. End of Life Assistance (Scotland) Bill Scottish Government on Responsible Officers(RO). The Faculty’s RO will be available to all Making Clinical Research Less of a trial pharmaceutical physicians who do not have a RO in Give and take - human bodies in Nuffield Biothetics Age Equality in Health and Social DoH their company and to those physicians who act as consultants to medicine and research pharmaceutical companies. Care Consultation Access to NHS by foreign nationals Department of Health Transplant Poll Transplant2010 Going forward Strategic Review of Health Inequalities AoMRC Inquiry into Alcohol etc (Scotland) Bill Scottish Parliament www.fpm.org.uk in England Post 2010 (Marmot Review) Future plans are to progress work to consolidate FPH’s position as a Wider discussion of death/dying/bereavement Palliative Care leading voice on public health issues; oversee and manage the re-launch Call for evidence, Palliative Care Bill Scottish Parliament of the FPH websites and quarterly magazine; produce a manifesto on Screening for stomach cancer screening UK National Screening Going forward Specialist services for children and RCPCH public health; produce guidance of mental health and green space; services in Wales Committee young people in the DGH The Faculty will be taking part in a tri-Faculty pilot of revalidation over the continue to work towards Royal College status; launch an online next 12 months, in conjunction with the Faculties of Public Legislation. membership area with new services for members; diversify the income Specialty training numbers for 2011-2015 Scottish Government base by identifying new supporters and sponsors; review and encourage The Faculty’s Annual Symposium and AGM will take place on 19 Equality Scheme 2011 - 2014 consultation GMC public health skills and capabilities in other specialties; develop criteria November 2010 at the RCP London. One of the issues to be for advanced learning and practice in public health training through the discussed will be whether to admit non-medical pharmaceutical development of Optional Special Interest Learning Outcomes; continue to scientists to membership. develop our international focus.
32 RCPSG Annual Review 2009/10 RCPSG Annual Review 2009/10 33 Leading Healthcare Leading Healthcare
Leading Healthcare
Summaries of some of the consultation responses by the College this year are shown below.
Call for Evidence for the Minimum Pricing for Alcohol Bill
In November 2009, the Scottish Parliament One disadvantage of minimum pricing may Alternatives include raising prices and called for views on minimum pricing of alcohol, be a small impact on moderate consumers increased taxation. The concern here is that off-sales discounts and raising the alcohol sales of alcohol. However, this may be out-weighed this would adversely impact on more moderate age to 21. An edited version of the response by the potential advantages of reducing the drinkers. Also it is likely that problem drinkers from the College is provided below: consumption of under-age, binge and would simply switch to a cheaper form of harmful drinkers. alcohol rather than reducing their consumption. The adverse affects of alcohol on health, As there is some evidence that advertising is Response to the End of Life Assistance (Scotland) Bill health service related and societal outcomes The level of minimum pricing per unit of associated with alcohol consumption generally are indisputable. Reducing alcohol alcohol requires further consideration. It would but particularly in young people and that The End of Life Assistance (Scotland) Bill was are closely involved with care at the end Doctors are neither qualified nor skilled in consumption across the board but particularly appear that in the range of 40-50p per unit promotions at the point of purchase influence introduced in the Scottish Parliament on 20 of life. Lack of prior consultation with the conducting the background searches which in under-age drinkers, binge-drinkers and might be reasonable. One point worthy of overall consumption, review of policy around January 2010. It is currently being considered. General Medical Council about this Bill is would be necessary to establish eligibility of harmful drinkers is essential. consideration is that the Department of Health these areas is necessary. In May 2010 the College submitted a further evidence of how the significance and all participating personnel. We are concerned in England is considering a 50p per unit price response. An edited version is provided implications of this Bill have been misjudged. about the level of legal protection which There is strong evidence to suggest that price and the Scottish Government must consider In terms of legal alcohol purchase age we feel below. College also held a seminar to discuss would apply EU-wide to participating doctors. increases and taxation have a significant effect the potential impact of establishing a lower that it is important for there to be a uniform implications of the Bill. We consider the absence of any conscience Whilst the Bill would require documentation in reducing demand for alcohol. The specific minimum price in Scotland. policy across Scotland and that proper clause to be a serious omission. at various stages of the procedures, there evidence for minimum pricing is less robust. enforcement of the current law and in particular This Bill raises complex ethical, moral and is no indication about the format of such However, in terms of public health policy, The Sheffield study suggested that under- proof of age might be more effective than personal issues and the College is not able to This Bill assumes that doctors will provide documentation. minimum pricing might be used to specifically age drinkers and young binge-drinkers were further increase in the legal age for purchase. represent institutionally the individual views of for euthanasia and assisted suicide, but reduce the consumption of cheap drinks as particularly sensitive to the price of alcohol as all Members and Fellows. However we wish makes no mention of training or competence. The Bill anticipates that the cost of assisted these are more likely to be consumed by under- they tend to have lower disposable income. to express strong opposition to the principles The specific assumption that doctors have dying would be less than the cost of care. Yet, age and harmful drinkers. Minimum pricing may be more effective in these upon which this Bill is founded, and the the expertise to deliberately end life is it makes scant reference to the involvement groups than in others. practicalities of its introduction to society in groundless. There is no basis in the UK for of the legal profession, which is likely to general, and health care in particular. training in the deliberate ending of life, and involve significant cost for the applicant. The it would take time for training programmes implication on Life Assurance policies has not We do not dispute sound evidence of poor to be established at undergraduate and been considered. Special Project: Sign CPD care, but contend that this should prompt postgraduate levels. In 2008, College secured funding from the Academy of Medical Royal This year, we have made considerable progress: further research and investment in palliative This Bill misjudges its implications for doctors Colleges to develop on online e-CPD system which utilises SIGN care provision. Highest standards are expected in every in Scotland, and is an inappropriate response Guidelines for CPD and revalidation purposes. Two guidelines selected other area of medical practice, but this Bill to instances of poor clinical care. For these : Throughout 2009, both guideline writing groups, supported by an for the pilot project were ‘SIGN 95: Management of Chronic Heart Failure’ It is surprising and disappointing that demonstrates no concept of this in regard to reasons we oppose its introduction to statute. Educational Consultant, developed multiple choice questions which and ‘SIGN 98: Assessment, diagnosis and clinical interventions for the medical profession in general, and its requirements. The Bill does not provide for form the content of the online assessments. children and young people with autism spectrum disorders’. Development psychiatrists in particular, have not been an independent second medical opinion and : of an online assessment system was commissioned, which will be the Over 100 MCQs have now been produced for each guideline. formally or specifically consulted in the seems to view prognostication as relatively e-platform for completing online CPD. Assessment will be in the format of : Additional annotations were also written and will be added to the existing drafting of this Bill. straightforward, but this is not the case. multiple choice test and users will access the ‘SIGN CPD’ system via the guidelines to supplement and enhance learning as well as encouraging This Bill does not contain criteria which are College website. The system will be approved for CPD credits which can users to relate guidelines to their own personal clinical practice. The majority of doctors oppose assisted sufficiently robust and watertight for such a be used for maintaining personal CPD and revalidation. : Development of the online assessment system is in its final stages suicide and euthanasia, and opposition momentous outcome as the deliberate ending and will be launched in Autumn 2010. is particularly strong amongst those who of human life. Going forward : Application for CPD accreditation has been submitted to the Federation of Colleges of Physicians and approval is pending. This pilot project will be reviewed in summer 2011 and options for : SIGN 98 assessment and guideline will be launched first, with SIGN further development of the system with other SIGN guidelines will 95 to follow in January 2011. be considered.
34 RCPSG Annual Review 2009/10 RCPSG Annual Review 2009/10 35 College Council and Structure
Office Bearers Mr Ian WR Anderson President u r e t Council Dr Frank G Dunn Vice-President (Medical) r u c Mr David J Galloway Vice-President (Surgical) S t
Professor Michael AO Lewis Vice-President (Dental) e n c Dr Jackie Taylor Honorary Secretary Faculty of Dental Council Travel medicine
Mr Paul N Rogers Honorary Treasurer e r n a
Dr Elaine Morrison Honorary Librarian o v G Dr Robin J Northcote Registrar Professor Peter L Chiodini Dean of the Faculty of Travel Medicine Management Audit and Board Remuneration
Ordinary Councillors Dr Ruth McKee Surgeon Operational Mr Ian Graeme Conn Surgeon u r e t Board Mr Marc Bransby-Zachary Surgeon r u c
Mr John R McGregor Surgeon S t l Ms Jennifer McIlhenny Surgeon (<10 years) Examinations Finance Membership Education i o n a
Dr Rajan Madhok Physician t and and Support Services and CPD Assessment Services Dr Roderick Neilson Physician
Dr Hilary Dobson Physician O p e r a Dr Adrian Brady Physician Dr Morven McElroy Physician (<10 years) Examination & Assessment Education & CPD u r e t Intercollegiate Bodies Intercollegiate Bodies
Regional Councillors r u c ICBSE, JCIE (Joint Surgical JCST (Joint Committee on S t Dr Gordon Cook (Physician) working outwith Scotland Colleges of GB&I) Surgical Training) e t Dr Arthur Dunk (Physician) working outwith Scotland MRCP(UK) (Federation of JRCPTB (Joint Royal the Royal Colleges of Colleges of Physicians e g i a
Mr Andrew D Henry (Surgeon) working outwith Scotland l Physicians UK) Training Board) Position vacant (Surgeon) working outwith Scotland o l JMDF (Joint Dental CPD (Continuing e r c Professor Sandra MacRury Grampian, Highland and Islands Faculties of GB&I) Professional Development) and Tayside I n t MFDS (Intercollegiate Dental JCSTD (Joint Committee on Mr James Watson South East Scotland Management Board) Specialist Training in Dentistry) Mr Michael J McKirdy Clyde and the Argyll areas
The paper used to print this Annual Review is made from fibre from well managed and sustainable forest regions.
36 RCPSG Annual Review 2009/10 ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS OF GLASGOW 232-242 St Vincent Street Glasgow, G2 5RJ T +44 (0)141 221 6072 F +44 (0)141 221 1804 www.rcpsg.ac.uk
A charity registered in Scotland Charity registration number SC000847 10.10