ADVICE ABOUT MMC APPLICATIONS from Anna Forrest-Hay
Dear Member and Trainee in Emergency Medicine,
For all those of you wishing to pursue a career in Emergency Medicine, but have not got a National Training Number, the College and I, as the trainee representative, wish to support you through the necessary process. Training in Medicine is currently undergoing some dynamic changes which we want to ensure do not discourage you from joining our exciting and rewarding specialty.
You may have heard that initially the Trainee Group of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges signed a document calling for the implementation of Modernising Medical Careers (MMC) to be delayed until it could guarantee an informed and fair opportunity for each candidate. The senior members were less negative and have dedicated an enormous amount of time and effort working with the MMC team to ensure deadlines have been met to calculate the number of posts needed, the training curriculum they will provide and the personal specification of those doctors to whom the post will most benefit.
The MMC team have provided workshops to improve confidence in the MTAS system, the portal for application to specialty posts, and illustrate that it is secure.
Unfortunately centralised electronic applications can leave candidates feeling anonymous and cloned but we are pleased to announce that there is a free text box where individual experience and unique selling points can be stated. It was discussed that there could be humane intervention if the plans for interviews created problems and that a paper back up in case of technical failure would occur.
A large amount of discussion has been regarding the transition period and protecting the career progression of those of you who have already dedicated time to Emergency Medicine and have gained experience at SHO or Staff Grade level. Manpower calculations within each region have been carried out so that during 2024 it is possible to enter run through training at levels ST2 to ST4.
We do understand that changes of such magnitude to something so important as your future and training in Emergency Medicine causes disquiet. Personal advice and guidance is available to all of you via the lead Emergency Medicine trainer in your area (the Chair of the Specialist Training Committee). The College can help you to contact this person via http://www.emergencymed.org.uk/CEM/training/training%20information.asp.
The MMC website Applicant�s Guide is the main source of information:
