TrainingAn innovative training scheme for GPs which is a joint venture between UCD and the East Coast Area Health Board is proving successful and aims to ensure that medical graduates have longer and more intensive training in different areas.
The vocational training scheme takes five years and comprises two years' hospital training and three years with GP trainers throughout the region.
Gerard Bury, professor of general practice in UCD, said the scheme was an innovative one, as the arrangement between UCD and the East Coast Area Health Board was new.
"The main difference is that this training scheme is five years and not three years," he said.
The course compares to two years' hospital training and one year GP training in the other courses in the State. These are ventures between local GPs and health boards with 85 graduates in 11 training schemes.
Prof Bury said even that exceeded the EU norm for GP training. "We believe the primary care role of the GP is best delivered with training. We are achieving recruitment for people who see their future in the broad region but it is not a requisite," he said.
The aim of the GP programme is to ensure the graduates have a range of training in different areas. The East Coast Area Health Board area ranges from the inner city canals, to surburbia into the countryside, hillsides and mountain regions.
"Luckily, we have our first cohort of trainers from all the different areas. We recruit six graduates each year so we will build up to 30 candidates over five years. In July our first entry group will move into GP practices for the first time," Prof Bury said.
Another innovation is that the graduates take a master's degree in general practice in UCD which is the only GP course to incorporate it.
The graduates are a mixture of those just out of medical school and those who have worked in a speciality but decided to opt for a career change.
Prof Bury said 10 years ago it was unheard of for people who were entering GP training to have come from different specialties. Now 20-30 per cent were from other specialties.
The first two years are spent in a range of hospital posts, tailored to suit trainees in hospitals ranging from those for children to the elderly. Prof Bury said there were four applicants for each post which was the national average.
"We're clearly on the right track. Our hope is that graduates will be able to leave and take up independent practice straight away," he said. The programme may expand to take on more students in time, he said.
Prof Bury chairs the steering group from UCD, the health board and independent individuals responsible for the course.
Martin Gallagher, chief executive officer of the East Coast Area Health Board, said the course was especially geared for the area.
"It is unique as the profile in our area is that of an ageing and rural population. The board decided it wanted a supply of GPs to work here and the course encourages that," he said.
Mr Gallagher said it was important the GP develops a relationship with the local hospital and has a good rapport with services. People taking the course would develop this by training in the area.