The universal GP Training website for everyone, not just Bradford. Created in 2002 by Dr Ramesh Mehay
Sudhir Krishnan
What 1-2 things are you taking home? Write more if you wish. Scroll to the bottom and leave a comment below; then hit the POST COMMENT button.
If you do not wish to use your name or email address – just make one up like bart and bart@simpson.com
Bradford VTS was created by Dr. Ramesh Mehay, a Programme Director for Bradford GP Training Scheme back in 2001. Over the years, it has seen many permutations. At the time, there were very few resources for GP trainees and their trainers so Bradford decided to create one FOR EVERYONE.
So, we see Bradford VTS as the INDEPENDENT vocational training scheme website providing a wealth of free medical resources for GP trainees, their trainers and TPDs everywhere and anywhere. We also welcome other health professionals – as we know the site is used by both those qualified and in training – such as Associate Physicians, ANPs, Medical & Nursing Students.
Our fundamental belief is to openly and freely share knowledge to help learn and develop with each other. Feel free to use the information – as long as it is not for a commercial purpose.
We have a wealth of downloadable resources and we also welcome copyright-free educational material from all our users to help build our rich resource (send to bradfordvts@gmail.com).
Our sections on (medical) COMMUNICATION SKILLS and (medical) TEACHING & LEARNING are perhaps the best and most comprehensive on the world wide web (see white-on-black menu header section on the homepage).
• Set the expectations for ST1s early on so that they know what good is. In your first meeting – explain how to do good learning logs and explain the competencies. Also good chance to get to know them.
• Their self rating against competencies is the most important aspect for them to have done prior to ES review. This makes ES reviews much easier. You can agree for some but need to add comments to show that you have read it. No need to rewrite what they have written or write lengthy feedback. But also surely motivating to make appropriate comments and suggestions for the future.
• NB they shouldn’t expect competent until ST3. Needs further deveopment is appropriate in ST1 and 2 as compared to professional qualified practice.
• They need to know that 1/3 of nMRCGP is WBPA – 1/3 is CSA, 1/3 AKT.
• NB – if there are problems in an ESR e.g below expectations you should let the TPDs know as this will need addressing well before the panel.
Wonderful comments Gemma, Thanks.
In the very first meeting I have with my ST1 (after spending sometime building rapport), I go through the competencies and we look at the two log entries I set off as their homework. I get them to tell me the story of the first one and I cut and copy what they have written onto a word document. As the story unfolds whilst they are telling it – I modify it ‘live’ and add competency subheadings – to impart that flash moment of realisation that things can be tweaked to make them more deep and meaningful. They realise, not only do the get “more marks” (in terms of competencies) BUT also, that it’s a meaningful thing to do and they then get enjoyment out of that (hopefully). I then let them have a go with the second log entry while I have a cup of tea. And then we revisit their re-write together.
(Just a suggestion – remember, doing is way better than explaining)
Importance of preparing before ES session (I have my first one pending)
Start in ST1 and ensure trainee knows what’s required
Let trainee know that when doing their self rating they can add quantitative as well as qualitative evidence
I would say, do the quantitative first as it is important. Add qualitative after.
Remember to highlight to TPDs if there are concerns about a trainee at interim ES reviews
Absolutely. Good comment Jane. That box on the last page that says “Panel opinion requested” – if you tick that, guess what happens. ANSWER – nothing! It does not generate a task or anything active. Instead, you have to get in touch with the TPDs (email/phone) and let them know.