Methods of Training

It is clear from the preceding papers that the paediatrician is not only a man or a woman of many parts but that no single individual can acquire in a few years all the experience, knowledge, attitudes, and skills which may be needed for the paediatrin of the future. A decision must be made as to the ‘core’ of paediatric expertise which the ‘nuclear’ paediatrician must gain before the completion of formal training. In his further work, whether as general consultant, Pnm%list paediatrician, or paediatric sub-specih.: will continue to gain further knowledge and skills. At present in Great Britain postgraduate training programmes are haphazard and unorganized and the specialist’s education and progress depend upon a prolonged apprenticeship, the ability to pass examinations, and his own efforts to gain desirable ‘gimmicks’ such as published papers, overseas experiences, and special skills. It is a system which has not worked too badly, but its failings are becoming apparent, not only through the unrest of trainees but also in the poor achievements of British paediatrics in comparison with more rapidly advancing countries.