The training of registrars from a consultant's perspective

Abstract

During the last few years we have experienced rapid changes in the teaching methods ofmedicine and surgery in general which will have a profound inflnence on academics and the teaching of registrars in orthopaedic training in future.

The primary objective of a consultant in a teaching capacity is to impart to the registrar the basic principles of musculoskeletal evaluation to enable him or her to accurately identifY the problem in order to suggest or apply the appropriate treatment for the benefit ofthe patient. With the information technology explosion, the public is very aware of the management modalities for musculoskeletal disorders and, together with the increasing tendency to litigation and health care accountability, more people are looking over the shoulders ofthe orthopaedic surgeon monitoring treatment decisions, skills and results. These aspects, in conjunction with the rapidly expanding knowledge in the many subspecialties of orthopaedic surgery, leave the consultant with the daunting task of assisting the registrar to effectively prepare for his career.

The transition from teaching hospital practice to private practice is large and the registrars must be prepared to fit into a new world ofhealth care delivery. This implies that the consultant should also be aware ofthe demands of a private practice.