I also note that the Times' second story is about low rates of applications to medical school from the vast majority of schools. Again, not exactly a surprise. ..
Applications for medical school are down 10% this year. Th hurdles are lower than ever and the fees the same as last year. The reason is unclear, though the end of shortened courses for graduate entry may explain some of the drop.
Mostly it is a sign of declining prestige of the profession, IMHO.
Are the hurdles really lower? They seem to be getting higher to me. The successful applicant has to start thinking about it from about age 15, in order to choose the right A-levels. Then they have to start building a really strong work experience portfolio, reflect on it to a high standard in their personal statement, maintain excellent A-level grades, sit at least one extra exam compared to their peers (and for many, two extra as they'll apply to some schools requiring BMAT as well as those needing UKCAT), and then face far more intense interviewing (including stressful MMIs at many schools) than most other courses.
It's a hell of lot to ask of 16-18 year olds IMO. And frankly, does it really make for significantly better doctors compared to the older way of doing things when they didn't have to do the extra exams and other things?
Combined with the lowered prestige you mention (and IMO the realisation from all that work experience they do that many doctors are fed up with the amount of banal administrative tasks they have to do), and I think the above probably goes a long way to explaining the drop. I didn't realise it was 10% though!
PS fast-track is still around, isn't it?
It sounds as if you have a youngster applying! I agree with much of what you say and am quite sceptical about some of the selection measures (though MMI interviews do seem to be a better predictor of performance). But it has always been difficult to get into medical school and I am not convinced that the hurdles are harder, just different.
I think that some of the wrong people are being let in, the drop out rate is now quite high (30 years ago it was almost unheard of) and around 30% of British graduates are not practising in the UK 2 years out.
The reduction in hours has reduced the camerarderie, the post-grad training is dominated by box ticking medical educationalists (look at the wishfulthinkinginginmedicaleducation blog)and the job simply is not as enjoyable as it once was.
Though I love the job, I would not wish it on anyone else!
"In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, the prevailing legal view was that this EIT [ie, torture] stuff was allowed."
George Bush's legal advisor testified that the President had the authority to order, with impunity, the torture of innocent children.
Note also the Republicans were (and some still are) happy to campaign for the criminalization of sodomy between consenting males -- but sodomy carried out by the CIA on suspected terrorists "saves American lives".
That's what I assumed - but all those listed on shopping sites are all furry Davy Crocket sorts [and I've plenty of them] - I'm after the sleek haughty versions. It's a look that suits me but ruins any hair cut when I take it off!
I do love hats. Have about 40 of them. Funny how unfashionable they are generally.
EDIT
The kubanka is a tall rigid hat that originated in the Caucasus, where it was sported by men but is now worn by women. The kubanka is usually made from Persian lamb, which is also referred to as karakul.
The tabletka is shaped like a pillbox but is smaller and daintier and is generally recommended for younger women. Tabletki are made from Persian lamb.
Hell YES!!! Now that gets you an 11/10 for info! Thanxxxx
OT Apols - I know we've a few Russian visitors here and I'm after hat help. What are the ladies ones called where the base is slightly smaller than the top - tallish hats, felt and often with a broach or hatpin needle for decoration? Anna Karenina period.
I had a bunch of these in the 80s and can't find them anywhere/recall the style. Perhaps one of my odder crowd source queries.
I've just got back from Warsaw where a majority seem to wear hats in public ( it was -2C). The beanie seemed to be the most popular but also quite a few trappers ( I bought one myself).
Comments
I think that some of the wrong people are being let in, the drop out rate is now quite high (30 years ago it was almost unheard of) and around 30% of British graduates are not practising in the UK 2 years out.
The reduction in hours has reduced the camerarderie, the post-grad training is dominated by box ticking medical educationalists (look at the wishfulthinkinginginmedicaleducation blog)and the job simply is not as enjoyable as it once was.
Though I love the job, I would not wish it on anyone else!
George Bush's legal advisor testified that the President had the authority to order, with impunity, the torture of innocent children.
Note also the Republicans were (and some still are) happy to campaign for the criminalization of sodomy between consenting males -- but sodomy carried out by the CIA on suspected terrorists "saves American lives".
I've just got back from Warsaw where a majority seem to wear hats in public ( it was -2C). The beanie seemed to be the most popular but also quite a few trappers ( I bought one myself).