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Hidden secrets of the medical profession: How many years does it take for a resident to become a consultant?
In the UK's National Health Service (NHS), residents are medical professionals who have completed postgraduate training and obtained qualifications to practice medicine. After graduating with a medical degree (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery), they begin to work in the UK Foundation Programme, and a few years later become consultants, general practitioners (GP) or late specialist doctors (SAS). doctors) are different. This period of "residency" usually lasts from 8 to 20 years, depending on the chosen specialty and whether one chooses to pursue further academic study or even pursue a higher degree, such as a PhD or MD.
The training career of a resident doctor is full of challenges and achievements. However, how long will it take this person's medical journey to reach the level of consultant?
Transition from "junior doctor" to "resident doctor"
The term "junior doctor" has gained considerable controversy in recent years. Many organizations and individuals believe that this name not only leads to misunderstandings about the work of doctors, but also does not fairly reflect the skills and experience they have accumulated. In 2023, the British Medical Association (BMA) voted to stop using this name from all communications and adjust it to "resident doctor". This change will take effect in September 2024. According to an independent report published by Health Education England (HEE), more than 75% of respondents believe that "junior doctor" is inappropriate and believe that the term "trainee" should also be avoided. The report recommends a shift to the term "postgraduate doctor".
Working hours and training
Resident physician work hours have long been a focus of public health policy concern. Under the new agreement in 1991, doctors' working hours were limited to an average of 56 hours per week, and the 2009 European Working Time Limits Act hopes to further reduce this standard to 48 hours per week or less. The reduction in working hours has had important consequences for the organization of training programs for residents. For professional fields such as surgery that require long-term experience, this change is even more profound.
Salary and conditions
In terms of salary, according to the NHS careers website, the starting salary range for residents is between £32,398 and £37,303, while the salary for specialist doctors will be higher, up to £63,152. These earnings are guaranteed based on the number of hours worked per week and compensation for other overtime hours worked. Although medical graduates generally earn higher salaries, their salaries have also been eroded by inflation in recent years, and protests from the medical community have become louder in recent years. In 2023, hospital doctors carried out the longest-ever strike action to protest against insufficient pay.
Future Outlook
In the process of becoming consultants, resident doctors will undoubtedly face more challenges and opportunities. Meeting the standards of a consultant requires not only a high degree of specialization in clinical skills, but also effective leadership and management experience. According to various reports, consultants' annual salaries range from £93,666 to £126,281, and these earnings can be further increased through additional responsibilities such as management and education. In addition, specialist and general practitioner salaries are also considerable, ranging from £52,530 to £92,275 respectively.
Conclusion
All that said, becoming a consultant is a long and difficult road. This involves not only the accumulation of professional knowledge, but also countless work-life balance tests. As the health care system changes, how will the need for hospitalists and their careers evolve in the future?
