Cameron, David, Blitz, Julia, and Durrheim, Dave (2002) Teaching young docs old tricks: was Aristotle right? An assessment of the skills training needs and transformation of interns and community service doctors working at a district hospital. South African Medical Journal, 92 (4). pp. 276-278.

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Abstract

One of the challenges facing a newly qualified doctor is to turn theory into practice. The theoretical knowledge of the undergraduate curriculum needs to be transformed into the practical skill of the competent professional. A junior doctor usually learns the necessary skill as the need arises and according to the patients she/he is involved in treating. The advantage of this process is that the skills acquired are relevant to the young professional's needs. The disadvantage is that this is a haphazard process. The junior doctor may be left with gaps in his/her range of skills. An obvious danger is that medical emergencies may arise at any time and the middle of a crisis is not an ideal time to acquire new skills, especially as a mistake could be fatal. A more subtle danger is that the junior doctor may be unaware of gaps in his/her professional abilities. This is especially important in the less obvious areas such as communication skills - breaking bad news, bereavement counselling and being able to unravel a complex diagnosis which often underlies vague presenting symptoms. Without these skills it will be impossible to meet the real needs of the patient and to negotiate shared management plans once the problems have been identified.

Item ID:	13679
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	0038-2469
Keywords:	interns; practical experience; vocational training
Date Deposited:	08 Dec 2010 23:01
FoR Codes:	11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1199 Other Medical and Health Sciences > 119999 Medical and Health Sciences not elsewhere classified @ 100%
SEO Codes:	93 EDUCATION AND TRAINING > 9399 Other Education and Training > 939999 Education and Training not elsewhere classified @ 100%
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