Spam Journalism #37

Spam Journalism: The spurious use of sensational headlines to add spice to an otherwise pointless article. (MacDoctor definition)

And now for a spot more medical spam…

Doctors fear added training strain

“While the $25 million Budget boost for training extra doctors is a step in the right direction, it will also create problems of its own, say those involved.

“The Budget package will fund 60 extra medical school places next year, gradually increasing to 200 within five years, to take the total number of doctors trained in New Zealand each year to 565.

“However, critics say the plans to bolster trainee numbers could overload already-stretched medical schools.”

Journalists. Always looking for a nice black cloud to go with their silver lining. The 60 new medical school places will be in first year and represents a mere 16% increase. The university will need little more than larger lecture theatres (which may involve some lectures being outside of medical school or split into two) and, possibly, a few extra postgraduate tutors. This is hardly being overloaded. There will be problems in practical sessions in later years and bigger problems in clinical attachments in final year, but these are well down the line and should be handled easily.

Universities have been calling for extra funding for more medical graduates for years. I find it hard to believe they are upset about it now they have their funding!

The only valid objection is that new grads will continue to disappear to Australia unless the salary inequities between here and Australia are dealt with. Bonding will help a little, but the wage gap seriously needs to be addressed for long-term solutions. Having said that, the problem of wage inequity for the extra medical students in still six years away (though we will continue to leak doctors to Australia until it is addressed).

Disclaimer: The MacDoctor now works in private practice and has no financial interest in DHB salaries. However, he is very happy about the new 6.5% raise that the government is allowing GPs!

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