Description
The talk delivered by Donald Campbell addresses the vital role of Training Programme Directors (TPDs) in the medical training system, emphasizing the multitude of responsibilities they undertake to support trainees. Campbell shares insights into the daily tasks of TPDs, which include managing trainee assessments, organizing mock exams, and collaborating with various medical education bodies. He stresses the demanding nature of the position, highlighting that TPDs are often overwhelmed with work, requiring assistance from trainers and colleagues to ease their burden.
Central to Campbell's message is the need for trainers to provide meaningful feedback and engagement with the training process, fostering a supportive environment that encourages trainee development. He highlights the importance of documentation in assessments and suggests that trainers should refer to existing guidelines to avoid unnecessary inquiries. Campbell underscores the significance of patience and kindness from trainers towards their trainees, evoking empathy by recalling his own formative experiences in surgical training.
As the talk progresses, Campbell refers to the quality of training, pointing out that a successful curriculum hinges on the competency of those delivering it. He reassures attendees that despite changes to the training curriculum, the core of their education will remain intact, focusing on maintaining high standards of training quality. The session closes with a call for collective effort in supporting TPDs, encouraging trainers to simplify processes where possible and affirming that nurturing the next generation of surgeons is a shared responsibility.