Medical School as an Apprenticeship? | University News

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  • Medical School as an Apprenticeship? | University News

From September 2023, people will be able to become doctors through an apprenticeship programme thanks to a long-in-the-making plan.

A more varied workforce that is more reflective of local communities will provide patients with better treatment thanks to the introduction of the Medical Doctor Degree Apprenticeship, which aims to increase access to and participation in undergraduate medical education.

The training required for this new method to becoming a doctor includes completing all academic and practical components of medical education, earning a medical degree, and passing the Medical Licensing Assessment.

A pioneering collection of employer organisations, assisted by Health Education England, developed the apprenticeship.

The Department of Education and the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education have approved the apprenticeship, making it now possible for companies to train their future medical staff while attempting to draw applicants from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds and clinical responsibilities.

there are concerns however that employers may be reluctant to take on apprentices, and that a lack of resources and bureaucracy could hamper implementation.

Unanswered Questions

While the proposal for medical school apprenticeships seems like a promising solution to the staffing crisis in the NHS, there are still many unanswered questions.

One of the main questions is where the funding for this program will come from, and whether it will be more or less costly than the traditional medical degree route.

Conventional understanding would suggest a new program that shifts away from the typical student loan model is likely to be more costly for the government and public purse, however this is yet to be verified.

It’s also unclear if this new apprenticeship program will be a more effective means of training than the traditional medical school route. These are important questions that need to be addressed before this program can be fully implemented longterm.

Implications

The recent proposal for a medical school apprenticeship program could have fascinating implications for the future of medicine and the medical profession.

It’s intriguing to think that students who would traditionally face immense debt can now embark on this career path without that same burden.

This could potentially shift the way we think about medical education and the financial barriers that have historically hindered aspiring physicians.

undoubtedly, The introduction of this new program could result in some feeling cheated out of the traditional medical school experience, which could have long-term consequences for the profession as a whole.

Some may also argue that the introduction of this apprenticeship creates an unfair advantage for those who are just starting out in their medical career, while those who have already completed medical school are left with student debts up to £90,000 and fewer options.

It remains to be seen how this potential shift in medical education will be received by both current and future medical professionals.

Is this a good idea? Would you choose to study medicine via an apprenticeship route?

Read more about it on the NHS site.

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