Humanitarian work in the era of Modernising Medical Careers

Abstract

The message from the Department of Health, PMETB, the Royal Colleges, and NHS Employers remains that experience in the field of humanitarian operations greatly enhances doctors' personal professional development as well as their life skills and this message is now incorporated into options to take time out of training for such work. As current trends toward the establishment of a specialty of Disaster Medicine progress, there may be options for permanent paid employment in the field. At present, however, the situation continues as it has been and dedication, persistence, and a willingness to sacrifice will be required by the doctor in training. Where there is the will, however, MMC has offered a number of ways and how easily these are achieved will become clearer over years to come. Some final advice for those who do deploy in training is offered by the Royal College of Surgeons: "Trainees who choose to undertake a period of this kind of work during their specialty training should ensure that they document their experiences, are able to reflect on it and discuss how it has enhanced their capabilities as a surgeon".