Post-EWTR: Is the UK Still a Centre of Excellence for Surgical Training?

Abstract

Surgical training in the UK has undergone a radical transformation over the past few years. The limitation of working hours imposed by the European workingTime regulations (EWTR) and a shorter path to consultancy through Modernising Medical Careers has resulted in a shortening of training hours between qualification and completion of specialist training. Some estimate total training hours have reduced by 50%, from 30,000 in the old system to just 15,000 currently. Quite reasonably, there is concern that the current generation of surgical trainees will be less skilled and less competent than their predecessors.