Supporting a previously neglected group of doctors will improve the safety, efficiency and efficacy of patient care
The Hospital Skills Program (HSP) is a flexible training and professional development program for New South Wales career medical officer (CMO)-equivalent medical practitioners with needs that are not met by prevocational and specialist college training programs. The 510 enrolled doctors work in a range of public health services across NSW and provide vital support to specialists in numerous clinical areas. In many situations, they practise as independent expert clinicians without specialist back-up. The HSP supports their heterogeneous skills and circumstances and recognises their contribution to service delivery in NSW public hospitals.
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HSP participants acknowledge that their success is dependent on the support and collaboration of their specialist colleagues. On behalf of our non-specialist colleagues, we thank the specialists, non-specialists, directors of training, education support officers and the staff of the HETI, who have worked together on its clinical council and subcommittees to develop the curricula and refine the processes of the HSP.
Simon Leslie is Clinical Chair of the HSP and a consultant to the HETI.