I have discussed this proposal at the Executive teleconference and at the AGM. New Zealand has far more trainees in Rheumatology than it needs, and yet it is difficult to get New Zealand trained Rheumatologists to apply for vacant Consultant Rheumatologist posts, especially in the smaller centres. One of the reasons for this is that trainees have to train in the bigger centres which are accredited for training Rheumatology Registrars where there are multiple Rheumatologists supervising the Registrars. The aim of this travelling fellowship is to expose Rheumatology Registrars to the practice of Rheumatology in smaller provincial and rural centres where the practice and lifestyle can be quite different to the bigger centres.
In order to minimise disruption to the main centres, I propose that the travelling fellowship will last only one week and is available for 2-3 Registrars at a time. They would visit three centres, spending 1-2 days at each centre. The hosting Rheumatologist will need to prepare a programme for the travelling fellows. They would introduce the travelling fellows to their practice, the challenges and the solutions, do a teaching clinic (i.e. fewer patients booked than normal so there is time for teaching), and to share an evening meal to discuss in depth the pros and cons of provincial Rheumatology. I also think there should be a session when the travelling fellows would a 15-minute presentation to the hosting Consultant and other travelling fellows their research project or an interesting or puzzling case, i.e. some homework for the travelling fellows before they embark the travelling fellowship.
As each hosting Consultant Rheumatologist would only be looking after the travelling fellows for 1-2 days, I do not think an honorarium is needed. However, NZRA would pay for the travelling costs and accommodation for the travelling fellows, and the evening meals for the travelling fellows and the hosting Rheumatologists .
I think the number of travelling fellows should be limited to three at a time. I do not know how much interest there will be in this, and I propose we start off with one week per year. I think this travelling fellowship would be more valuable for trainees who have done at least one year of Rheumatology and are in their second or final year of training.
I would appreciate members’ opinions on this, bringing up any possible obstacles, and suggestions for the best time of the year for this week of travelling fellowship. I was thinking a week in mid-October might be a good time to do this, after NZRA which normally meets in the first weekend of September and before ACR which usually takes place in November and also, away from school holidays in early October. Applications would close in mid-August so we could announce the successful applicants at the NZRA meeting in early September.
I am sure there are other logistical things that I have not thought of and would welcome suggestions and comments.
Yours faithfully,
Daniel Ching
You need to be logged in with an active NZRA Full member account to see & comment on this topic.
You need to be logged in with an active NZRA Full member account to see & comment on this topic.