Doctors are updating themselves
published: Wednesday | October 20, 2004

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I WOULD like to endorse the commentary written by Dr. Garth Rattray dated October 19, 2004 where he clarifies certain statements that were made by Dr. John Junor, Minister of Health about amendments being made to the Medical Act to ensure doctors participate in a minimum of workshops yearly in order to re-register.

The scope of medicine is so diverse and with evidence-based research on the cutting edge, no doctor could be content with a medical degree and even a post doctorate degree alone. I am sure that doctors are and have been aware that keeping up with the latest management strategies is incumbent upon them for optimum patient care. Formalising the process is a just way for the government to ensure that this is done.

Most doctors were already taking their own initiatives in updating themselves generally, and in their fields of speciality. The impression that the government is imposing this on a resistant body of professionals must not be given, and the clarification by Dr. Rattray was welcomed by all the members of the profession.

I am, etc.,

DR. ROMAYNE EDWADS

glamarous00@yahoo.com

Barbican, Kingston 8