BU’s postgraduate medical centre

7 May 2008

BU has opened its doors to the first postgraduate medical centre in Dorset, and it’s already benefiting newly qualified doctors.

The first postgraduate medical centre in Dorset has opened at BU to aid junior doctors working in the county.

The Centre of Postgraduate Medical Research & Education (CoPMRE), which was launched in June 2007, is supporting the NHS Modernising Medical Careers agenda by offering programmes in professional development.

One of the advantages of the new Centre is that junior doctors working in Poole, Bournemouth and Dorchester areas, do not have to travel further afield to continue their training.

They can now continue their professional development at BU and undertake their compulsory Foundation Year one and two (F1/F2) training with a PG Cert Professional Development.

Clinical tutors from the local hospitals are working with the University on this development.

Dr Gail Thomas, Dean of the School of Health & Social Care, said: “Newly qualified doctors from Dorset are already finding our services to be invaluable, with 15 registered on our new programme.

“This not only enables them to develop their clinical skills, but provides time to reflect on practice, supported by academics from a number of healthcare backgrounds.”

Professor Paul Thompson, consultant rheumatologist from Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Director of CoPMRE, said: “We are helping junior doctors develop more generic skills, such as communication, interprofessional working and lifelong learning. Previously, these were not necessarily passed on in a formal academic environment, but were left to evolve mainly through experience.

“Longer-term, they will be able to continue their studies to Masters level and beyond, taking advantage of the research and PhD studentship opportunities being developed within the Centre.”

Dr Thomas concluded: “Junior Doctors will also be able to foster relationships with the increasing numbers of consultants and specialists connected with CoPMRE.”