Why does an RSPA have to approve job descriptions for positions other than consultant appointments?
The College relies on the RSPA to judge the effect the appointment of a non-training non-consultant post appointment might have in reducing the opportunities for training available to both core and higher surgical trainees by reducing the availability of operative and other clinical experience and the amount of consultant supervision available. Specialty doctors, previously or also known as staff grade doctors or associate specialists are not recognised as trainers by the College because they are under the supervision of a consultant, are not on the specialist register, and their suitability has not been assessed by a properly constituted AAC. The appointment of such staff may reduce the number of training opportunities available for both basic and higher surgical trainees and, if appointed in excessive numbers, may lead to loss of educational approval for that unit.
