BMC is a forward-thinking practice dedicated to providing excellence in training and education. Indeed, this ethos and the team’s commitment to education was noted and praised by the RCGP Quality Practice Award Assessors during their analysis on 17/11/06, after which BMC became the first practice in the Southwest to have their status as a Quality Practice reaccredited.
Dr Mark Clayton has been the BMC GPR Trainer for 10 years, and is involved in medical student education. He is very active within the Southwest educational forums, and is well known in the region for his commitment to training and his trainees. Dr Clayton is steadfast in keeping his knowledge of GPR requirements current and feeds back developments in training in monthly partners’ meetings. It is testimony to Drs Brown and Clayton that so many of their former registrars have pursued partnership at BMC and locally.
Dr Geoff Spencer is an enthusiastic proponent of educating medical students in the community. He became a GPR Trainer in 2010. Since 1998 Dr Spencer has looked after the training needs of numerous Bristol fourth year medical students. They have often stayed in Dr Spencer’s home, enjoying his hospitality and the beautiful locale. Dr Spencer encourages his visiting students to spend time with a variety of BMC’s team, and the other doctors always enjoy the stimulus of having students sit in on their surgeries. Since February 2007 Drs Spencer and Clayton have welcomed 5th year students from Peninsula Medical School on 5 week placements. They stay locally, and BMC is delighted to be involved in educating students at such a crucial stage in their careers.
Dr Sarah Ansell is a keen GP Educationalist. In April 2007 she assumed the mantle of North Devon VTS Programme Director overseeing the education of junior doctors hoping to become GPs. Dr Ansell also mentors GP Registrars at BMC. She is excited by the opportunity to contribute so significantly to the clinical and professional education of junior doctors.
From left- Drs Lidder, Spencer, Brown, Ansell and Clayton holding Dr James Jarvie, GP Registrar 2006-2007
A Statement from Dr Antonia Lidder, GP Registrar 2005-2006
"I was impressed by Bideford Medical Centre from my first enquiry visit. Looking for a place to undertake my GPR training I met with Dr Mark Clayton in the Summer of 2005. At that first encounter I was invited to attend the lunchtime educational meeting and was made welcome by all the Primary Healthcare Team. I was impressed by the high level of organisation of the practice, and by it’s warmth. This impression was only intensified by the year I spent as BMC’s Registrar.
As a Reg I knew to expect a very busy year – the steep learning curve of the move to the community being complicated by the need to undertake RCGP exams whilst trying to assimilate all the new clinical areas I had little or no experience of – dermatology, ophthalmology, musculoskeletal medicine, to name but a few.
My learning needs were identified right at the start, and a schedule for my year agreed with my trainer. My twice weekly tutorials with Dr Clayton provided ample opportunity to highlight and address problem cases, MRCGP requirements, and the myriad of more nebulous skills needed in the community. I always felt that my training was ’thought out’ and well-guided and that I knew exactly what projects had to be done, and their deadlines eg audits, video consultations etc.
My learning needs were identified right at the start, and a schedule for my year agreed with my trainer. My twice weekly tutorials with Dr Clayton provided ample opportunity to highlight and address problem cases, MRCGP requirements, and the myriad of more nebulous skills needed in the community. I always felt that my training was ’thought out’ and well-guided and that I knew exactly what projects had to be done, and their deadlines eg audits, video consultations etc.
My trainer helped me to identify areas where I needed more confidence or knowledge, and we arranged attendance at local clinics to meet this need. In my first few months I attended numerous clinics in fields such as ophthalmology, continence, gynaecology, chiropody etc. He also encouraged me to spend time with all members of the Primary Healthcare Team – a useful exercise in gaining knowledge and developing relationships.
I have met with many potential Registrars interested in training at BMC and have always recommended the practice wholeheartedly and without reservation. If you are looking for a modern, dynamic, friendly, education-driven practice BMC is for you!"
Sample GP Registrar Table
DR CLAYTON
10.40-11.00
CONSULTATIONS/
VISITS
WITH
DR CLAYTON
FROM 11.30
13.00-14.00
BMC'S TRAINING HISTORY
MRCGP NOT TAKEN
FAQs
Are you approved for more than one registrar at a time? Yes.
Which contract do registrars normally sign? UK Directors' GPR Contract.
What are the study leave arrangements for registrars? The GP Registrar shall have an allowance of up to thirty-five days of approved study leave including attendance at a day release course, on full pay and allowances, during the twelve months in the practice or pro rata for shorter periods. Study leave must be negotiated between the GP Registrar and the trainer subject to approval by the DPGPE.
How are registrars involved in on-call and out of hours work? Initial shifts with their Trainer, followed by sessions with approved Out Of Hours Supervisors form the practice or locality until ≥ 72 hours of work has been completed (competency based).
Can you help me find accommodation? Excellent, well priced, rented accommodation is available locally due to the great provision for visiting tourists-quaint village cottages, converted barn complexes or a house with a view across the meandering river or rugged coastline. We have numerous friends and local agency contacts who can help you find the best place to suit your needs.
I’m interested in being a GPR/F2/Medical Student at your practice- what should I do next? We hope that by now you'll be keen to visit us in Bideford. Please don't hesitate to contact either Dr Mark Clayton (GPRs), Dr Geoff Spencer (Medical Students), Dr Sarah Ansell (F2s) or Mrs Olivia Bassett (Practice Manager) who will be delighted to answer your questions or show you around. We look forward to hearing from you soon and good luck with your Deanery interview!
sarahansell@nhs.net | markclayton@nhs.net | geoff.spencer@nhs.net | olivia.bassett@nhs.net