Faster doctor training

sir – Hedley Piper (Letters, February 27) does not believe that doctors’ training can be speeded up, but I would argue that it can.

Historically the university course was five years in medical school. Then a voluntary sixth year was added, when the student could obtain a BSC degree.

This was attractive to the students because the teaching was less intense and the year fully funded – no loan to pay back. Eventually, many medical schools – though not all – made it compulsory. It was a relaxing interlude for the student; however, we can no longer afford such luxuries and the year should be abolished, allowing more students to enrol on the five-year course.

I was persuaded to take the BSC year but regretted it. I would rather have progressed to my consultant post a year faster.

Dr Michael Pegg

Esher, Surrey