Doctors say no to shortening postgraduate internship. OZZL appeals to the Health Ministry

The All-Poland Medical Trade Union has published a position paper expressing strong opposition to the idea of shortening the postgraduate internship of doctors and dentists by half a year, and, in the long run, transferring all practical preparation to the university stage. As the OZZL stresses, postgraduate internship is an essential part of a young doctor's entry into the profession and cannot be replaced by even the most extensive study program.

Postgraduate internship is a period of working with patients in a hospital setting, under the constant supervision of experienced doctors. This is when young medics learn clinical responsibility, diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making, teamwork and how to function in the health care system. According to OZZL, the current level of practical training at some medical universities does not warrant shortening or eliminating this stage.

The union draws attention to the numerous problems associated with practical teaching during studies. Clinical classes are often held in groups that are too large, students' access to perform medical procedures on their own is sometimes limited, and much of the training is based on simulations and exams, which, as doctors emphasize, cannot replace direct contact with patients. In addition, with the opening of more medical faculties, there is a growing shortage of teaching staff and a lack of adequate infrastructure, which realistically reduces the quality of practical training.

OZZL also emphasizes the systemic role of postgraduate internship in ensuring patient safety. The young doctor then works under increased supervision, has the opportunity to consult his or her decisions and learn from mistakes in a safe environment. Abandoning this stage, according to the union, would mean increasing the risk of medical errors and adverse events, as well as shifting responsibility to doctors without sufficient experience.

The role of postgraduate internship in choosing a future career path is also not insignificant. It is during this time that young doctors can realistically test their aptitude in various fields of medicine and make an informed decision on the choice of specialization. The union does not hide its concern about the possible motives for returning to the concept of shortening the internship. - We are receiving signals with concern that the return to this concept is motivated primarily by financial considerations and organizational difficulties arising from the mass training of doctors. However, savings cannot be realized at the expense of the quality of education and the health safety of patients," stresses Grażyna Cebula Kubat, chairwoman of the OZZL.

- We perceive the attempt to shorten postgraduate internships as blatant discrimination against the medical profession, especially since the Ministry of Health provides hefty subsidies to some medical professions for mentoring graduates after graduation, he adds.

Source: OZZL