The future of oral and maxillofacial surgery in the UK: the trainees' perspective

摘要

If oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) is to continue to develop, it is important that current challenges are reflected in the way it trains future consultants. We are pleased to accept the Editor's invitation to express our views on this important subject. In order to train, it is first necessary to recruit. The acquisition of a medical degree opens up a whole new world to the potential OMFS trainee. Inevitably alternative career options prove more attractive to some. Potential trainees are well-qualified, self-motivated and self-selected. They have clearly demonstrated their commitment and represent the future of the specialty. Every attempt should be made to retain their interest during the time spent away from the specialty and to encourage their return for specialist training. It is, therefore, of the utmost importance that training programmes and consultant posts are made as attractive as possible.