Trainees' forum

摘要

This issue of Trainees' forum contains two very different articles. In the first Ghani tells of how a previous Bulletin publication inspired him to organise a trip to Africa. He gives a revealing overview of the amazing pathology that patients suffer and doctors experience when working in that setting. In the second article, Mandalia discusses some of the current issues associated with the application process for higher surgical training posts. In particular he questions the reproducibility of the shortlisting process in different areas and urges uniformity. It would be very interesting to hear other trainees' experiences of this area alone - is there a real discrepancy in shortlisting criteria, or does it simply relate to some posts being more sought after than others? I have decided to step down as chair of the editorial committee and would like to take a liberty and thank the many readers, contributors and supporters of the Trainees' forum. I would also like to thank all those who have helped to produce the Trainees' forum, in particular the committee and Professor Lumley for his enthusiasm towards the views of trainees. I wish my successor and the Trainees' forum a long and productive future.