subject: Distinction Between The Types Of Locum Work Available For Medical Students [print this page] Taking up locum work at different stages of your medical studies or career may be a good way to understand the way health care facilities work. Medical students may take up locum work after the completion of their foundation programme. This would give them a glimpse of the responsibilities and tasks associated with a specialty, and help them decide which specialty would be suitable for them.
It may also possible to get locum jobs in the break between the specialty training. If the student is undertaking uncoupled programmes, it may be possible to take up temporary jobs between the Core and Higher training. This provides the specialty trainees with the chance to avail of a break from the training programme. These jobs are also available after you have completed your specialty training, but do not want a permanent position.
Whether you take up a locum job after completing your foundation programme or between the two phases of specialty training, make sure you know the difference between the jobs that count towards your training and the ones that dont. Here are a few details regarding the different types of locum work available.
Locum Appointment for Training (LATs) is taken into consideration for training if the doctor enters into an approved specialty training programme subsequently. An Educational Supervisor is assigned to the trainee to aid career planning while working at the position. The student is also provided with clinical supervision.
LATs count towards the training for Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT). However, this is only possible if the trainee goes on to enter a specialty training programme after participation in open competition. Make sure the specialty training programme you are applying for is approved by the General Medical Council (GMC).
There are no restrictions on the number of LATs you may do. However, as it is not possible to obtain CCT only with these jobs, you have to confine this within a limit. Working as a locum doctor in these jobs can be used in the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) application.
Locum Appointment for Service (LASs) is not taken into consideration as training for medical practitioners. These jobs do not have any training element associated with them. This implies that you would not be able to use these when your competency is assessed for general or specialty medical training.
LAS positions provide trainees with clinical supervision. However, educational supervision is not available for the students appointed at these locumpositions. Though these locum medical jobs do not count in your CCT, you may still be able to use them as the CESR evidence later.
Both LATs and LASs posts are available from the foundation level. These are also available for basic and specialty trainees. Whatever level you want to work as a locum doctor, full registration with the GMC is necessary. It is better to get an idea about the specifications before you start working as a locum doctor.
Check the medical jobs matching your profile, find out whether they are LATs or LASs, and opt for the jobs you think would be appropriate for you.
