Academic background of oral and maxillofacial specialty trainees in the United Kingdom.

INTRODUCTION: The academic profile of a specialty can be measured in a number of ways. In the selection process for entry into higher training in oral & maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) and for interface fellowships in surgery trainees are awarded points for papers published, presentations, teaching and learning, grants and higher degrees. General information about career development can provide trainers, and trainees, with information and guidance. METHODS: A web-based questionnaire was developed and distributed via electronic mailing lists to all OMFS specialist trainees. Basic demographic information was collected. Previous, current and future career plans were questioned, as was academic background in terms of publications, presentations, prizes and research grants as well as further degrees and examinations. RESULTS: One hundred and five OMFS specialty registrar trainees (StR) replied (76.6% response rate). 83.3% were male and the average age of all trainees was 37 years old. 74.7% obtained a training post on the first application. 62.6% of trainees were keen to practice in trauma surgery. 76.6% were keen to undertake a fellowship. 20.9% were keen to be involved in academia (teaching) and 9.9% in academia (research). 22.1% of trainees had obtained grants. CONCLUSION: Those involved in appointing to training programmes will now be able to see the level of competition. Future applicants to training programmes in oral and maxillofacial surgery in the United Kingdom are now aware of the level of competition. OMFS is not immune to the 'academic crisis' that exists in other surgical specialties, and the completion of higher degrees and entry in to academic careers should be encouraged and supported among trainees with an interest.

Control of trachoma and prevention of blindness in rural communities in Burma.

Trachoma was identified as the single most important cause of blindness in central Burma in a study carried out in 1961-1962. Control measures started in 1964 considerably reduced the degree of endemicity and severity of the disease in the areas treated. According to recent simplified criteria of evaluation, the prevalence of active trachoma has been reduced by more than 60% and that of active inflammatory disease of moderate and severe intensity from 7.4% to 1.8% of the active cases. A reduction in the risk of becoming infected is evident from changes that have occurred among the younger age groups.The experience acquired by the trachoma control project in central Burma-covering a population of more than 4 million in 8000 villages-emphasizes the importance of the active participation of the community and the role of local auxiliary personnel. Most of the activities, including surgical repair of trichiasis, are the responsibility of health assistants; their training includes, in addition to the recognition and treatment of patients requiring topical application of antibiotics or surgical repair of trichiasis, the screening and referral to the general practitioner or to the eye specialist of those needing more specialized attention.The results already obtained have made possible a gradual replacement of control activities by a surveillance programme, and their integration into the basic health services. The objectives of the trachoma control programme have been expanded to include the prevention and management of other causes of preventable or curable blindness, with special emphasis on eye injuries and glaucoma.

Sensitivity to tuberculin and to a nonmammalian sensitin in Mandalay District, Burma.

Delayed hypersensitivity that can be demonstrated with either a strong dose of tuberculin or a conventional dose of a sensitin prepared from certain nonmammalian mycobacteria (mycobacteria of Runyon Groups II and III, e.g., Mycobacterium avium), is known to be highly prevalent in most tropical and many subtropical areas and rare in many temperate zones. Whether such sensitivity interacts significantly with tuberculosis or with leprosy is not known.A study of reactions to tuberculin (PPD-S) and to a sensitin prepared from M. intracellulare (PPD-B) was carried out in villages close to an area in which a clinical trial of the preventive effect of BCG against leprosy was being conducted. The population had not been vaccinated with BCG. Some of the villages were in river valleys that become flooded every year for a long period during the rainy season; others were on slopes above the area subject to floods. The findings showed that sensitivity to the nonmammalian sensitin was prevalent in the area, and thus confirmed previous findings of low-grade tuberculin sensitivity in Burma and neighbouring countries. No difference in this prevalence was found between flooded and nonflooded villages.