While a scheme to keep more young doctors is “intelligent”, a former emergency medical consultant thinks a few years working abroad can help the Irish health system. 

Higher Education Minister Simon Harris has announced plans for the State to fund student doctors’ education in Northern Ireland in exchange for agreeing to work in the HSE after they graduate. 

Students will pay the €3,000 tuition fee charged in the Republic of Ireland, while the State will cover the remaining costs, approximately €7,000. 

Irish Medical Times columnist and former emergency medical consultant Chris Luke said this is an idea he has been suggesting for “years”. 

“We need to incentivise as many of our medical graduates to stay with us as possible,” he told The Pat Kenny Show. 

“Simon Harris is playing a very intelligent game here. 

“It’s important we take advances of the energy and enthusiasm of our young graduates before they become burnt out."

'Not new or radical'

The doctor said the subsidised tuition in exchange for work is very common. 

“This so-called return of service is absolutely the norm in huge parts of the world,” he said “In America, in Australia, in central and eastern Europe. 

“This idea of the State training you and you a pay a bit back in terms of services is not new or radical.” 

Young doctors working abroad

Dr Luke said, however, said he doesn’t think young doctors still training should stay in the HSE “in perpetuity”. 

“I think it’s vital medics and nurses are going away to see what the rest of the world has to offer,” he said. 

As a previous director of postgraduate education, Dr Luke said he has been “vilified” for thinking young doctors should spend some time abroad – but he thinks it’s essential for quality of delivery. 

“For many years I helped young Irish medical graduates, and these were a group of youngsters who were really ambitious,” he said. 

“They had difficulty with the infamous HPAT and they ended up going to places like Bologna and Budapest. 

“I was privileged to help a few back into the system... I found some of these to be some of the best doctors I ever worked with.” 

'Energy and enthusiasm'

Dr Luke said the new scheme introduced by the State would complement people travelling abroad, as hospitals abroad definitely prefer trainees with more experience. 

“I'm all in favour of going to the UK and Canada, but I suggest they go in their third or fourth year postgraduate so we get some of their energy and enthusiasm,” he said. 

Dr Luke doesn't think young doctors should work abroad permanently, however.

He previously told Newstalk the Government should ensure working in Irish hospitals is attractive to young people to ensure they come home.