We demonstrated that the composition and quantity of cell types found within therapeutic BM-MNC preparations for use in clinical trials of cardiac stem cell transplantation are not influenced by the type of density gradient media used when comparing Ficoll-Paque and Lymphoprep.

This study was designed to compare the attendance rate of senior house oYcers (SHOs) in three specialties at formal educational events, examine experiences of protected time, use of educational objectives, and perceived barriers to attendance and evaluate diVerences found in the context of variations in training practice within each specialty. A quantitative questionnaire survey was completed by Trent region SHOs in obstetrics and gynaecology, general medicine, and accident and emergency posts. An independent researcher visited a selection of educational programme events over a two month span, recorded attendances, and administered the questionnaire. Attendance rates ranged from 40.8% of those in obstetrics and gynaecology jobs to 55.4% of those in accident and emergency jobs. The questionnaire findings found that service commitments were a major obstacle to attendance for the majority of those in obstetrics and gynaecology and general medicine jobs, while relatively few of the accident and emergency SHOs specified any barriers. SHOs in accident and emergency jobs had significantly more protected time for education and found educational objectives to be more widely used by senior staV. The findings suggest that the planned integration of formal education programmes with appropriate working pattern systems-in this case full shifts within accident and emergency departments-will result in SHOs receiving a better deal in terms of provision and structure of education. (Postgrad Med J 2001;77:650-653)

The majority of the doctors in staff grade posts surveyed had qualified overseas and a substantial proportion were dissatisfied with their posts. Very few doctors had received adequate careers counselling before starting their post and many were concerned at the lack of opportunities for career development.

Most flexible trainees believe that their full-time colleagues perceive flexible training as flawed in some way. However, most consultants and full-time trainees actually view flexible trainees and their posts in a positive light.