WHATS IN A NAME

The reform of the system of hospital administration which has occurred recently associated with the creation of semi-independent Health Serv ice Trusts has consequences for doctors seeking training and a career in otolaryngology (1). One of these is the apparent readiness to aband on well recognised names for various grades of medical staff. It is no longer a surprise to see an advertisement for a 'Hospital Practitione r in Otolaryngology' or perhaps a 'Resident ENT Surgeon'. Such posts a re usually created to fulfil a service role and to fill gaps in a duty rota, now subject to ever stricter hours at work regulations. The cre ation of the Specialist Registrar Grade for doctors training in otolar yngology has meant that two potential career gaps now exist. It is pos sible that some doctors who have come to the end of their period of tr aining, but who have not obtained consultant posts might wish to apply for one of these sometimes strangely named posts. Should the creation of these newfangled posts be subject to the greater scrutiny of the s pecialty association?