Pre-Membership training tends to concentrate on the acquisition of knowledge and gaining clinical experience, especially in the assessment of patients. In postgraduate training the learning of various management skills, the development of special interests and filling gaps in previous training are the primary tasks. Theoretical learning through books and journals alone is insufficient in these areas. Opportunities must be available for the senior registrar to use his clinical time to achieve satisfactory training. If the senior registrar's position is largely supernumerary this is easily achieved; however, this happy situation is a rarity.