Foreword

Welcome to the April edition of your Deanery newsletter

Spring has well and truly sprung and with it comes a very busy time of year for doctors in training. New rotations, upcoming ARCP’s and many of you will be planning what’s next come August. Our paths as doctors in training are becoming increasingly non-linear with expanding opportunities for alternative career paths and more flexible working, which I think is something to be celebrated and embraced. This is highlighted in this months edition by the reflections of our colleague Dr Alexandria Chung who is currently a Clinical Research Fellow. Whichever path you choose to take, the Scotland deanery has support for you and I fully encourage you to take advantage of this where needed.

Firstly, I just wanted to highlight two important dates included in this newsletter.

If you haven’t already done so, please remember to complete the GMC national training survey by the 2^nd of May; your feedback is so important in driving improvement in training.

Secondly, the NES Annual Virtual Conference 2024 is taking place on the 25th and 26th of April. This multi-disciplinary event is jam-packed with a huge range plenaries and workshops to suit all interests – and it’s free! Registration is now closed, but don't worry if you missed it, recordings and resources will be available following the event on the NES website.

The newsletter opens with an important update on the fantastic work that the deanery and its partners are undertaking to optimise the experience and support for International Medical Graduates (IMG’s) in Scotland. The article highlights that we all have a vital role to play in this journey and seeks to raise awareness of the valuable resources available.

Included is an article on what really goes on at the deanery senior leadership meetings – aiming to answer all your burning questions like; who attends these meetings? What is discussed? The deanery encourages trainee input in all of its work, so please reach out if you have any suggestions or wish to get involved.

With all the current challenges the NHS is facing, it can be difficult to remain positive and optimistic in our day-to-day work. It is therefore more important than ever to celebrate success when it comes and recognise our colleagues who are going above and beyond to support others. I am therefore delighted that this months edition includes a celebration of our colleague Dr Alexandra Rice, who was recently awarded the prestigious title of National Trainer of the Year from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Congratulations Alex – very well deserved!

This month, we include an update on the imperative ongoing work that the Deanery is undertaking to address sexual misconduct in healthcare. There have already been some very positive steps made, but there is still much work to do to address the issue that is unfortunately so deeply engrained in our healthcare culture. We have included links to both supportive and educational resources, please utilise these as required and reach out to us with any feedback or suggestions you may have.

We have also included informative updates on the ongoing work of the NES Technology Enhanced Learning Team, Rural and Remote Placement Opportunities and recent changes to the study leave application process – be sure to keep yourself updated on these important topics!

Last but certainly not least, the newsletter rounds up with an introduction to the exciting new Trainer Development Collaborative (TDC), which is a fantastic upgraded online platform for delivering high quality courses and resources for trainers in medical education.

I hope the longer spring days and warmer weather brings a much-needed wellbeing boost to you all. Whichever path you are choosing to take, be sure to take the time to enjoy the journey along the way!

If you have work you would like to highlight in this newsletter, contact Scotland Deanery.

Dr Alice Main
Scottish Clinical Leadership Fellow
NHS Education for Scotland & Scottish Government                                                                                  Obstetrics and Gynaecology Registrar