Resident Doctors

Got something to say about training? We want to hear from you!  

Who are we? 

The NES Shadow Leadership Board (SLB) was developed by resident doctors, for resident doctors. It was formed in 2023 to address the perceived disconnect between resident doctors and those who make decisions about our training. NES recognised our concerns and offered us a platform to have our voices heard. The SLB serves as a bridge between resident doctors and NES senior leaders, ensuring that the perspectives and concerns of resident doctors are represented and addressed.  

The group is primarily comprised of Scottish Clinical Leadership Fellows (SCLF’s) – resident doctors and dentists from a broad range of specialties who have taken a year out of training to develop our leadership skills, working within organisations including NES, the GMC and the Scottish Government. We know first-hand that training in the NHS isn’t easy, and we are passionate about using our SCLF roles to amplify the voice of our clinical colleagues.  

So how does it work? 

The Medical Directorate Apex Group (MDAG) is the senior decision-making group in the directorate: all major decisions are made here. The SLB chair attends weekly MDAG meetings, providing a resident doctor perspective as key topics are discussed. Agenda items that directly impact the lives of resident doctors are taken to a monthly SLB meeting to allow a broader discussion with our resident doctor members. The SLB chair feeds back to the MDAG members monthly.  

How can you get involved?  

Having resident doctor representation at MDAG meetings is powerful. NES have given us the opportunity to discuss and shape the organisation’s highest priority issues in real time. But we also want to understand your highest priority issues. 

This is where you come in…  

We want to know about the biggest issues and challenges facing resident doctors right now. If you could have one topic raised on your behalf, what would it be?  
 Email us! nes.shadowleadershipboard@nhs.scot  
  

• We want to collaborate.
• We are in the process of mapping out all the ways resident doctors can have their say. If you are part of a resident doctor group or committee, please get in touch!
• We are particularly keen to connect with under-represented/quieter voices. 
• We want to get broader input on some of the topics discussed at MDAG.
   

First up: The Transition from Foundation to Specialty Training  
Foundation Docs – we’d love to hear your thoughts. Please join us at our first ever SLB Webinar! A safe and inclusive resident doctor only space for you to have your say.  
When: Wednesday 2^nd July at 7pm 
Where: online via Teams link 
How: a sign-up email will be circulated in due course via NES Training contacts 

  
If there is an appetite for this, it could be the first in a series of webinars. 

Any questions, please feel free to get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you soon!  

Amanda Holmes, Scottish Clinical Leadership Fellow