Foreword

Welcome to the March edition of the Deanery newsletter!

Dear Colleagues, 

Welcome to the first edition of your Deanery newsletter for 2026.  The days are beginning to stretch out and we can all look forward to spring.  Pressures across all areas are beginning to ease, but it is still a hugely busy time for all and I thank you for the hard work and your commitment to patients and to your teams.  It is important to remember your commitment to yourself – breaks and time off are important, recharging your own batteries is as important as the care you give to others.  

The first item is from one of our Resident Doctor representatives for Medical Communications – Ralph Shakleton. Ralph discusses ‘Maximising Success at Specialty Interviews a very important topic!  Pease have a read. 

Next, we have information on a fantastic new resource – the new GP Careers Hub.  This is a source of excellent information, a new online hub dedicated to supporting General Practitioners at every stage of their professional lives.  The hub offers a single entry point for information on GP careers in Scotland.  It links learning and development opportunities with clear guidance on the diverse routes available – from early career fellowships and portfolio roles to leadership positions and returning to practice.  Well worth spending time looking through this valuable resource. 

Following this, the Scotland Deanery is pleased to announce Professor Alan Denison has been appointed as the new Deputy Medical Director at the General Medical Council (GMC).  

Alan will work closely with the GMC’s Medical Director to support medical education and training across the UK.  We wish Alan well in his new endeavour.

Upcoming diary dates:

• 9th of April - Resident Doctor Webinar, join this live session led by me and the Senior Medical Team.
• 23rd and 24th of April  - National Workforce and Education Conference 2026 - Collaborate. Innovate. Transform: Delivering change towards improving health, social care and other public services in Scotland. All resident doctors can attend. 

Remember to keep submitting articles or suggestions for content, take care and take breaks.

I hope you enjoy this edition.

If you have work you would like to highlight in this newsletter, contact Scotland Deanery: https://www.scotlanddeanery.nhs.scot/contact-us/

Professor Emma Watson
Executive Medical Director, NHS Education for Scotland