Foreword

Welcome to the latest edition of the Scotland Deanery newsletter, packed with updates celebrating learning, innovation and collaboration across postgraduate medical education.  I am going to start with an ask!  Please remember to take part in the GMC National Training Survey – whether you are a RDiT or a trainer your views and experiences, which remain central to our ongoing focus on quality improvement are essential.

This edition comes at a particularly significant time as we begin a new chapter as Public Services Delivery Scotland (PSD Scotland) — an organisation grounded in a simple principle: people first, partnership always.  By bringing together the strengths of NHS Education for Scotland and NHS National Services Scotland, we are combining our expertise and ambition to strengthen public services for the people and communities of Scotland. I am very much looking forward to working together in this new context as we continue to support postgraduate medical education across Scotland.  In case you missed it we have included a link to the CEO staff engagement session.

In this issue, I am pleased to highlight the success of the National Internal Medicine Resident Doctor Conference, which brought Resident Doctors together from across Scotland for a lively programme of clinical insight, leadership perspectives and future‑focused discussion.

As many Resident Doctors prepare for their Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP), this is a timely moment to pause and reflect on what the process is designed to achieve.  ARCP is a supportive, structured review of progress through training, bringing together evidence across the year to ensure individuals are developing the capabilities required for their stage of practice.  It should be viewed as an important waypoint in training — an opportunity to reflect on learning, recognise achievements, identify areas for development, and agree priorities for the year ahead — rather than as a hurdle or test.  Preparing steadily over time, with regular engagement with supervisors and educational teams, makes ARCP a constructive and proportionate part of professional development.

I am delighted to share that three highly engaging Resident Doctors’ webinars have already been delivered this year, with a fantastic turnout from across Scotland.  The level of engagement has been exceptional and clearly demonstrates the strong commitment of our Resident Doctors to learning, collaboration and professional growth.

You will also find a wide range of learning opportunities and resources in this edition — from new database training support to CPD Connect’s expanding programme of webinars, pilot initiatives and Practice Based Small Group Learning modules.  Together, these reflect my ongoing commitment to supporting development at every stage of training and practice.

Finally, as we move into the Scottish spring, I would encourage everyone — where workload and circumstances allow — to take advantage of longer days, lighter evenings and time outdoors.

Looking after our own health and wellbeing is not an optional extra; it underpins safe, compassionate and sustainable practice.  Even small moments to step outside, reset and reconnect can make a real difference.

Please do keep sharing your ideas, articles or suggestions for future editions — your contributions are always welcome.  I hope you enjoy this edition and find it both useful and inspiring.  As always, take care and remember to take breaks.

Professor Emma Watson
Executive Medical Director, Public Services Delivery Scotland

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