Supporting Postgraduate Doctor Representatives

Background

Postgraduate Doctor Representatives play a vital role in supporting high-quality medical education within NHS Trusts, but rarely have they received any formal training as to what the role might be or how to maximise their effectiveness in representing their peers. The KSS Trainee Voice project has been developed within a new system of educational governance that aims to capture and utilise the experience and views of the next generations of doctors.

Summary of work

The Education Department has developed a Resource Pack to support NHS Trusts in delivering their own workshops in local hospitals. We recognise a real need for effective training in a role which is of growing significance in the field of postgraduate medical education. The Resource Pack explores the role of representatives through discussions and activities on:

• Motivations for taking on the role
• Handling meetings effectively
• Strategies for canvassing opinions
• Managing challenging scenarios

Summary of results

The Resource Pack includes:

• A Postgraduate Doctor Representative’s Job Description
• Real life scenarios
• A tool-kit for successful meetings

Take-home message

Investment in developing leadership and management skills in representatives will deliver high-quality education and improved patient safety.

Project leaders

Susan Kennedy, Local Education Adviser, Symon Quy, Assistant Dean, Education, KSS Education Department (University of London)

Time and Place

The workshops will be held at Trusts across Kent, Surrey and Sussex as timetabled by local providers

Event dates

Please contact your local Postgraduate Medical Education Centre.

Further Information

For further information, please contact the Digital Media & Education Technology Research Officer or telephone 020 7415 3416.