Dr Pritti Aggarwal

Pritti Aggarwal is a GP principal and GP Board Member for Southampton City CCG

What motivated you to apply to become an FMLM Fellow and why do you think FMLM Fellowship is important?

I continuously strive to deliver excellence whether that be on an individual patient level, with medical students or on an organisational level with the CCG. When I heard about the FMLM I was inspired to join to find out and learn what is being done outside of my local bubble. I applied for the Affiliated Fellow which I obtained in 2019 and then found myself reapplying for the Fellowship to continue on my own leadership journey. I have become the first Affiliate to become a Fellow and this in it-self is an honour. The fellowship to me is important as it is independent recognition providing me credibility and authenticity to the work I have been doing.Why is medical leadership important as part of a clinical career?
Medical leadership is key to providing support and excellent role modelling for clinical careers as well as fostering a whole team ethos. We are there on the shop floor, sharing the same issues and collating the joint vision. Medical Leadership is a natural progression with time and we need to ensure we are adequately equipped to do the role not only appropriately but proactively. Here the FMLM have been unique and influential in capturing our leaders as young as they are in their journey across this minefield.

How does effective medical leadership improve patient care?

We know from evidence that effective leadership improves patient care, patient satisfaction, staff wellbeing and morale as well as reducing mortality. Effective medical leaders always enjoy the challenge of finding solutions that would work out for the best for all by utilising their team and encouraging growth. We continue to do so much more for less, this is a big ask and requires a huge level of buy in from all staff. This can only happen through a shared purpose and vision.

What inspired you to join FMLM and how important do you see FMLM in enabling you to fulfil your leadership aspirations?

I joined the FMLM to grow my own learning and networks to support the work I have been doing. The FMLM could be thought of simply as a very large forum of ideas. It has allowed me to see what other inspiring people are up to and what ideas could be taken back to my own organisations to help support the delivery of work. Every event I have attended I have returned energized with inspiration and that allows me to continue learning and challenge the norms.

Can you tell us about an individual whose leadership has inspired you during your career?

There are hundreds of role models and inspiring people in our lives everyday however identifying one individual for their true humbleness, compassionate drive for me is Mahatma Gandhi and he’s quote of: ‘be the change that you would like to see in the world’ has always resonated with me. Any change is a choice and ultimately is up to us to make the choice happen, should we choose it.