Dr Trudy Lynn Foster
Trudy Foster is a GP Partner at the Graeme Medical Centre in Falkirk.
Why is medical leadership important?
Medical leadership is about motivating people, bringing individuals, groups or organisations together to achieve more than they could have imagined in isolation. It is also about being a role model to others and on behalf of healthcare. This means being open about your values and demonstrating them in everything you do. My core values would be integrity, authenticity and humility.
How does effective medical leadership affect your patients and improve patient care?
Like many in the NHS my preferred leadership style would fall into the Servant Leadership category, we need good leadership in the NHS as it has been well recognised to improve patient care and when it is lacking the consequences have been tragic.
What inspired you to join FMLM and how important do you see FMLM in enabling you to fulfil your leadership aspirations?
I joined FMLM to meet like minded individuals and as a way of developing and growing myself as a medical leader. I also wanted to contribute to the wider discussions on medical leadership.
What motivated you to apply to become an FMLM Fellow?
Applying for fellowship was a very personal decision. I wanted an opportunity to take stock and reflect on my journey as a medical leader so far. Reflecting on where I started, the steps I have taken and where I am now allowed me to see more clearly what I still needed to work on to develop myself and others around me. And of course, it is always good for the CV!
Can you tell us about an individual whose leadership has inspired you during your career?
There are lots of great leaders out there, not just in healthcare. I think it is important to learn, where we can, from other professions. However, Dr Catherine Calderwood, Chief Medical Officer for Scotland, is a particular inspiration. She was very brave in her decision to change the CMO reporting format and has been true to her personal values in developing and promoting the Realistic Medicine agenda. Listening to her speak she is understated, probably not the right word, but her passion and commitment come over loud and clear. From a small acorn of a paper an international movement has grown with followers becoming leaders in their own right. Another mark of an amazing leader.