Clinical Fellows Scheme – being part of the leadership community

The National Medical Director’s Clinical Fellow Scheme offers a variety of experiences for fellows working within healthcare affiliated organisations such as NHS England, royal colleges, Macmillan Cancer Support and the Health and Social Care Information Centre.

But what opportunities does the scheme offer aside from working at the host organisations?

Away from the day-to-day duties of being a fellow, the scheme opens up an array of new and exciting ’ extra-curricular’ activities. Due to the influence of the scheme, shared contacts, existing and growing networks and teamwork between fellows, we are immersed in the wider leadership community.

Parliament visit

As part of the induction process, we visited the UK Parliament accompanied by current members of the House of Commons and House of Lords. We saw a glimpse of the parliamentary process in action by observing debates, select committees and visiting the chambers, while our hosts provided a unique insight into how Parliament functions.

Away days

We often visit other host organisations to experience an insider scoop of the work they undertake, learning from the incumbent fellows and their colleagues. So far we have organised away days at the GMC, Public Health England and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Speakers

We have arranged question and answer sessions, usually following dinner, with a number of interesting and influential speakers. So far we have met with a CQC chief inspector, the CEO of an international company, a high profile MP, and a senior ex-civil servant, with plenty more lined up for 2016! These sessions offer a great opportunity to learn from senior leaders in healthcare and other industries.

Conferences

Agents for Change, FMLM conferences, patient safety summits – these events all require input from motivated volunteers. Fellows help to plan, organise and deliver these high profile events useful for developing project management skills, meeting delegates and learning from inspirational speakers.

Brussels and the European Parliament

We recently visited the EU capital for an immersive learning and cultural event. A day of lectures, encompassing our specific interest in healthcare, introduced us to the work of the European Commission, and was followed by a tour of the European Parliament the next day. The trip was both a great learning and bonding experience and also allowed us to develop our interest in European Christmas markets.

Alumnus network

All these activities help us build friendships and connections with our peers and fellows from previous years. With over 100 fellows having been part of the scheme, the alumnus network is growing into a dynamic and tight-knit community of emerging leaders.