Following my instinct - from Zambia to FMLM
National Medical Director’s Clinical Fellow
In February this year, I was told I had gained a place on the prestigious National Medical Director’s Clinical Fellow Scheme. I had recently returned from living and working in Zambia and was keen to start consolidating the leadership skills I had learnt.
Convincing my friends and colleagues that it was a sensible decision to relocate to London for a year was a challenge. I had been back in the UK for six months, married for only three months and with just 12 months left of training, I was advised to finish training first, then undertake a fellowship once I had become a consultant. However, appreciating the incredible and unique opportunities of this clinical fellowship, I knew it was important to follow my instinct.
Relocating to London has been exciting. I have subscribed to galleries, theatres and made a detailed plan of how to make the most of living in the ‘big smoke’. But I had not anticipated a global pandemic. Given my background in anaesthesia and training in intensive care, I was seconded from my training in paediatric anaesthesia to care for critically ill adults.
I have worked in intensive care since 2014, however, it was clear that Covid-19 enabled an accelerated, dynamic change in the care of patients. Never had I seen such a rapid adjustment in professional culture, incorporation of technology and international sharing of learning. Knowing that my future placement was with NHSx, I was excited that I would be part of this technological revolution.
I have now been in my placement with NHSx for three weeks and I feel like a novice having to absorb a new language and methods of working. I am impressed by the dedication of the NHSx team in avoiding silo working while creating high quality, effective projects. I will be working primarily with ‘Mission one’ which aims to reduce the burden on the workforce so they can focus on clinical care. Despite the perception that the NHS is a cumbersome slow-moving machine, Covid-19 proved that change can happen fast, so there is a real need for more effective technology to support that.
I have also been impressed by the exceptional organisation of the FMLM team in ensuring our placements provide high quality mentorship and incorporates all levels of leadership. Meeting the other clinical fellows on the scheme has been truly inspiring. Working with a highly motivated and diverse group has definitely stimulated my drive and sense of purpose. I look forward to seeing what we, as a group, will achieve during our year.
Starting the fellowship by working from home has its own personal challenges. From having always been based in a clinical environment to spending a full day in the house was daunting. But, like many, I was surprised by how connected I felt to people via a screen and how supported and encouraged I am to engage within the team. We have all embraced technology: -Slack and WhatsApp have replaced the more traditional coffee breaks. There is a great sense of comradery and it is evident that strong friendships are being formed. Technology clearly resolves part of the problem of geographic distance and is providing an alternative means by which we can form relationships that would have been difficult to maintain in person. Fair to say, Covid-19 has not ruined everything!
I look forward to meeting many other healthcare leaders at the Leaders in Healthcare virtual conference in November.