Sarah Schofield

We asked Sarah Schofield, Chair of Southampton Central PCN and Founding Senior Fellow of FMLM, why medical leadership and FMLM Fellowship are so important.

Why is medical leadership so important?

Medical leadership is vital to ensure that the patients remain at the centre of decisions that are made throughout organisations, from the front line to the Board room.  Without that connectivity there is a risk that other issues can overtake the agenda, and quality patient care is put at risk.

How does effective medical leadership improve patient care?

Having an understanding of the reality of front line care from a staff and patient of view brings a reality to decision making at all levels.  Making decisions about services without the knowledge and understanding  of patient care, weakens the chances of making the right choices; reality is not part of the decision making process.

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

I joined FMLM as I wanted to be a member of the only organisation truly representing medical leaders.  It has provided me with a network of fellow leaders, access to a vast library of knowledge and membership of a professional organisation that formally recognises the career path of medical leaders.

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

Most medical careers can include formal recognition from colleges or recognised bodies which identify the career paths of individuals, opportunities to progress and the recognition of good practice and success.  Having been a medical leader for many years the FMLM Fellowship provided me with an opportunity to receive formal recognition of the work and outcome from all those years.  This is a public statement of the value of clinical leadership as a career option.

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

Peter Lees has inspired me since the day I met him when he was Medical Director of our local teaching hospital and I was a PCG Chairman.  He appointed me as his deputy within the hospital (although I was still a practicing GP) because he wanted to demonstrate the importance of primary care to the care provided within a hospital.  This was back in the early 2000s – he was way ahead of his time.  Peter continues to show innovation and inspiration to us all.