News and presentations from today's conference supporting the role and development of the Medical Director, chaired by Dr Emma-Jane Hosking, Medical Director, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
Medical Leadership at Board Level
Professor Mayur Lakhani Chair Faculty of Medical Leadership & Management
Past President, RCGP
• the crucial role of medical leadership
• the important capabilities for Medical Directors to effectively put quality first in the boardroom
• areas in which the Medical Director can play a key role as a board member
• encouraging more Doctors into leadership positions
Prof Lakhani opened the conference with an inspiring and motivational talk, he thanked medical leaders for their work during the pandemic, and implementing huge changes in a very short space of time. He said it has been a; "remarkable testimony to the importance of clinical leadership" and has led to many dramatic scientific interventions. Many people do not want to go back to the old ways of working. 99% of meetings have been online during the pandemic, the NHS contributes hugely to global warming and we have to look at changing models of care.
Mayur went on to reference Lord Darzi saying the role of doctors is threefold including; providing technical clinical care, being a partner with patients and teams, and as a leader showing direction. He mentioned preparing for megatrends that will influence the future such as digital innovation and AI, people power and encouraging patient self-care, and reshaping the healthcare system, beefing up primary and community care and hospital only if needed for selected conditions. He said to implement these trends we need stronger leadership, we need to pursue excellence, the medical leader is critical in improving care, and a formal qualification should be a requirement for becoming a medical leader.
Mayur listed capabilities of medical leaders as; great communication skills, emotional intelligence, advocates for quality, good at difficult conversations and maintaining relationships, influential, visibility, and able to prioritise unpopular issues. This requires protected time to develop the role and it's important to write into your PAs.
Finishing his presentation Mayur said the; "pandemic and work is a catalyst for excellence and brilliance...we provide some of the best services in the world" but we have more to do to aim for improved outcomes, patient experience, better value and a happy workforce. He said please be more positive, remember the good things happening. It's important to reflect, change and evolve as a leader; aim to thrive not just survive.
Developing your Medical Leadership skills
Alan Nobbs Senior Programme Lead, Programme Delivery & Frameworks
NHS Leadership Academy
• strengthening your leadership skills and empowering medical leaders within the organisation
• negotiating and influencing
• leading through difficult situations
• key issues for current and aspiring Medical Directors
Supported by:
