Junior Doctors as senior clinical leaders – a reflection on my foundation year 2 (F2) experiences during the SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

COVID-19 presented a huge unplanned pressure on health resources worldwide. Across the NHS, different approaches have been utilized to respond to the crisis. Leadership figures across services were faced with difficult decisions with potential scarcity of resources never before seen by NHS providers. In the medium-sized District General Hospital where I am based, one of the key changes implemented, was the placement of a Junior Doctor into Hospital management and Leadership teams. Under direct supervision from the Medical Director and Associate Director of Medical Education, I was released from a significant proportion of my clinical work to provide leadership and oversight into decisions affecting junior doctors. As a Foundation Doctor in my final rotation of Foundation Year 2, this provided a unique experience to not only observe senior policy and strategic decision making, but also to lead on several projects. Coming from a Trust with historically poor performance metrics in trainee experience, it was recognized that this was an opportunity to instigate both structural and cultural change across divisions. This article will discuss the lessons learned from this experience, highlighting areas for improvement, with the hope of empowering junior doctors to take senior leadership roles in the future.

Ten minutes with Dr Joseph Home, Medical Directors Leadership Fellow at Pennine Acute NHS Trust

“…The opportunity to lead large-scale projects, with oversight from the Associate Director of Medical Education and Medical Director, was a far cry from the typical responsibilities of an FY2 doctor. 1 As we continue to build towards a successful recovery and preparation for future surges of patients with COVID-19, the Trust commissioned a full-time management facing 'Medical Directors Leadership Fellow' post which I am now undertaking following the completion of FY2.…”

“…The opportunity to lead large-scale projects, with oversight from the Associate Director of Medical Education and Medical Director, was a far cry from the typical responsibilities of an FY2 doctor 1…”

The junior doctor shadow board

“…During the first surge of Covid-19 patients, the senior leadership team acknowledged the significant sacrifice made by junior doctors and the inherent value in engaging and empowering junior doctors to take on leading roles (Home, 2020). With support from the medical director, the trust looked to develop a new relationship with junior medical staff and maintain the momentum gained during the pandemic.…”

Simulation-based Optimization: Analysis of the Emergency Department Resources under COVID-19 Conditions

“…In some cases, a rapid assessment section is in the ED that is stationed in parallel with main sections for treatment process improvement. There are also other units in an ED such as observation units which is tasked with symptoms evaluation or the acute care units for chest pain or any other heart problems (Home, 2020). All units must be equipped with necessary medical equipment.…”