Psychiatric leadership development in postgraduate medical education and training

Abstract

Summary The value of strong, compassionate medical leadership in the delivery of high-quality care to patients within mental health services is clear. Leadership development, however, is far less well explored. This article is for psychiatric trainees, trainers and mental health organisations. It provides an introduction to the importance of leadership development within postgraduate medical training, the theory that should underpin its delivery, and the opportunities for both informal and formal leadership development within psychiatric training.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Leadership and Management Fellow Scheme

“…This paper supplements Till et al 8 which explores the importance of leadership, leadership development theory and opportunities available for psychiatric leadership development. 8 We focus specifically on the development and structure of the RCPsych Leadership and Management Fellow Scheme as a mechanism to develop emerging medical leaders within psychiatry.…”

“…9 As a result, multiple leadership development programmes have emerged at a national, regional and local level, with various approaches undertaken to meet the diverse needs of doctors, depending on their stage of training, specialty and location. 8 Traditionally, leadership development programmes have focused on so-called 'horizontal' leadership development, where individuals attend courses run by external providers which focus at an individual level on 'what leaders need to know': developing their knowledge, skills and competencies. 13 Individual interventions alone, however, are insufficient.…”

“…9 As a result, multiple leadership development programmes have emerged at a national, regional and local level, with various approaches undertaken to meet the diverse needs of doctors, depending on their stage of training, specialty and location. 8…”