Description
This transcription details a speech by Zoe Little discussing a return to work program specifically for orthopedic trainees in England. She acknowledges the support of IODA and the BOA in recognizing the significance of addressing diversity and equity within the specialty. Little outlines the structure of the Supported Return to Training (SupporRTT) initiative designed to assist trainees who have taken a break from their training, particularly noting the high percentage of women taking parental leave.
The program focuses on personalized packages for each trainee, offering mentoring, refresher courses, and enhanced supervision to help with reintegration. Little emphasizes the emotional struggles trainees face when returning to work, such as self-confidence issues and adapting to changes resulting from the pandemic.
She highlights a workshop launched in October 2020 to provide regular support for orthopedic trainees, using feedback from previous attendees to tailor its content. Changes induced by COVID-19 shifted the format to a virtual setting, allowing wider participation without hassles related to travel and childcare. Little mentions some preliminary successes of the workshop, plans for future iterations, and the need for ongoing studies to understand the impact of breaks in training on career progression.