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- Talk
- 19/09/2024
- UK
UK T&O Training Challenges and Opportunities (In 6 Paintings)
Description
The speaker begins with a warm greeting, acknowledging that they have not met many of the audience members. With over 30 years of experience in the NHS and a background as a Trainer Programme Director (TPD), they aim to address the current challenges and opportunities in medical training. Using a blend of serious observations and humor, the speaker paints a grim picture of the NHS, likening it to Bosch's chaotic artwork, stressing that every day feels like a battle.
The presentation transitions to the survey findings: a significant percentage of doctors are at risk of burnout, but there is some positive feedback regarding trainers and the training experience. The speaker emphasizes the importance of gender equality and challenges faced by women in the medical field, showcasing alarming statistics regarding female representation in surgical specialties. Despite improvements in female medical school enrollment, there remains a significant strength imbalance in specialty applications.
In discussing barriers to women's participation in surgery, they identify multiple factors contributing to the exodus of female trainees. The talk also highlights pregnancy and training's unique challenges for women and argues for the need for a paradigm shift in workplace flexibility to cater to familial responsibilities.
Among the opportunities for improvement, a call for civility within workplaces and the integration of behavior and teamwork into training are made. The speaker shares anecdotes from history, likening leadership styles to natural teamwork observed in geese, and encourages a more collaborative approach in medical settings.
The presentation culminates in a strong plea for open communication, the importance of quality mentoring, and the urgent need to prioritize training resources in the NHS restructuring. The speaker leaves the audience with a call to action: to embrace the imperfections of their training environment but to focus on what can be controlled—teaching, humility, and building supportive teams. Throughout, art and historical references serve to illustrate their points, providing both depth and relief to the sobering message.