Tackling Trainee Confidence and TPD Question Time (BOTA Revalidation)

Description

The session opened with Frank Acquaaah introducing the key themes including professional confidence and updates on national selection and curriculum for orthopedic trainees. He started with a thought-provoking quote emphasizing that confidence is a skill that can be nurtured rather than an inborn trait, which resonated with the struggles many orthopedic trainees faced in recent years, especially due to the pandemic and other pressures impacting their training opportunities.



Oliver Adebayo, an ST6 registrar and BOTA president, followed with a presentation focused on reclaiming confidence amidst the challenges trainees face, such as a significant backlog in elective surgeries resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Adebayo discussed the psychological impact these challenges have on trainees, including increased imposter syndrome and anxiety about ARCP outcomes. The presentation stressed the necessity for trainees to engage with their resources, receive ample training opportunities, and build a support network to combat these feelings.



Pramod Achan, involved in leadership development, addressed how personal and team confidence is cultivated through structured training and mentorship. He highlighted the importance of self-awareness in fostering effective leadership and the ability to navigate the pressures that arise during challenging training times. Achan emphasized the role of psychological safety in the workplace, suggesting that feeling valued and supported can significantly affect one’s confidence levels.



Rob Gregory presented on the unsustainable pressures facing the NHS and the orthopedic specialty, referring to alarming statistics around waiting lists and the training environment post-COVID. Gregory advocated for a focus on the quality of training rather than purely on numbers, recognizing the long-term implications of insufficient surgical training opportunities for future orthopedic consultants. He remarked on the essential characteristics of the orthopedic community, including innovation and adaptability in the face of emerging challenges, and how it’s vital to document issues trainees face for continuous improvement.



Lastly, Cronan Kerin discussed the current recruitment processes for surgical training, noting the need for effective communication and collaboration between NHS services and training programs. He acknowledged that while issues surrounding the training environment persist, ongoing conversation and engagement within the community, coupled with pressure on healthcare leadership, will be crucial to bridge the gap in training and operational needs.

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