3 minute read
Inspiring Voices
As we reflect on 425 years of our College, we also look to the future. Hannah Parker speaks to two medical professionals in training to understand how they see healthcare developing.
Emily Turner, Respiratory Registrar at University Hospital, Crosshouse and Co-Chair (Physician) of the Trainees’ Committee
As doctors in training across the country will know, many of the challenges in the NHS today come down to morale. It is no secret that the UK is losing doctors, but I have seen workloads significantly increase since I was an FY1 and doctors at every level are experiencing burnout. For students coming through medical school – soon to be in higher numbers – it’s about how we attract them to the NHS and keep them, when most of them are hearing of unmanageable working conditions.
…doctors at every level are experiencing burnout.
Emily Turner
The NHS we all would like to see in the future is one that prioritises the wellbeing of doctors, supports excellent training for all and allows for a better work-life balance. Through the Trainees’ Committee, we have researched the benefits of less-than-full-time training and found that the reduced hours have made a huge difference in retention. I’m also involved in developing resources and educational events on the impact of training on fertility and family planning. It’s important that we protect doctors’ rights and desires to have a family while continuing to pursue their career.
Every doctor wants to give all that they can for their patients, but that is becoming more difficult than ever before. I urge us all to show support to one another. Sometimes, it’s about having a reassuring voice who recognises that this job is hard and you’re doing the best you can.
Kindness goes a long way.
Owens Iguodala, Dental Core Trainee at Glasgow Dental Hospital and Chair of the Dental Trainees’ Committee
Dental training programmes offer dentists valuable clinical experience across various specialties and locations. However, the rotational nature and short duration of most DCT posts, combined with the scarcity of specialty training posts, can create significant stress and personal sacrifices. Trainees often juggle the pressures of the job, portfolio completion, frequent applications for new positions and the regular need to relocate. This can lead to burnout, as they may find themselves neglecting personal interests, spending less time with family and friends, and feeling disconnected from their peers.
Our Dental Trainees’ Committee aims to address these issues by fostering a strong sense of community among dental trainees across the UK starting from students and all the way to specialty registrars.
We believe that by creating a network where trainees can share experiences, voice concerns and collaborate on innovative solutions, we can significantly improve training conditions.
By creating a network… we can significantly improve training conditions.
Owens Iguodala
Beyond the clinical aspects of dentistry, we are committed to exploring topics that often fall outside the traditional undergraduate curriculum but have a profound impact on the practice of dentistry. We want to empower trainees to think critically about issues such as equity, diversity, inclusion, sustainability and realistic medicine. By providing opportunities for trainees to engage with these broader themes, we hope to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to become well-rounded and socially responsible dental professionals.
