Abstract

The Academic Foundation Programme (AFP) provides themed posts in leadership and management; since 2015 two posts a year have been provided by Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust (TSDFT). Early leadership development in trainees is recognised as important^{1 2} but a lack of leadership opportunities for junior doctors remains.² The program at TSDFT was in its infancy and was largely unstructured, allowing space for trainees to redesign, seek mentorship and explore opportunities.

Our intervention included informally seeking mentorship from a deputy medical director at TSDFT, who was enthusiastic about promoting trainee leadership development and experienced in quality improvement. We met fortnightly for goal setting, collaboration and discussion about challenges within the field. Other experiences and achievements were mapped to the ‘Medical Leadership Competency Framework’³ facilitating reflection and inquiry about valuable elements of the program and highlighting areas where experience was lacking; allowing focused search for opportunities.

Outcomes included TSDFT academic trainees being increasingly positive about the program, gaining structured approach to their academic time and improved productivity and accountability to peers and mentor. Trainees also described better understanding of local healthcare management and have led on projects aligned to the Trust’s priorities.

Supporting trainees with interest in leadership and management remains challenging; unlike clinical competencies tangible demonstration of leadership development is difficult. AFPs in leadership and management provide a unique opportunity to support development of individuals with aptitude or interest, with reciprocal benefits for individuals and organisations. We recommend organisational leaders take responsibility for fostering environments where any trainee can develop leadership and management skills; current leaders should consider mentorship as part of their role as a clinical leader.