PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Rebecca M Medlock
TI  - Board affiliate pilot: leadership and innovation—creating new opportunities to deliver better patient care
AID  - 10.1136/leader-2021-000547
DP  - 2022 Dec 01
TA  - BMJ Leader
PG  - 256--258
VI  - 6
IP  - 4
4099  - http://bmjleader.bmj.com/content/6/4/256.short
4100  - http://bmjleader.bmj.com/content/6/4/256.full
SO  - BMJ Leader2022 Dec 01; 6
AB  - Background Leadership and management have become a key facet of medical training. However, there remains enormous variation in the quality and effectiveness of medical leadership training. This article describes an innovative pilot programme that aimed to prove a new method of developing clinical leaders.Methods We undertook a 12-month pilot integrating a doctor in training onto our trust board in a role called the ‘board affiliate’. We collected qualitative and quantitative data throughout our pilot programme.Results Qualitative data demonstrated a clear positive impact of this role on senior management and clinical staff. Our staff survey results increased from 47.4% to 50.3%. The pilot programme has had such an impact on our organisation that we have expanded the single pilot role into two positions.Conclusion This pilot programme has demonstrated a new and effective method of developing clinical leaders.