In what ways did the fellowship help you grow personally or professionally?
The LEF programme supported my development in numerous ways. Professionally, I secured a place on the Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS) and am now progressing towards becoming an emergency medicine consultant. I’ve had the opportunity to present my project work from the fellowship at various conferences, both locally and internationally. On a personal level, I’ve received feedback that I’m now a more confident and effective team leader and educator on the emergency department floor. I also have a deeper appreciation for change management and the broader themes of leadership, which I continue to apply as I take on more senior roles.
Can you share a key idea or framework from the PGCert that has influenced your approach?
As someone with neurodiversity, I previously found QI projects challenging to navigate. However, through the PGCert, learning about tools like fishbone and driver diagrams has been transformative. These visual frameworks have provided me with clear, structured ways to organise my thoughts, identify key issues and guide others towards implementing meaningful change.
What real-world impact did your project have on education, wellbeing or service delivery?
My project took a multifaceted approach, focusing on leadership and education in several formats. One lasting initiative is the introduction of "lightning simulation" – a five-minute in situ training exercise designed to fit into the busy NHS workflow. This quick, focused simulation offers significant educational value with minimal disruption, allowing both educators and learners to engage in practical training despite time constraints. It’s a small intervention with a big impact on clinical practice.
What did you learn about yourself as a leader through the reflective sessions and learning network?
The reflective sessions and learning network helped me develop a stronger understanding of my leadership style and identity. A key moment for me was exploring the Myers-Briggs personality framework, which gave me the vocabulary to better understand my strengths and areas for growth. This improved emotional intelligence has helped me recognise the environments where I thrive, and better navigate more challenging situations – such as conflict – by adapting my approach.
How did the fellowship differ from your usual clinical experience?
The fellowship provided a unique blend of clinical duties, project work and dedicated time for education. This combination gave me the space and resources to delve into broader leadership topics – beyond the traditional scope of leading a clinical team. I was able to maintain and refine my clinical skills while expanding my knowledge through academic learning and practical leadership projects. A particularly rewarding aspect was the chance to collaborate with colleagues from various specialties across the region – an opportunity rarely available in routine clinical practice.
Would you recommend the programme to others – and if so, why?
Absolutely. I would highly recommend the LEF programme to other healthcare professionals. It offers a rare and valuable opportunity to combine clinical experience with continuous learning and practical leadership development. The programme enhanced my understanding of change management and gave me insight into the complex challenges facing the NHS. Most importantly, the leadership skills I gained have had a lasting impact – both professionally and personally.
Find out more about the LEF programme here >