Emerging leaders program developing the next generation of rural health leaders
Twenty junior doctors in Gippsland and the Loddon Mallee have increased their leadership potential through an innovative learning program, sponsored by the Monash Regional Training Hubs.
The Emerging Leaders program is delivered through a collaboration between the Australian Medical Association Victoria (AMA Victoria), Monash Rural Health and Regional Training Hubs in Gippsland and Northwest Victoria. Working with two groups of selected junior doctors across the regions, the program focuses on building collaborative leadership and confidence which will set the culture and innovative practices of tomorrow. Building on the success of last year’s pilot intake, the Emerging Leaders Program was run again for regional doctors in 2022.
The program was facilitated by Dr Anna Clark, a Leadership Consultant, Coach and Educator with AMA Victoria, who spoke about the changes she observed in participants throughout the program.
“We watch the participants grow in confidence – both in the way they take up their leadership within their current role and in the way in which they speak up in discussions and talk about their contribution in meetings and collaborative teamwork. By the end of the program the participants are clear and confident in their articulation of the leadership challenges in their work, about skills and behaviours that are effective for collaborative work, and are already well-progressed in their personal leadership development work and how to continue to develop beyond the end of the formal program.”
“It was such a great experience for me, which helped me and still is helping me to manage my daily activities in both professional and private fields. I believe I am on a good track and slowly but steadily I am reaching my goals, despite having a tight schedule at work and home (with a husband plus two small children).”
With previous research showing that difficult collegial relationships and conflict with management are some of the main tipping points in rural doctors' decisions to leave, the program aims to embed positive leadership skills early in doctors careers.
“This program really transitioned me just graduating from university to getting used to all these pressures and demands at work…We are always expected to lead in some way and the more senior we get, the more leadership is involved, so it just gets harder and harder, and this program is a great preparation for our leadership in the future,’ said participant Dr Thang Dao.
Dr Ruby Marslen participated in the program in 2021 and has since taken on a role as president of the Bendigo HMO society, supporting doctors and student doctors at Bendigo Health.
"It's given me real-life, practical and realistic things to actually enact in my workplace, meetings and liaising between different bodies and groups. It is so authentic that it is practical and an essential part of any formal or informal leadership role.”
The program allows participants to focus on both their strengths and challenges in taking leadership and executing leadership work effectively, and design specific goals and implementation plans to build their skills in these areas.
“This program supports the development of the next generation of positive rural medical leaders who have the skills and understanding to provide leadership that is thoughtful and encouraging,” said Associate Professor Michael Nowotny, Director of the Gippsland Regional Training Hub
According to Dr Anna Clark, the most significant changes to the regional participants was in their confidence and communication skills.
Looking towards the future, this program will provide a solid base to support a sustainable rural health system, with positive collaborative work environments that allow rural doctors to feel supported and grow.
If you are a junior doctor in Gippsland or the Loddon Mallee and are interested in learning more about the Emerging Leaders Program, please contact:
Amy Allen
Gippsland Regional Training Hub Manager
amy.allen@monash.edu
Sophie Burke
North West Victorian Regional Training Hub Manager
sophie.burke@monash.edu
Monash Rural Health Regional Training HubsThe Monash Rural Health Regional Training Hubs facilitate speciality training and career development opportunities for junior doctors, to help them live, work and train rurally. The Monash Regional Training Hubs are supported by the Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training Program of the Department of Health.