Leaning into Leadership course helps doctors in training take charge in medicine
A new leadership program delivered by the North West Victoria Regional Training Hub will empower doctors in training from the Loddon Mallee to tackle the unique challenges of healthcare leadership.
At all stages of their medical careers, doctors are required to show leadership during their working life, yet little formal training in leadership is provided during medical school, and there are limited opportunities for formal leadership training within their day-to-day workplace. The Leaning into Leadership short course developed by Professor Frank Bowden, draws on his extensive practical leadership experience in clinical, academic and administrative roles in health. The course provided an opportunity to openly discuss and understand what is required of leaders in the medical field, and the complex situations that they have to deal with.
Eight junior doctors from the Loddon Mallee reflected on their experiences over a half-day workshop, and learnt from a panel of senior rural health leaders about their approaches to leadership.
Panellists Dr Nicola Yuen, Dr Louise Manning and Dr Emily Harrison offered interesting insights from their varied careers in medical leadership in the region.
Dr Nicola Yuen, Clinical Director of Women’s and Children’s at Bendigo Health, felt that the most rewarding aspects of leadership for her were related to creating and building a positive team culture. According to Nicola, creating psychological safety where people feel free to communicate issues openly was a key ingredient of successful leadership.
Dr Louise Manning, president elect of the Rural Doctors Association of Victoria (RDAV), spoke about how at times leadership also required courage, particularly in calling out behaviours that may be part of an established culture, staying true to your beliefs and acting with integrity. Louise also spoke about the need to change your leadership style according to what you want to achieve, and to bring your team along with you.
The importance of protecting your own physical health and wellbeing was seen as another important factor. Participants were advised to take time out to do things they enjoyed, and to consider when to walk away from certain situations to protect their own wellbeing.
According to Dr Emily Harrison, former emergency department clinical lead at Swan Hill District Health and Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) council member, authentic leadership comes from a place of caring and admitting your own vulnerabilities, being attuned to who you are and your bias, giving feedback with honesty and openness, and admitting your mistakes.
Reflecting on how leadership changes over time, Dr Nicola Yuen reflected that your leadership style becomes more relaxed over time, so you are more willing to listen to others and admit that you may not know the answer straight away. Nicola mentioned that she learnt much more from listening to others than anything else.
According to Professor Bowden, mentors also play a key role in developing leadership skills.
“Having an external mentor is invaluable, to give a fresh perspective. This may require having a few different mentors for different aspects of your career, with special skill sets in different areas.”
Local Dr Jasmine Elliot participated in the session and found it very beneficial.
“Leadership is central to our roles as medical practitioners, and yet formal education during training is limited or nonexistent. Being able to consolidate my other experiences, and bridge gaps in my knowledge with like minded doctors was invaluable.”
The North West Victoria Regional Training Hub hopes to set up a community of practice amongst participants with ongoing mentoring, and also to establish a peer network to support others as they develop in their leadership roles.
Participants in the program will now have the opportunity for one-on-one mentoring and will share a leadership learning at a valedictory dinner.
Visit the Leaning into Leadership course webpage for more information about the program.