What can I do to develop as a leader?

This page is to help trainees wishing to focus on their leadership development. Outlined below – in the things to read section – are links to recommended research articles, publications and books demonstrating the importance of leadership in healthcare, and which outline some key theories. In addition – in the things to do section – you can find suggestions for activities that will support trainees to build skills in management and leadership.

Things to read

There exists a range of research papers, reports and other documents that provide a useful background to the value of leadership and management within healthcare, and its place within postgraduate education. Some key publications are listed below.

Research papers and journal articles

1. West M. Leadership and leadership development in health care: The evidence base. FMLM and the King's Fund.

Policy documents, leadership frameworks and education outlines

2. Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. CanMeds 2015.
3. NHS Leadership Academy. Healthcare Leadership Model. 
4. NHS Improvement. Developing People – Improving Care. A national framework for action on improvement and leadership development in NHS-funded services. 

Things to do

Opportunities for leadership development are easy to come across. They could be found within your postgraduate training, in extra-curricular activities, or as a benefit of FMLM membership (eg the free FMLM mentoring scheme). There are also online courses, fellowships, and a host of other activities. The Transition Guide is a good resource to research some of the key positions. It is a series of transition guides for members moving to new career stages, to share wisdom and practical advice to support them in their career progression. find out how you could develop your skills.

You can also look at the Healthcare Leadership Model self-assessment tool from the NHS Leadership Academy. This is a free resource that anyone can access and aims to help you understand your own leadership behaviours. The tool produces a short report indicating areas of strength and areas for future development. You can find further information in this FMLM collection on Assessemnt and diagnostic tools.

Post-graduate curriculum

All post-graduate curriculum will need to meet the requirements of the new GMC's generic professional capabilities framework. This will mean that the skills, behaviours and expereince should be integrated into your medical training.

Through FMLM

FMLM mentoring: Members of FMLM benefit from a bespoke mentoring scheme. We have over 100 mentors from a range of clinical backgrounds, who can give advice on career planning, decision making and leadership development.   

Other programmes, courses and activities

Edward Jenner programme: produced by the NHS Leadership Academy, this online course is free to complete and provides a great introduction to medical leadership and management and self- reflection.

Take on a leadership position: practice your skills through leadership positions within committees, sports societies, part-time employment or caring roles. You could also become involved in audit or quality improvement projects during clinical placements.  

Local or national training opportunities: Have a look at whether there is a 'medicine in management' course run by your university or local business school. These are often free to attend. You may find there are also specific lecture series or workshops.

Proceed to 'How can I get involved in FMLM?', where you can find out how FMLM supports its medical student members to develop as future leaders, and get involved in FMLM’s Medical Student Group (MSG).