Welcome to the October Commentary. This edition has been led by our resident doctors, Jhiamluka, Nicola and Cleodie – and they’ve done a fantastic job!
It includes a great interview with Catherine and Anthony, our current and former Resident Doctor Committee (RDC) co-chairs, in which they share their insights into their roles. They have made a significant impact in their roles – particularly at a time when the resident doctor's voices really needed to be heard, and they have been great advocates for them. I am proud of what they have achieved. Anthony has just recently demitted as he starts his consultant post, and I wish him all the very best.
A huge thank you from me to both Catherine and Anthony for all their hard work, dedication and commitment to the role. You have been wonderful to work with. Also, a warm welcome to Stephen Joseph who has just recently started as RDC co-chair and did brilliantly at the annual general meeting, bringing the resident doctor voice to the constitutional review discussion for widening the electoral rights.
Other articles that focus on younger doctors include an introduction to the work of the RDC and an update on the NextGen campaign which, has had some fantastic output since we launched it just about a year ago. Our NextGen group comprises resident doctors in traditional and non-traditional training pathways – and there is a great piece on alternative training pathways, which is very timely with SAS week starting. The interview with Vasiliki on her experience as our RCP clinical education fellow is wonderful. It has been a great pleasure working with her over the past year. She has been a great asset to our education team and the wider RCP, and I wish her all the very best.
I enjoyed reading the interview with our clinical vice president, Dr Hilary Williams. The spotlight on Excellence in Patient Care Award winners is great; and the piece engaging with your region is very insightful and describes the value of the regional adviser role very well. I was a regional adviser for the North-West between 2016–2023 and it was a wonderful role; supporting our regional college tutors, associate college tutors and regional membership.
Lastly, I have done a short article on my global visits over the summer; to Jordan for the fourth Jordanian Women’s Physicians conference and to Kenya, supporting the exams, conference and celebrating the tenth anniversary of ECSACOP – which was a joy.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this edition of Commentary. I am grateful for your continued support.
