Royal College of Physicians

The Medical Training Initiative (MTI team), together with associate global director for international medical graduates (IMGs) Dr Emma Mitchell, invites internationally trained doctors to join them at MTI Monday!

MTI Monday is an online session providing insight into the MTI programme that facilitates IMGs to work and train in the UK for up to two years. The team and Dr Mitchell will offer expert advice and answer your questions.

Register for free to join MTI Monday, on 19 August, at 12pm (UK time): https://ow.ly/rLGQ50SPRRZ

Congratulations to this year’s Teale essay prize for trainees winner, rheumatology registrar and clinical PhD fellow, Dr Mrinalini Dey with her essay ‘“Consider the seasons”: the climate crisis, its impact on healthcare, and the role of the physician.’

In our latest blog she discusses her winning contribution writing: ‘The impact of the climate on the health of individuals and society as a whole is not a recent phenomenon. Even Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, was writing about the direct and indirect effects of weather systems and the environment on human health and wellbeing.’

Read now: https://ow.ly/Viq350SOjYu

We have appointed three new censors to support the education, examination and maintaining standards in medical practice:

- Dr Peter Andrews is a consultant nephrologist and former clinical director at the SW Thames Renal & Transplantation Unit based at St Helier Hospital in Surrey, and also at Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey.

- Dr Clive Lewis is a consultant cardiologist and transplant physician at Royal Papworth Hospital, specialising in advanced heart failure cardiothoracic transplantation and mechanical circulatory support.

-Professor Sandy Thomson is a consultant physician and geriatrician at Salford Royal Hospital. His main interests are in Parkinson’s disease, delirium and medical education.

Dr Mumtaz Patel, RCP acting president and vice president of education and training, said:

‘The RCP is committed to shaping healthcare delivery, advocating for public health, and empowering physicians to achieve their best. With the expertise of our three new censors, we are confident we can continue to provide aspiring physicians with a first-class education and training while addressing the many challenges facing the healthcare sector now and in the future.

Current censors Dr Harriet Gordon, Dr Tun Aung and Professor Tom Solomon will demit at the end of July. A huge thank you to Harriet, Tun and Tom for all their hard work and support over the last few years. Their input has been invaluable, and we will miss working with them.

Congratulations also to Tom who has been elected as the RCP’s new academic vice president from 1 August. I look forward to working with Tom in his new role.’

Our three new censors will take up post on 1 August 2024 and serve for 3 years. Learn more about the three censors: https://www.rcp.ac.uk/news-and-media/news-and-opinion/rcp-appoints-three-new-censors/

Ready to transition into a consultant role?

Applications are currently open for our Six-step course for new consultants. This year-long programme offers practical insights, group work, and networking opportunities.

Funded places are available, so don't miss out on enhancing your leadership skills, apply now: https://ow.ly/6wme50SMYqo

Applications close Monday 5 August.

Explore the Med+ programme now!

Taking place 21-22 November 2024, delegates will receive essential clinical updates in over 25 specialties.

Don’t miss out, book your place at: https://rcpconferences.co.uk/med-plus-2024

The Medical Training Initiative ( ) team welcomes international medical graduates ( ) new to the NHS to join them at the ‘International Doctors Conference 2024’.

On Monday 14 October, at our London site in Regent’s Park, come together to learn, develop and network. The programme has been created based on feedback from IMGs and 5 CPD credits will be awarded to all delegates.

If you're an IMG new to the NHS, secure your place today: https://ow.ly/52Ir50SKb6S

Join us on Tuesday 6 August at 5.30–7pm for The National Hip Fracture Database’s ( ) webinar ‘Right place, right time – improving Key Performance Indicator 0’.

Learn about improving fast track pathways and how the NHFD can drive improvement: https://ow.ly/51VI50SKhuL

Join Medical Care for the live webinar ‘Pharmacogenomics in the NHS: A user's guide’ with Dr John McDermott and Dr Emma Magavern on Tuesday 20 August at 1pm.

The webinar will introduce key concepts in pharmacogenomics and describe the current evidence base.

Book your place now: https://ow.ly/hRGt50SH2fA

We’re happy to announce Royal College of Physicians Museum's new exhibition ‘Healing words: The unofficial story of medical practice in England, 1500 – 1800’.

From 11 September 2024, explore our collection of recipe books - an extraordinary resource showing how people lived in early modern England and how healthcare functioned outside of the formal medical sphere.

Discover more: https://ow.ly/ml4V50SF4ch

Explore over 25 specialties at Med+ 2024!

Join us from 21 – 22 November for more than 20 hours of essential clinical learning. Dive into sessions featuring specialties such as:

- gastroenterology
- acute medicine
- rheumatology
- respiratory medicine
- and many more!

Don’t miss out. View the programme now: https://rcpconferences.co.uk/med-plus-2024

Just 1 week to go until the next medicinal plant lectures!

We’ll hear from professor of hepatology at Queen Mary University of London and Bart's Health NHS Trust, Graham Foster, to explore the uses and abuses of the o***m poppy.

In-person delegates will also enjoy a tour of the RCP's renowned medicinal garden of over 1,000 plants and learn about its historical uses since the era of the pyramids of Egypt to today’s highly efficacious prescription drugs.

Book to attend in-person at the RCP at Regents Park or online now: https://ow.ly/x68K50SwWw2

Join us for an afternoon of medicinal plant lectures on Thursday 25 July!

We’ll hear from the group leader at John Innes Centre, Professor Anne Osbourn, to learn about harnessing plant metabolic diversity for therapeutic applications.

In-person delegates will also enjoy a tour of the RCP's renowned medicinal garden of over 1,000 plants and learn about its historical uses since the era of the pyramids of Egypt to today’s highly efficacious prescription drugs.

Book to attend in-person at the RCP at Regents Park or online today: https://ow.ly/wIHh50SwWM4

Hear the latest updates in acute, general and specialty medicine.

On 21–22 November, speakers from our regional and international networks will provide delegates with over 20 hours of essential clinical learning.

Specialties featured include:
- cardiology
- gastroenterology
- infectious disease and tropical medicine
- haematology
- and more!

In-person delegates will also benefit from interactive workshops and a networking reception.

View the programme and book your place at Med+ 2024 now: https://rcpconferences.co.uk/med-plus-2024

Climate change is one of the biggest threats to human health.

It is projected to cause over 250,000 deaths per year by 2050 and significant additional pressure on the NHS.

We have created the RCP Green physician toolkit to bring together key actions physicians can take in their day-to-day practice to adapt and help mitigate the effects of climate change.

Read now: https://www.rcp.ac.uk/32302

The Medical Training Initiative (MTI) team is welcoming international medical graduates (IMGs) new to the NHS to join them at the ‘International doctors conference 2024’.

On Monday 14 October, at RCP at Regent’s Park, London, the conference will take place. It is an opportunity for IMGs to learn, develop, and network. Delegates can expect sessions and workshops to focus on interview preparation, leadership and human factors and team dynamics.

If you're an IMG new to the NHS, come and join us. https://ow.ly/4Bc750SvspS

5 CPD credits will be awarded.

‘Measures to improve pathway integration, access and communication will help to address the risk sharing.’

Read RCP outpatients clinical lead Dr Theresa Barnes’ blog exploring risk management in the face of increasing outpatient demand.

https://ow.ly/AsZZ50SAfGf

There’s still time to submit an abstract for Med+ 2024!

By entering the competition, you will be in with the chance to win £500, a 1-1 session with an RCP officer to help further develop your research and tickets for Medicine 2025. Winners and runners up for best poster and best presentation will be awarded.

Submit an abstract now: https://www5.shocklogic.com/sl/a0cfd85

The 2023 UK consultant physician census has found that consultant physicians continue to manage significant workloads – almost a fifth said that they almost never feel in control of their workload.

Only 36% said that they feel in control of their workload most of the time or almost always.

It also found that consultant morale has been impacted – many UK consultants said that they feel stressed at work and 47% stated that their enjoyment of their job had decreased or greatly decreased.

When asked what three things would improve work satisfaction, better IT, reduced clinical workload and a bigger workforce were the most common responses in the 2023 census.

Read the findings in full: https://ow.ly/GTpb50SyXXh

Today, with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow and Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, we are publishing findings from the 2023 UK consultant physician census.

Our findings provide an insight into consultant physicians' working lives, including the effects of rota gaps, supervision and the impact of workload on morale.

It found that UK consultant physicians are frequently seeing gaps in the trainee rota - 62% reported daily or weekly trainee rota gaps when on acute duty over the past year.

There continue to be consultant vacancies with 59% of UK consultant physicians reporting that they have at least one consultant vacancy in their department.

Consultant rota gaps are negatively affecting patient care, with the most impacts cited being reduced access to outpatient care, increased length of stay, the care of inpatients out of hours and delayed diagnosis.

Trainee rota gaps are also affecting patient care, with inpatients out of hours, increased length of stay and assessment of patients in the emergency department the most cited impacts.

Read the findings in full: https://ow.ly/GTpb50SyXXh

Join us for the next medicinal plant lectures on Thursday 25 July!

We will welcome the group leader at John Innes Centre, Professor Anne Osbourn, and professor of hepatology at Queen Mary University of London and Bart's Health NHS Trust, Graham Foster, to speak on harnessing plant metabolic diversity for therapeutic applications and the uses and abuses of the o***m poppy.

In-person delegates will also enjoy a tour of the RCP's renowned medicinal garden of over 1,000 plants and learn about its historical uses since the era of the pyramids of Egypt to today’s highly efficacious prescription drugs.

Book your place now: https://ow.ly/Z3jk50SwTuj

'There is a real risk that "women’s health in the UK could fall off the political radar",' writes Dr Melanie Nana, outgoing co-chair of the RCP Trainees Committee.

Read her blog post on lack of priority given to women’s health during the 2024 UK general election campaign:

Has women’s health been overlooked again? Dr Melanie Nana, outgoing co-chair of the RCP Trainees Committee, National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) clinical research fellow at King’s College London and obstetric medicine registrar at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, blogs about the lack of priority given to wo...

The RCP has written an open letter to Wes Streeting welcoming him as the new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, saying we stand ready to help support our workforce, reduce health inequalities and empower the next generation of physicians.

Dr Mumtaz Patel, RCP vice president for education and training, said:

‘Too many doctors feel ignored, disillusioned and frustrated. Our fellows and members are working long hours, covering widespread rota gaps, picking up extra clinics, juggling too many responsibilities. Our early career colleagues are living under intense pressure. Many of them are exhausted and demoralised because they are expected to juggle a heavy workload of acute patient care and specialty medicine, often while studying for professional exams and trying to maintain a life outside of work.

‘The time for clapping is long past. It is time to act.’

https://ow.ly/uxlI50SxNQ4

We’re proud to partner with The Royal College of Radiologists and the NHS for their new Global AI Conference: Shaping the future of AI in healthcare. Taking place on 3-4 February 2025 at the QEII Centre, London and online, the conference will equip healthcare professionals across a wide-range of clinical specialties with the latest advancements and developments in AI.

The programme offers four dynamic streams and industry workshops providing in-depth exploration of specific AI topics in healthcare, delivered by global AI leaders.

View the programme and register online at early bird rates: https://ow.ly/CeIH50SsTe9

Why should you enter the Med+ 2024 trainee abstract competition?

This is your chance to have your work evaluated by a respected panel of leading clinicians, have your research showcased and win prizes.

Competition closes on 8 September.

Submit an abstract now: https://www5.shocklogic.com/sl/a0cfd85

Following an RCP Council meeting held today, our senior censor and vice president for education and training, Dr Mumtaz Patel, will perform the duties of president and will chair meetings of Council until an election can be held.

Dr Patel said ‘My main priority is to establish a period of stability for the college and work hard towards regaining the trust and confidence of our membership. This means taking action to support the next generation of our early career doctors, as well as delivering on the recommendations of the short life working group on physician associates.’

Planning for the election of a substantive new president will begin immediately. The election itself will take place in April 2025, at the first available meeting of fellows after due time for consideration of nominations, as per college bye-laws.

Read more:

RCP senior censor and vice president for education and training to step in for presidential duties RCP Council has agreed that Dr Mumtaz Patel, the RCP's senior censor and vice president for education and training will perform the duties of president and will chair meetings of RCP Council until an election can be held. This follows the decision of Dr Sarah Clarke to step aside from the role of pr...

We're looking forward to welcoming our delegates to an Update in medicine conference today at our Northern home, RCP at The Spine!

If you're attending – don't forget to join in the conversation using .

We are looking for doctors to share their stories celebrating what makes them who they are as we approach South Asian Heritage Month.

If you would like to share your story with , please contact [email protected] for more information.

Explore previous contributors’ pieces here: https://ow.ly/5X4H50SsQ6i

Explore the Royal College of Physicians Museum’s collections after hours and take your last chance to see the ‘Fortitude’ exhibition at their Museum Late on Thursday 4 July from 5.30–8pm.

Contemplate the emotive stories shared in the exhibition with a curator tour. Then stop by our craft café to experience some of the creative techniques and mindful activities healthcare workers used to look after their own wellbeing.

Find out more and book your place: https://ow.ly/9KrI50SmoNN

Clinical research is key to improving effectiveness and efficiency of treatment. The next government must invest in innovation by ensuring that physicians are able to take part in clinical research and quality improvement.

We are calling on the next UK government to embed research into everyday practice for all physicians and ensure patients have access to the latest treatments and innovation. Working with the NHS they need to:

- support protected time for research in job plans of those who want a substantive research leadership role

- recognise and reward organisations who are engaging with research to improve patient care

- recognise clinical research as part of direct clinical care for doctors

- incentivise doctors and medical students to participate in research.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/qHAA50SrOvg

How can healthcare inequalities affect a patient’s outcome?

Medical Care will be hosting their live webinar ‘Maternal medicine and healthcare inequalities’.

The Chelsea and Westminster Hospital post graduate medical education fellows will share a case presentation involving a maternity patient’s journey and discuss healthcare inequalities.

Book now: https://ow.ly/iMO850SqUFp