The phrase opportunity knocks is one I’ve often heard, but it wasn’t until I applied for the role of President of the RCR that it started to ring true.
The fact is that I hadn’t thought about applying and it was only in passing when working on the GIRFT national programme that someone suggested it to me. A quick fast forward though and I can say without hesitation that it’s now given me the very opportunity to influence and improve areas for our specialties and our patients.
I love working with the other Officers and staff at the RCR and everyone has such a positive 'can do' attitude. I’m only a couple of months shy of a year into the role, and I’m delighted at the influence we as a college have.
What has surprised me the most is that policymakers really do listen to what we have to say and there is a real opportunity to make changes for the better. Just last month I met with the Minister for Health and Secondary Care Will Quince to discuss the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan and what more the government could be doing for doctors in the short term. He wants our views on what they could do to improve doctor’s work environment, which – with input from our members – we’ll be sharing shortly.
So, what does a typical day look like?
If I’m at the RCR offices in London, which is normally two days a week, I’ll have back-to-back meetings most of the time. There is a lot of written material to get through in preparation before most meetings. The topics covered and discussions we have are very wide-ranging and stimulating and I learn so much from the people I meet. I also travel quite a lot to conferences and events where I give a lot of talks. I get to meet our Fellows and members and representatives from other Colleges, both in the UK and abroad.
On other days, there will be discussions with politicians and media interviews (our recent Census reports certainly had us taking over the airwaves!). It can be tricky to fit this around clinical work, but it’s important that Officers are still connected to the reality of the day-to-day work of our professions.
There is also a lot of fun to be had in the evenings. When we are all at the College, the Officers will all go out together and I’m also invited out to a lot of social events where I meet people from many different areas and make important contacts for the RCR.
Future Officer roles
Next year there will be elections for the role of Medical Director for Professional Practice in both specialties. It’s an opportunity to influence and improve things for our specialties and patients – alongside working with the best group of colleagues you could hope for.
Please do think about standing. Most people don't realise it’s the sort of thing they could or should do, but if you have views about the way we should be represented you probably have a lot to offer. I’d also advise you to approach your trust early when you are thinking about standing; most will understand the benefits of having a high-profile national figure in their department and will support you with time for the role.
This is the best job I have ever had, and I’d certainly encourage people to apply for future Officer roles.
Dr Katharine Halliday, RCR President
