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8 Hidden Career Opportunities for Doctors in the NHS

Nobody tells you about the alternative opportunities for doctors in the NHS. Here we explore the tip hidden career opportunities for doctors

Nobody tells you about the alternative opportunities for doctors in the NHS. Here we explore the tip hidden career opportunities for doctors working in the NHS:

8 Hidden Career Opportunities for Doctors in the NHS

1. OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE

I had to start with this – because I am an Occupational Medic! Beyond the needlesticks and induction processes is a diverse specialty with a range of broad and expansive cross sector opportunities. Work life balance is excellent too! For more information visit the Faculty of Occupational Medicine website.

2. NHS GRADUATE MANAGEMENT SCHEME

Yes, this is open to anybody! This is the perfect opportunity to get clinicians into leadership roles where it matters. If you’re thinking you’d like to work beyond a clinical capacity, this may be for you! Career progression is much quicker than working as a medic.

3. WORKING AS A SENIOR FELLOW FOR NHS ENGLAND CHIEF EXEC

If you have a desire to influence nationally, and have a particular interest in Health Policy, this role may be for you. Current fellows have a background of Masters in Public Health from fairly prestigious universities. You’ll be working alongside the seniors of the NHS and involved in new and exciting schemes and interventions which will help shape the NHS. There are 2 posts and they are advertised every 2 years. Read our interview with one of the current Senior Fellows – Harpreet Sood.

4. NHS LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Joining any of their courses will prove a significant career booster if are or aspiring to work at a senior level within yourNHS organisation. NHS Leadership Academy, nationally. Joining a course will give you plenty of opportunity to network with the movers and shakers of the NHS.

5. CLINICAL ENTREPRENEUR FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME

This brand spanking new programme for the budding entrepreneur driven by NHS Innovations, due to commence in August 2016. Applications are now closed, but its worth keeping a watch out for next year’s intake.

6. LEADERSHIP TRAINING PROGRAMMES – SOON TO COME!

This is due to be rolled out in the next year; stepping beyond an Academic Training Programme, you can also enrol in Leadership Training Programme where you’ll be seconded to a top management consultant firm for 1-2 years of your specialty training. We will announce this on our website as soon as the NHS does.

7. EXECUTIVE LEVEL POSTS

Some career opportunities are hidden in plain sight. If you aspire to lead an NHS Trust and/or influencing its strategic direction, its worth considering how your predecessors arrived there. Your first step should be to get one of them to mentor you, followed by regular networking and acquiring relevant skills, qualifications and expertise appropriate for the role. Don’t let the extremes of age act as a barrier – many have achieved these positions despite this. Tenacity is the key.

8. HAVE A POST CREATED FOR YOU

Yes this is possible in the public sector! I’ve heard stories of excellent project outcomes associated with temporary roles, resulting in new full time positions with creative names. Identify who in your trust you’ll need to influence to potentially make this happen (& ensure there’s a pot of money somewhere to fund it – or illustrate that the cost benefit of your role in the longer term will result in significant savings).

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For more inspiration on alternative career options, visit our opportunities page.

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Abeyna Bubbers-Jones

Abeyna is the Founder & Director of Medic Footprints and a Consultant Physician in Occupational Health

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