Practical Advice for New Consultants

Overview

This informal day guides newly appointed consultants, or those who are about to be appointed, through the major issues they will encounter in the first years following appointment. 

It will explore key aspects of progressing into a consultant role, including the interview process, the transition from training grades to consultant posts, and an overview of the consultant contract and job planning. It will also cover essential skills such as time management, effective office organisation, and maintaining a healthy work–life balance. Participants will gain insight into career progression pathways, alternative roles, the principles of realistic medicine, and opportunities for contributing to service development both locally and nationally.

The day will be conducted under Chatham House Rules* to allow participants to share experiences and ask questions, from not only experts; but also newly appointed Consultants. The programme will give special attention to those areas not discussed in postgraduate or specialty training.

Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to provide introductory guidance for those new to consultant posts. Among the topics covered, delegates will be introduced to the consultant contract, as well as receiving guidance on the importance of effective time management and job planning. The objectives of this course are:

• Name the principal components of the consultant contract
• Describe the principles which should be applied to the job planning process
• State the meaning of the term 'realistic medicine' and give examples of its use in medical practice
• List the factors to be considered in relation to time management
• State the principal differences between training and consultant grades
• The programme meets the criteria for dental enhanced CPD development outcome B

Who is this course for?

• Newly appointed consultants
• Senior trainees approaching CCT completion
• Those returning from a period of absence

The topics covered during the day include

• The interview process for consultant roles
• Understanding the gap between training grade and consultant posts
• The consultant contract and the job planning process
• Time management and the efficient running of your office
• Work life balance
• Career progression and alternative roles
• The role of realistic medicine in medical practice
• Opportunities in service development, locally and nationally

The full programme can be found at the bottom of this page.

Attending the course

This event is an in-person course. That means you get the chance to join us at the College in Glasgow.

At the College, you’ll benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, as well as lunch prepared by our award-winning chefs.

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow is conveniently located in Glasgow city centre, within easy reach of major train stations, motorways and airports. Hotel and parking discounts can be accessed after booking.    

Find out more about the best way to get to us.

Claiming your CPD

This course offers 6 CPD points for everyone who attends. This can be claimed via your College account. CPD points will be available for up to one month after the course. Where the course has been recorded, these sessions will also be available. If you have any questions about claiming your CPD points, our Education team are happy to help. 

* When a meeting, or part thereof, is held under the Chatham House Rule, participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed.