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A brief reflection on clinicians who adopt non-clinical roles and may eventually leave direct clinical care....this was stimulated by a phrase used by Sir David Dalton @NHSDigAcademy today. That phrase was 'deep knowledge'.
Firstly, it's really important that some of us cross over into nonclinical work whether that is MedEd, digital, policy,management or research. It's vital that the skills we draw on are applied for the good of patients...more on that in a bit.
As we move away from direct clinical care we start to lose 'deep knowledge' of what it is like to practise...here...now. instead we develop deep knowledge of a new field and start to bring our clinical experience to that, creating a unique new blend of skills.
For example, I no longer have 'deep knowledge' of being a GP partner as I resigned as a senior partner 5 years ago. I have to rely on colleagues like @DrPeterWeeks1 @DrSimonHodes @mgtmccartney , @drmdsmith and others to inform me.
I accept that my role is now in working across the system, between policy, management, finance, digital health and clinical care to try and make things better in a different way. It's a different type of 'deep knowledge' and I relinquish the previous type.
However, moving away from direct care does not in any way negate the clinical experience one has had. We should not make medicine or any other healthcare profession like the Hotel California, where nobody can leave. We must remain emotionally connected and part of the tribe
People move away from direct care for a wide variety of reasons...physical or mental health, family circumstances, relish for a new challenge or simply being a square peg in a round hole.
That's ok. In fact, it's more than ok.
Let's embrace it.
That's ok. In fact, it's more than ok.
Let's embrace it.
