Leadership and Management 14th February 2024

Medical Leadership Course

If you’re considering signing up for a Medical Leadership Course, this quick guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know, to ensure you can find the right course for you.

What is a Medical Leadership Course?

A Medical Leadership Course – or Medical Leadership and Management Course as it’s more commonly referred to – will explore the theory of leadership and management in the context of medicine. It should be relevant to practical medicine and demonstrate how the theory you learn can be directly applied to your role as a doctor.

The course can be an excellent opportunity to develop your leadership skills, which can be beneficial as you progress through your career. It can also be a useful talking point during interviews and potentially even score you valuable CPD points (see below).

What’s covered in a Medical Leadership and Management Course?

Generally, Medical Leadership and Management Courses will cover all relevant aspects of leadership and management, to support the development of these skills within your daily practice. The format and delivery will vary depending on the course, but topics covered may include:

• The qualities of a good leader / manager
• Leader and management theory
• Management within the NHS
• Leading and managing within your role in the NHS
• Implementing change

How long is a Medical Leadership and Management Course?

Medical Leadership and Management Courses also vary considerably in length. Some courses are as short as a few hours, while others are spread across 2 or 3 days. However, it’s worthwhile looking at the course format and subject matter, if available, as longer does not always mean more content is included. For example, the course may be longer because it’s face-to-face, and therefore, there are meet and greets, breaks included, etc., which you may prefer over a shorter, more compact session. Whatever your preference, it’s worth bearing in mind when choosing a suitable course, to ensure you’re getting the most out of the time you’re putting into it.

Can I complete my Medical Leadership & Management Course Online?

Yes, there are online Medical Leadership and Management Courses available. If you prefer face-to-face learning, this is possible with some courses, but it might be worth considering if there will be any added benefit of attending in person, particularly if you don’t live close to where the course is being held (usually London). Often, an online course will be the more convenient and cheaper choice, with the option to complete the course at a time that suits you, either all at once or in bite-sized chunks when you can. Additionally, a good online course will offer the same learning opportunities as a face-to-face course with interactive learning tools.

Are Leadership and Management Courses only for doctors?

Not at all! Medical Leadership and Management Courses are suitable for doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals, so if you’re working in a different healthcare role, the course is available to you too. However, make sure that the course is a Medical Leadership and Management Course, as there are others available that are not healthcare specific.

When should I do my course?

Medical Leadership and Management Courses are usually suitable for doctors and healthcare professionals at all levels; therefore, it’s possible to take the course at any stage of your career. However, it’s always worth double-checking before signing up for a course that it is suitable for you and the current stage of your career. If you’re hoping to gain points towards your application scoring, the Medical Leadership and Management Course does count towards this for some specialties, such as ST1 Radiology, but it’s essential that you check the relevant scoring framework to ensure that it will.

Are Leadership and Management Courses accredited for doctors?

If you’re planning to complete a Medical Leadership and Management Course to improve your application score or as a developmental requirement, you must ensure that the course you choose is accredited for doctors. The easiest way to do this is to check if they are CPD registered, who they’re registered with and how many CPD points you will receive for completing the course.

If you’re looking for other ways to boost your application score and/or support your professional development, check out our guide to Teach the Teacher Courses, for a breakdown of everything you need to know about the courses.