‘Top tips’ for new consultants

  • 05 Sep 2021
  • RCOphth

Are you an experienced consultant? What do you now wish you had known when you first qualified? We’d like to hear your ‘Top tips’.

‘Tips’ for new consultants

We’re asking experienced consultants to share one piece of advice with new consultants as we open bookings for our training course for new consultants.

Wait to make changes
“As a recently retired consultant after 26 years here are my two top tips. Don’t change things immediately when you start, unless absolutely necessary. Instead, allow a few months first to learn the strengths and weaknesses of the team and then adjust your initial plans accordingly.” explained Rosemary Robinson.

Ask for help
“Ask for advice and help, no one expects you to have all the answers!” said Emma Richardson.

Behave like a Consultant
Professor Charles Claoué shared his thoughts:

“More than 1 tip from me:

  • Learn to say “no” when asked to do extra.
  • You are a Consultant and now need to behave like one!
  • Keep your colleagues as your friends; you need them on your side.
  • You are not defined by your job; ring-fence time outside medicine.
  • Think about pension your first day – not your last!
  • Don’t hesitate to suggest second opinions to your patients: you get to send them to someone you trust to be helpful.

And the best for last! Never underestimate the power of human stupidity…”

Share your experiences

If you are an experienced consultant, please share your top tips and experiences with [email protected] and we will publish and share the best advice received, helping new consultants to benefit from your tips.

Anna Maino, New Consultants Development Lead says:

“When I first designed this course 4 years ago, I went back to my first week as a new consultant and how out of my depth I felt. With COVID19, the NHS under increasing strain and daily interactions becoming less and less personal, it is even easier to feel disconnected.

 So I imagined taking my younger self out for afternoon tea somewhere fabulous (start as you mean to go on….) and I listened to her questions, her fears and her hopes. Reflections from that imaginary conversation morphed into the New Consultant course programme”.

If you are an experienced consultant, please share your top tips and experiences with [email protected] and we will publish and share the best advice received, helping new consultants to benefit from your tips.

The New Consultants Course

New consultants can book now for our new training course.

If you are a new consultant, click here to book now!

The 2021 course will be delivered virtually to avoid travel uncertainty and it will be delivered over 2 days (15 and 16 November).

Topics covered include:

  • how to deal with complaints
  • job planning
  • how to write a business case
  • Leadership
  • resilience and many more.

The 6-week notice period (for study leave) will be approaching fast, so please don’t delay and sign up for this course today!