The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) regional advisers (RAs) are fellows who are selected to serve their region in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The RCP regards RAs to be essential in advising on a range of training, teaching and service activities that are pertinent to the work of physicians.
We have currently have vacancies for regional advisers for Kent, Surrey and Sussex, Oxford and Thames Valley and East Midlands (North).
Regional advisers (RAs) are a crucial part of the RCP structure. They are the link between physicians in the regions, the RCP Council and senior officers. During the COVID-19 pandemic this vital leadership role has been invaluable in providing local intelligence to help inform and support the work of the RCP in our role to nurture and sustain physicians, as well as contributing to the wider response to this crisis. To be eligible, applicants must be current subscribing RCP fellows (rather than fellows of another royal college).
This role requires engagement with local physicians and carrying out specific duties that maintain the quality of local services and encourage a vibrant network of physicians. This involves supporting college tutors, approving consultant job descriptions, reviewing fellowship nominations and working with the regional team to create a programme of events.
The role is unpaid, provides a key professional contribution that assists the RCP in improving the quality of patient care in the NHS. RAs are supported by the RCP network of regional offices and managers and work closely with RCP trainee, new consultant and SAS doctor regional representatives.
I felt privileged to be working as a regional adviser during the COVID-19 pandemic as it brought to light the issues surrounding doctors’ wellbeing, training and the enormous pressures on our medical workforce, and what everyone is doing to manage this.
