Royal Society of Medicine, ITN Productions jointly launch new initiative ‘Doctors of the Future’

A news-style programme exploring how the doctors of the future are developing.

In a unique communications partnership, the Royal Society of Medicine and ITN Productions have launched a news and current affairs-style programme.

‘Doctors of the Future’ looks at the transformations in medical education as well as innovations in medical research and technologies that will shape the healthcare of tomorrow. The programme premiered at the 12^th Medical Innovations Summit on Saturday 16^th April 2016 at The Royal Society of Medicine. Watch the reaction to the programme here.

Introduced by national newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky, the programme features key industry interviews and news-style reports, along with sponsored editorial profiles of some of the leading organisations in the sector.

Widening access to medical careers is a key concern of the Royal Society of Medicine, which is currently working with schools on a pilot project designed to offer support and career guidance to students throughout their time at secondary school. A report from the Medical Schools Council found that 80 percent of all medical students in the UK stem from just 20 percent of schools. In an interview with Natasha Kaplinsky, Mr Babulal Sethia, President of the Royal Society of Medicine, and Dr Fiona Moss, Dean of the Royal Society of Medicine emphasise the importance of fostering a culture of aspiration to attract young people from different backgrounds into the healthcare professions. There is also a need for continuous professional development throughout doctors’ careers. The programme features a special report on the Society’s Medical Careers Day with interviews from students considering their options for higher education.

Technological advances are also at the centre of ‘Doctors of the Future’. The Society’s Developments in Digital Health 2016 event in February provided the opportunity to discuss the latest innovations in digital health, as well as the potential benefits and challenges to the health service of these developments.

A total of eleven sponsored news-style reports feature in ‘Doctors of the Future’, championing medical education, research and innovation:

• Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) – how their investments have contributed to more than £650 million in savings for healthcare services in the UK.
• Hull Institute of Learning & Simulation – how healthcare professionals of any age and experience can benefit from simulation training and improve patient care.
• Hull York Medical School – training doctors with excellent clinical and communication skills to deliver high quality patient-centred care in all contemporary healthcare settings.
• Johnson & Johnson Innovation – how the team at the London Innovation Centre collaborates with entrepreneurs and medical professionals from across Europe, providing a robust exchange of ideas and resources, to positively impact human health through innovation.
• Lancashire Teaching Hospitals – how investing in innovative learning tools prepares doctors for their future careers.
• Leeds Institute of Medical Education – innovative solutions and curriculum to prepare the undergraduate medical students for the role of provider and leader in healthcare.
• NHS Education for Scotland – the importance of investing in direct educational expenditure in hospital and community services that provide facilities to attract Britain’s best doctors.
• Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency – best practices to improve doctors’ quality of care and quality of life.
• Nottingham University Business School – introduction to the MBA at ‘The Centre for Health, Innovation, Leadership & Learning’ – known as CHILL, which brings doctors and consultants together with business leaders and successful innovators from healthcare and beyond.
• The Wales Deanery – how the Welsh Government, the NHS, its partners and the public are working with health boards to introduce ‘Education Contracts’ which will help enhance the quality of training for junior doctors to improve the quality of patient care.
• Cook Medical – how doctors are being trained to use Hemospray, a non-contact treatment, which can help take the stress out of haemostasis procedures.

Mr Babulal Sethia, President, Royal Society of Medicine, said:

Our collaboration with ITN Productions has provided us with an immensely valuable opportunity to showcase just some aspects of the RSM’s work and will help us raise awareness of our charitable objectives, namely to improve patient care through postgraduate healthcare education. The programme will be of great support as we continue to be involved in the move to widen access to careers in healthcare and will be of great interest to our stakeholder groups – from patients and RSM members through to students and prospective members of the Society.

Simon Shelley, Head of Industry News, ITN Productions said:

ITN Productions are delighted to be partnering with the Royal Society of Medicine, in examining the way in which we ensure the profession is prepared for the future. Our teams of producers and reporters were excited to engage with key organisations dedicated to innovation across medical education, medical practice and technology’.