Leadership in Medical Education
A thoughtful discussion on leadership, collaboration, and innovation in medical education, focused on preparing students and educators to thrive in an increasingly complex healthcare landscape.
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Episode summary
This episode explores how Aberdeen’s medical programme is navigating change while maintaining its position as a nationally top-ranked school. In conversation with host Kim Walker, Dr. Wendy Watson and Professor Colin Lumsden reflect on stepping into leadership during a period of growing student numbers, NHS pressures, and rapid innovation. Rather than seeing these challenges as threats, they highlight opportunities to modernise the curriculum, strengthen teaching culture, and support educators across a geographically dispersed network, with a strong focus on teamwork, adaptability, and continuous improvement.
A key theme is preparing students for uncertainty, not just exams. Wendy and Colin emphasise the shift from traditional knowledge-heavy teaching to approaches that develop clinical reasoning, risk management, and reflective practice. Digital tools and AI are seen as valuable supports when used thoughtfully, alongside co-production with students and junior doctors to keep teaching relevant and engaging. The episode also reassures busy clinicians that effective education does not require perfection or reinvention, small, authentic teaching moments, backed by faculty development and institutional support, can have a lasting impact.