Framing Medical Careers into the Future
At its recent Changing Horizons event, the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland drew on the perspectives and experiences of its global community of doctors to explore the future of medical careers.
Dr Diarmuid O’Shea, RCPI President, welcomed invited guests to the fourth event in the Changing Horizons Series designed to impact the future of healthcare training, education and delivery and empower a healthier nation.
Doctors from the UK, USA, and internationally experienced doctors working in Ireland came together to forge a vision for medical careers of the future and, in turn, help to influence the direction of medical training. Speakers and delegates engaged in discussions about the significance of cultivating a positive workplace culture that enables everyone to not only survive but thrive.
In a particularly striking analogy, Dr Patrick Carr used the metaphor of a ‘canary in a coal mine’ to illustrate that genuine physician wellbeing depends not on simply making doctors ‘tougher,’ but on ensuring safe, supportive work environments across the healthcare system. The session also explored ways to support career development, enhance career flexibility, and strengthen professional identity in an evolving landscape.
Throughout the event, attendees – including physicians at every career stage, from trainees to consultants and senior health leaders – were engaged with thought-provoking talks and posed challenging questions designed to inspire innovation and push boundaries.
One such question was posed by Dr David Battinelli, Executive Vice President and Physician-in-Chief, Northwell Health. He asked participants, ‘But, what if you could?’. His keynote talk addressed on the expanding role of technology and artificial intelligence in the practice and delivery of medicine. Dr Battinelli highlighted improvements in patient care driven by innovative technologies, such as wearable devices like continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, and urged healthcare professionals to embrace innovation, and to think beyond current boundaries.
Professor Andrew Elder, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, shared his insights on the evolving role of the modern doctor. While acknowledging the importance of embracing new and emerging practices and technology, he stressed the need to consider the impact of innovations on the doctor-patient relationship, using the electronic medical record as an example. Prof Elder encouraged doctors to remember to practice the traditional practices of bedside medicine to enhance the human connection between patient and healthcare professional.
The discussion also emphasised the crucial role of ambassadors for change in providing equitable care across diverse communities and demographics, recognising this as a key element of a successful modern healthcare system.
Dr Aoibhinn Walsh, Consultant Paediatrician with a special interest in Inclusion Health, highlighted the positive impact of providing equitable healthcare through the work of the Lynn Clinic at CHI. This community outreach clinic serves children at risk of social exclusion, offering vital medical care and support to those who need it most.
A non-linear approach to career development and direction, combined with career flexibility, can transform and enrich a doctor's lifelong career. This was the key message shared by Prof Mary Horgan, Interim Chief Medical Officer and Professor of Infectious Diseases at UCD. Prof Horgan reflected on her own professional journey, spanning from medical student to academic and executive roles, and ultimately to her current position as the senior government advisor on health-related matters. She encouraged fellow doctors to actively seek out opportunities and become the agents of change necessary to create a better healthcare system for everyone.
For those not in attendance, the insights shared at the event give further weight to ongoing discussions around how physician wellbeing, mentoring, and workplace culture can inform the development of more supportive environment. Likewise, the exploration of advanced technologies and the push for equitable care highlight the future directions of medicine that every physician must be prepared for.
Building on the day’s discussions, RCPI aims to translate these insights into tangible initiatives. In his closing remarks, Dr Diarmuid O’Shea, thanked everyone for their participation and contribution saying: “From our discussions today, it is clear that the future of medical careers lies in our ability to adapt, to empower, and to support one another. The conversations we had are just the beginning. It is imperative that we continue to build on these insights, creating structures and policies that support the diverse and evolving needs of medical professionals. Together, we can ensure that the next generation of healthcare professionals is not only prepared for the challenges ahead but also inspired and equipped to thrive in an ever-changing world.”
Read the Changing Horizons: Framing Physician Training to 2030 and Beyond.