PSU Workshops & Peer Support
The Professional Support Unit offers a range of workshops and peer support groups to postgraduate healthcare professionals throughout the year. Information and registration links can be found below.
Details on who can access our workshops can be found at https://london.hee.nhs.uk/professional-development
Feedback from previous PSU workshop participants:
''Finally, I’ve passed this exam. Your help was just so incredible and really helped me understand and organise myself.''
''I got the job this morning! I can’t tell you how much...you restored my confidence...I was told they wished they’d recorded it as an example of nailing an interview!...can’t thank you enough!''
Courses for Foundation Doctors
No upcoming dates at present
What may be the best way to plan and take advantage of opportunities within your F3 year or beyond? An F3 Options webinar for all London & KSS foundation doctors is currently booking. This 1-hour webinar delivered by the London Careers team, will include key information, advice and guidance on what to consider making the most of your F3 year including travel/volunteering abroad, fellowships, further study/qualifications and non-training options
Courses for Consultant Preparation
The Consultant Interview: Preparing for Success workshop
Tuesday 4th June 2024 13:30-17:00
This half-day virtually-facilitated workshop is targeted to trainee doctors within 18 months of CCT. The workshop takes you through a number of practical steps to ensure you are well-prepared for the consultant selection process.
This session will focus on the importance of considering aspects of self awareness and effective career exploration in choosing and preparing for consultant roles of interest as well understanding the consultant interview structure and question types utilised.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the workshop session attendees
# Will have a clear understanding of what key areas should be considered in terms of choosing roles and preparation for consultant application and interview
# Know different interview question types and answer mnemonics
# The ability to identify an action plan of tasks to be carried out in the near future to maximise their chance of success .
The workshop aims to not only help you identify a plan of action to prepare for success, but also to gain the confidence needed for a compelling interview.
Open MIC (Mock Interview Clinic)
REVISED & EXTENDED: Open MIC (Mock Interview Clinic) - Virtual consultant interview practice
Tuesday 25th June 2024 (09.30 - 12.30)
NHSE Careers London & KSS team is running the next mock interview clinic this Spring for London & KSS medical and dental trainees within 18 months of CCT. These popular 3-hour Open MIC events provide the opportunity to practise answering interview questions in small groups of peers. You will give and receive feedback on responding to different types of questions typically asked at consultant interviews. Workshop facilitators will offer general pointers, tips and advice for successful interviews. To find out more and register, click on the link above (hyper link on blue date/ time.)
This 2.5 hour virtually facilitated workshop is targeted to trainee doctors within 18 months of CCT. The workshop allows you to practise and receive constructive feedback on your responses to consultant interview questions from both your peers and expert facilitators. Mock interviews will be undertaken in a supportive, small peer group breakout room environment, to ensure you are well-prepared for the consultant selection process. The workshop aims to not only help you identify a plan of action to prepare for success, but also to gain the confidence needed for a compelling interview.
For queries please email:Events.PSULondon@nhs.net
NEW! Confident Career Transitions: Stepping into the Consultant Role
NEW Dates to be confirmed - Watch this space
NHSE Careers London & KSS team is running a new pilot workshop for senior trainees due to CCT within the next 12 months focusing on preparation for the consultant role once in post. This three-hour workshop will offer participants the opportunity to take part in both reflective and future focused activities with the following key aims:
# To reflect on the common themes and challenges experienced by newly appointed consultants;
# To identify core areas to enhance competence as a new consultant, such as effective communication, leadership, administration, mentorship and wellbeing;
# To have the opportunity to appraise existing knowledge and skills against key requirements of the consultant role, and consider how gaps may be addressed during the first 100 days in post;
# To have reflected on next steps and start to develop an Action Plan to enable a confident transition.
To find out more and register click on the link above (hyper link on blue date/ time.)
Burnout series: Workshop 1- Understanding burnout and how to prevent it
No upcoming dates at present
Venue: Zoom
Booking link:
The aim of these workshops are to offer you tools to develop and maintain a safer work/life balance in order to help prevent burnout.
In this session we will be looking at the ICD-11 definition of burnout and how it presents in healthcare practitioners. We will look at the first key contributor to burnout: energy depletion and exhaustion. We will discuss sleep, self-care, living in line with our values and setting and maintaining boundaries. These workshops form a series but can be attended as standalone sessions. They are an informal, confidential space where we will use group discussion and psychoeducation to learn about how to protect ourselves from burnout. Sessions will be interactive and offered on Zoom.
The sessions are facilitated by Dr Lisa Tyrer, a former GP and a practising CBT psychotherapist who supports healthcare practitioners experiencing burnout. Pre-course information will be sent out prior, and handouts will be sent to attendees after the sessions. Certificates will be available for attendees.
For queries please email: AdvisorAppointments.PSULondon@nhs.net
Burnout series: Workshop 2 - The role of negative thinking and emotions in burnout
No date at present
Venue: Zoom
Booking link:
The aim of this workshop is to give you some tools to challenge negative thinking and avoid depersonalisation at work and home. In this session we will be looking at the ICD-11 definition of burnout and how it presents in healthcare practitioners. We will look at the second key contributor to burnout: depersonalisation, cynicism and negativism in relation to your work. We will be discussing the effect of automatic negative thoughts, thought biases and rules for living that take over in burnout and how challenging these can keep us seeing positives. We will also look at the effect of emotions on how we feel.
These workshops form a series but can be attended as standalone sessions. They are an informal, confidential space where we will use group discussion and psychoeducation to learn about how to protect ourselves from burnout. Sessions will be interactive and offered on Zoom. They will be facilitated by Dr Lisa Tyrer, a former GP and an practising CBT psychotherapist who supports healthcare practitioners experiencing burnout. Pre-course information will be sent out prior, and handouts will be sent to attendees after the sessions. Certificates will be available for attendees.
For queries please email AdvisorAppointments.PSULondon@nhs.net
Burnout Series: Workshop 3- Understanding Perfectionism and Burnout
No dates at present
Venue: Zoom
Booking link: https://lasepgmdeevents.hee.nhs.uk/events/psu/af4f7102-1c78-4dde-b1c4-ce87b1c7e646
The aim of this workshop is to give you a better understanding of how perfectionism impacts you and tools for reducing the negative effects including Imposter Phenomenon, anxiety and procrastination. In this session we will be looking at the ICD-11 definition of burnout and how it presents in healthcare practitioners. We will look at the final key contributor to burnout: reduced professional efficacy and the relationship between perfectionism and feelings of not being good enough. We will look at the good and bad sides of perfectionism and tips on managing the negative consequences of perfectionist traits.
These workshops form a series but can be attended as standalone sessions. They are an informal, confidential space where we will use group discussion and psychoeducation to learn about how to protect ourselves from burnout. Sessions will be interactive and offered on Zoom. They are facilitated by Dr Lisa Tyrer, a practising psychotherapist and former GP who supports healthcare practitioners experiencing burnout. Pre-course information will be sent out prior, and handouts will be sent to attendees after the sessions. Certificates will be available for attendee
For queries please email: AdvisorAppointments.PSULondon@nhs.net
Managing and supporting trainees in difficult situations (TIDS)- for senior educators and supervisors
No dates at present
This is an online case discussion workshop for multi-professional supervisors supporting trainees who require additional support. The session allows for confidential, facilitated small group discussions based on current/real dilemmas involving trainees which supervisors would like some support with. We use a 'Reflecting Team' methodology for the conversations which educators are also invited to continue applying in their own departments and Trusts when discussing trainees. There will also be a space to ask questions about the types of support which the PSU can offer. All cases discussed will be anonymous.
Participants will need to join from a space where they can discuss cases confidentially, without interruption and have a working video camera.
SRTT Workshop: From ‘impossible dream’ to ‘liveable reality’: A strengths-based approach to sustainable work life balance
No matter what stage of our careers, whether we are returning to training from taking a break or not, almost everyone will face challenges at these critical transition points. How we can effectively manage the demanding balance between being a productive and successful professional and having a happy and rewarding personal life is at the centre of this workshop.
Whether maintaining a healthy balance sounds like ‘the impossible dream’ or simply a goal you feel you are fairly close to but could do with some help to achieve, our workshop takes a group coaching, interactive approach with practical tools and activities to help you. Balance is different for everyone, so by using an explorative, strengths-based approach, you will come away with tools and resources that meet your individual needs and preferences.
Whatever your reason for taking a break from training, this half-day workshop will support you to define and sustain a healthier balance in your life both now and in the future.
Who should attend - This workshop is open to doctors and dentists across all specialities, from all stages of training, who are returning to training following a break. To maintain an interactive approach, there is a limit of 20 participants.
“Wonderful facilitators - so friendly and warm.” “The facilitators delivered the course very competently with an interactive approach.” “Thank you for your time you were very engaging and compassionate.”
Wednesday 13th March 2024 13:30-17:00
To register please use the following link: Please book here
For queries please email: Events.PSULondon@nhs.net
SRTT Workshop: Positive Intelligence for managing stressful transitions
This half-day virtually-facilitated workshop is targeted at doctors and dentists in training who are transitioning back to work after a period away from training, which may be causing increased levels of anxiety and stress.
The workshop is drawn from the evidence-based neuroscience and positive psychology of effective transformational change developed by Shirzad Chamine and his Positive Intelligence team.
Who should attend - This workshop is open to doctors and dentists across all specialities, from all stages of training, who are returning to training following a break.
"This workshop will absolutely help with personal and professional development & I will recommend to colleagues!" "Excellent workshop with a great blend of practice and theory to back that."
No Dates at the moment.
To register TBC
Wednesday 27th March 2024 09:30-13:00
To register Please book here
For queries please email: Events.PSULondon@nhs.net
Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) Exam Preparation
Thursday 23rd of May 2024 13.30-16.30
This is a half day workshop delivered via a virtual platform; camera, microphone and privacy necessary.
The workshop is primarily aimed at those who have struggled with this or other exams or who would like additional support.
The interactive workshop aims to provide an understanding of the working of the AKT for this GP assessment and how to prepare for it using the core objectives outlined below:
- To share a broad overview of the AKT examination in the wider context of general practice.
- To help candidates appreciate how questions are typically constructed and presented.
- To encourage candidates to find successful learning and revision strategies and to enhance their examination technique.
- To highlight the impact of dyslexia and how the exam can accommodate this and other disabilities
For queries, email CommSkills.PSULondon@nhs.net
Exam Preparation workshop
Thursday 26th of Sept 2024 13.30-17.00
This is a multi-specialty face to face course for doctors approaching professional examinations, co-led by education experts and doctors.
Are you interested in improving your revision skills and exam technique? Do you need tips on understanding exam questions, or need a refresher on managing exam nerves?
This workshop will offer you the opportunity to revisit how to revise and learn effectively, help you analyse and understand the construction of exam questions, as well as to try out different revision strategies. In a supportive environment and in discussion with peers, this workshop will also help you consider techniques for managing anxieties around exams. For queries, email CommSkills.PSULondon@nhs.net
Due to limited places and a focus on exam preparation as well as tips on this particular assessment, this course is likely to be most useful for those who are struggling with preparing for this exam or who have struggled with exams of this format in the past, for whatever reason.
Simulated Consultation Assessment (SCA) - Managing Complexity and Uncertainty
Wednesday 24th of April 2024 at 09.00-16.30
This one-day face to face workshop is for GP trainees who haven’t yet passed their SCA and who may be experiencing difficulties with this exam due to linguistic, cultural or communication challenges.
For queries, email CommSkills.PSULondon@nhs.net
Simulated Consultation Assessment (SCA) - Individual Session
These 2 hour virtual sessions are for GP trainees at risk of failing the SCA and for those who have already failed. Trainees get the opportunity to role play cases with a role player and senior educator. To book an individual session, please contact CommSkills.PSULondon@nhs.net
Stress and Examinations workshop
Dates to follow
This session will be facilitated by an experienced CBT practitioner and provides techniques for dealing with anxiety and stress in the lead up to and during exams. The session will help trainees identify how exam anxiety is triggered, and attendees are guided to develop own formulation, exploring how current thinking and behaviour are worsening their anxiety. The trainee is guided to change unhelpful thinking and develop new, more helpful thinking and behavioural response.
Trainees will begin by voicing personal experiences in failing exams or the motives for joining the workshop; the course is designed to respond to individual concerns, providing techniques to manage them. After brainstorming about anxiety as a whole, specific anxieties experienced in examinations or around them are explored in depth. Cognitive behavioural therapy formulation is used to address anxiety in a real-life exam situation. For queries, please email
Communication Skills - Individual Session
A two hour virtual session for trainees from all disciplines who wish to develop skills for navigating challenging conversations with patients and colleagues, including preparation for communication skills exams. The session is led by an educator supported by a role player and linguist (where appropriate) who will develop bespoke scenarios according to the learner's needs. To book, please contact CommSkills.PSULondon@nhs.net
Presentation Skills for Clinical Practice
This is a one-to-one, virtual session with a specialist presentation coach, where trainees will be able review and rehearse an upcoming project presentation, MDT talk or other public speaking situation they are currently working towards. To book a place please contact CommSkills.PSULondon@nhs.net
Assertiveness in Clinical Practice
Friday 12th July 2024 09.30-12.30
Friday 06th Dec 2024 09.30-12.30
This is a two and half hour interactive workshop delivered via a virtual platform. Book here TBC
a) Introductions (voice). b) What is assertiveness? - sharing the win-win approach to communication c) Basic technique d) Self-esteem as a foundation to assertive communication.
Please contact CommSkills.PSULondon@nhs.net for further details.
Developing English for Clinical Practice
No dates at present
This is a 2 day (or 4 half day) interactive course, delivered either virtually or in person, for clinicians practising in English as a second language. The aim is to raise participants' awareness of the pitfalls of direct translation and explore some of the subtle features of English phrasing that can enhance - or potentially damage - professional relationships. Please contact CommSkills.PSULondon@nhs.net for further details.
English pronunciation for clinical practice - individual session
Individual session with a specialist phonetician working on clarity of speech and accent reduction. Can also be delivered to small groups with similar language backgrounds. To book, please contact CommSkills.PSULondon@nhs.net
Influence of Culture on Communication
No dates at present
A one-day group course, in person or virtual, exploring how cultural values affect what we expect others to do or say and how these assumptions can lead to misunderstandings. Please contact CommSkills.PSULondon@nhs.net for further details.
Enhancing your Consultation Skills
No dates at present
A one-day group course, in person or virtual, for all trainees wishing to develop their consultation skills through roleplay with specialist actors. Please contact CommSkills.PSULondon@nhs.net for further details.
Writing Session - Individual
A two-hour session online with a specialist writing coach, focussing on clarity and impact in professional documentation. Trainees will work on their own (redacted) materials. To book, please contact CommSkills.PSULondon@nhs.net
Dyslexia peer support group
This is an informal online space for dyslexic trainees to connect with each other, share experiences and seek support. There is no formal teaching element but often useful experiences and tips are shared.
The workshop is facilitated by a member of the PSU team. You will need to have a working video camera in order to participate to help us create a sense of safety and connection during the conversations.
All groups run promptly between 1:30 - 2:45 pm on the following dates via zoom. Registration details are below.
Please come prepared to have your video camera on for these sessions as they are not passive webinars.
Upcoming dates for 2024:
Tuesday 7th May
Tuesday 11th June
Tuesday 16th July
Tuesday 13th August
Registration
To sign up to the mailing list and be sent the zoom links before each sessions please email Neurodiversity.PSULondon@nhs.net
You only need to sign up once and will then receive the monthly email with the zoom link.
Dyslexia Peer Support Group
Please see information in the previous tab on this page on 'Neurodivergence Support' for information about this group
International Graduates Peer Support Group
Please note we are currently reviewing our ability to continue running this group therefore there are currently no further groups planned.
This is a regular confidential online peer support group for International Medical and Dental Graduate trainees working across London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex.
These informal sessions are not connected to your workplace or training programme. They offer you a chance to connect with other International Graduates in Training, share experiences or dilemmas, ask questions and offer support to peers. The sessions are facilitated.