The day in the life of an RCR Officer: Dr Nicky Thorp
Article by: Dr Nicky Thorp
With elections now open for RCR Officer roles, I’d like to share some insights into my experience as Medical Director, Professional Practice (MDPP) for Clinical Oncology, hopefully convincing you to consider applying for this stimulating and enjoyable post. Although asked to write a ‘day in the life of’ piece, I’ve taken the liberty of describing a typical Thursday and Friday which are the days I normally allocate to RCR work, to illustrate the breadth and depth of the role.
My Thursday starts clinically with the weekly Ependymoma Multidisciplinary Advisory Group. This is a national paediatric MDT which runs remotely. The flexibility of remote working has very much facilitated the incorporation of my duties as the MDPP into my clinical work. Although my main clinical days are earlier in the week, I aim to work my RCR timetable around any additional clinical meetings wherever possible, which I can join remotely from London.
Excellent working relationships
I’ll generally have RCR meetings timetabled from around 10 am on Thursday which may typically include a catch-up with NHSE radiotherapy dataset colleagues to give clinical input to the latest metrics, a check-in with the consent form Fellows to monitor progress and a Teams meeting with a Fellow who has made contact via the website and has a query that is best answered with a chat rather than a string of emails. I normally have a ‘Drop In’ session with the Professional Practice team on Thursday lunchtime and find these 30 minutes invaluable. It’s an opportunity for me to keep abreast of progress with the various projects that I oversee and for the team to raise any queries. It saves on email traffic and helps to maintain excellent working relationships with the team.
Thursday afternoons often feature committee meetings. The MDPP chairs the Professional Support and Standards Board and Heads of Service and is a member of the Trustee Board and Clinical Oncology (CO) Faculty Leadership Team. Friday starts with the CO officers’ catch-up often joined by our President Dr Katharine Halliday who is an enthusiastic supporter of all things CO. This is followed by my clinical team’s radiotherapy peer review, again run on Teams, which enables me to join from my desk at the RCR. Friday afternoon is very variable, but three times a year all the Officers travel to Westminster Hall to join joyous new Fellows celebrating their successes with their friends and families.
Responsibilities as MDPP are wide-ranging and include overseeing CO guidance documents, consensus statements, workforce census, service reviews and more. I’ve also been able to develop my interests in wellbeing, mentoring and equality and diversity through discretionary roles such as attending the RadReach meetings, co-chairing the wellbeing group and participating in the various RCR mentoring schemes. There are also RCR events, educational days and webinars to contribute to.
It’s worth noting here that my RCR PA arranges all my travel and accommodation; a luxury that those of us used to the NHS working practices certainly don’t take for granted. On the days that I’m at the College, the Facilities staff ensure that lunch is delivered to my desk (as if by magic) – another indulgence that I still find astonishing.
Great developmental opportunities
I’m very well supported by talented and experienced staff who understand that this is a pro-bono role in addition to the day job. The work itself is very rewarding – you get to know so many colleagues from all around the UK and the world. The RCR also offers officers great developmental opportunities including the most insightful and genuinely useful 360 appraisals. I have also represented the RCR at ESTRO and ASTRO in San Diego.
Being the MDPP is a stimulating, challenging and rewarding role which certainly requires commitment and flexibility in your clinical work and home life. If you feel you’re at the right stage of your career, I’d highly recommend you consider running for election. It’s the perfect opportunity to contribute to the RCR and work closely with colleagues in your specialty to make a meaningful impact.
