The Role of the BGS Trainees Council Chair

“If you are even thinking about applying for the role – do it! You will have the best two years with the most supportive BGS staff, the kindest BGS board and the most inspiring trainees whose commitment and motivation will blow you away.”

Sangam Malani, Current Chair of the Trainees Council

The BGS Trainees Council is a committee that is twenty-four member representatives strong with a joint goal of advocating for trainees and training as well as healthy ageing. The Council is looking to recruit its newest chair who will take over from Dr Malani in November 2023. So if you think this could be you, please send your application to Mark Stewart at the BGS M.Stewart@bgs.org.uk by 5 pm on 30 June. You can find more information about what the post entails here. 

In the meantime, if you’re not sure if this role is for you, perhaps our interviews with previous Chairs will inspire you. Dr Baylis, Dr Hughes and Dr Malani share their own unique experiences ranging from their proudest to most challenging moments, and even leave you with their top tips! Be it 2013 or 2023, one thing they can all agree on is – just do it!

• When were you the BGS Trainees Council Chair?

There's a good question! I was after Thomas Jackson, probably around 2010. 

• What is your current role?

I'm a consultant geriatrician working in SDEC at University Hospital Southampton and the Chief Medical Officer of Solent NHS Trust which provides community and mental health services to people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. 

• What were some of your proudest moments as Chair?

I really enjoyed and feel proud that I helped to embed both the Trainees Council and the annual trainee conference as a part of the BGS governance structure and annual calendar. I remember spending a lot of time supporting the launch of the SCE exam and then supporting trainees to resolve some pretty major issues in its early years.

• What were some of the challenges you faced as Chair?

Understanding how the organisation ran, my role as a trustee and how to influence. Everyone was really supportive and it was a great learning experience. 

• How did your time as Chair help you on a personal and/or professional level?

It was a fantastic introduction to a leadership role and gave me the confidence to step into that space and try and influence change for the better. I realised that I enjoy leadership which took me in a positive direction in my career and led me, so far, to rewarding and fulfilling roles as a consultant. I also met some great people who provided support, mentorship and inspiration. 

• What are your top tips for future BGS Chairs?

Enjoy it - especially the people you meet - treat everyone how you would want to be treated yourself - think big! 

• When were you the BGS Trainees Council Chair?

I am the current chair of the BGS Trainees Council. I took up the role in November 2021 and will be demitting in November 2023. 

• What is your current role?

I am currently working as an ST5 registrar in Geriatrics in NW London.

• What were some of your proudest moments as Chair?

There have been so many it is difficult to pick a few! I’m really proud to have led a highly motivated council to accomplish all that they have wanted to within their role. However, if I had to pick a specific instance, I would say that one of my proudest moments has been increasing the trainee representation in the society. 

Not only has the Trainees Council grown but I’ve introduced the role of the Junior Regional Representative which now has twenty-two trainee and non-trainee representatives that support the different regions across the country. A number that I hope only continues to grow. And more excitingly, following my latest discussion with the board, I’ve also launched the role of a medical student representative. So, if I had to pick one thing that I’m proudest of, it’ll be this because I think this will be my legacy and it has been an absolute treat to see the council grow. 
 

• What were some of the challenges you faced as Chair?

I became Chair in a time when meetings had moved from face-to-face to virtual and bonding with the Council committee and keeping up the motivation through virtual meetings was something I had to learn, and learn quickly! Another challenge was public speaking, especially at conferences but being in the position of Chair was a good chance to learn this skill and I had the most supportive team around me. 

• How did your time as Chair help you on a personal and/or professional level?

I have had the incredible opportunity to watch healthcare leaders around me in action. The two years have been akin to a mentorship journey. Through my conversations with the board during meetings and conferences, or over emails and video-calls, I have learned an immense amount; especially how to influence and advocate successfully and with impact. 

• What are your top tips for future BGS Chairs?

If you are even thinking about applying for the role – do it! You will have the best two years with the most supportive BGS staff, the kindest BGS board, and the most inspiring trainees whose commitment and motivation will blow you away.