Preparing for the Non-Clinical Aspects of Becoming a Consultant

BMJ Careers have created an in-depth guide for junior doctors who are planning or currently pursuing their transition to consultant.

Based on the interviews with practising consultants, we have focused on the non-clinical aspects of the role that they wish they had been better prepared for.

Preparing for leadership

The difference in focus between working as a registrar and that of a consultant comes as a shock for most. The majority of consultants said they felt unprepared, lacking insight into the managerial oversight that consultants are expected to take on.

Discovering potential blind spots

There are almost certainly areas you've not yet properly considered - whether it's teaching, financial management, complaints, writing business cases, the politics of working within an NHS trust or simply the strategic approach required to planning your next career move.

We hope to give you a better idea of what to expect as you transition in your career.