Mentoring

Trust 

Midlands Partnership NHS foundation Trust

Job Title and Grade

Consultant Psychiatrist General Adult

Brief background 

As a mentor/coach

My initial interest in mentoring started as an extension of the role of clinical/educational supervisor.  I became more interested in the role when colleagues approached me to become a mentor in a more formalised manner.

I have developed mentoring skills supported by dedicated training and serving apprenticeship.  I have mentored previous trainees, newly appointed consultants and others wanting to develop leadership/managerial skills and/or careers.  I have mentored psychiatrists, colleagues from different specialties and colleagues from different disciplines.  I enjoy watching mentees developing and growing into new roles and enabling them to resolve conflict.  I have also experienced directly and indirectly a range of scenarios which have added to my insight as a mentor. I hope to continue being able to transmit the passion I have for the medical profession onto others.

Available days/Venue 

I can meet at St George’s Hospital, Stafford, ST16 3AG by arrangement, Monday to Friday during working hours. I am happy to have phone/video link (Skype/facetime etc) sessions between face-to-face meetings.  

Dudley & Walsall Mental Health Partnership Trust

Brief background about yourself

I started my carrier as a consultant Adult Psychiatrist in 1999, first in Sheffield and since 2004 I have worked for Dudley & Walsall Mental Health Partnership Trust. Currently I also have responsibilities as Clinical Director for community and recovery services. I am a trainer of core psychiatric trainees and medical students. I have been an elected member of the Executive Committee and Finance Officer of the West Midlands Division, an examiner for CASC and currently an assessor for the Royal College of Psychiatrists. I am member of the Mental Health Act Approval Panel for Midlands and East of England.

As a mentor / coach

In my life, I have been lucky to have people who supported me in my professional roles and provide the role of a mentor though it was on informal basis. I welcome the opportunity to support colleagues who are starting their career as a consultant to develop their skills in their new roles. I have supported Staff grade doctors with ambitions to take on new challenges and develop their career.

A couple of examples of feedback I have received:

“the most important part of being a mentor is the openness and the feeling of ease of communication. I have no hesitation in saying that you put me at ease, explained the boundaries well right from the very beginning and that really put me in a comfort zone to open up to you” 

“examples from day to day life that you provided which made me realise the power of observation”

Available days

I am available on a Wednesday or Friday and based in Walsall.

As a mentor/coach

Venue

Trust 

Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership Trust  

Job Title and Grade

Consultant Psychiatrist for People with Intellectual Disabilities

Brief background

I graduated from the University of Birmingham Medical School in 1984 and completed my core and higher training in many locations across the West Midlands before starting my substantive Consultant post in 1993 in Rugby and Birmingham. I have extensive experience in inpatient and community services and worked as an Associate Medical Director for 16 years. I have been a Core and Higher Trainee trainer for approximately 20 years and have carried out over 200 appraisals of  medical staff of all grades. I retired from my substantive post in 2016 but have continued to work full time in ID services. 

As a mentor/coach

I have seen many trainees throughout my service for the NHS and have been a trainer for many years. I have seen bright and able trainees struggle with non-clinical aspects of their work and I am keen to provide support for anyone who is in difficulty.

Available days/Venue

Evenings and weekends.  Neutral venue by mutual agreement, preferably in the West midlands area. I prefer face-to-face meetings.

I am a “portfolio doctor” – my portfolio includes (March 2015):

• Locum Consultant Psychiatrist running memory clinics
• Consultant Psychiatrist in Primary Care Memory Clinic
• Independent Systemic Therapist
• Research and teaching with Staffordshire University & the University of Chester
• And various other things

Brief background

I am an old age psychiatrist and systemic therapist, Professor of Mental Health and Ageing at the University of Chester and Staffordshire University, and Director of Older Mind Matters Ltd.  I worked as consultant psychiatrist in central Manchester from 1984 to 2001 and then consultant psychiatrist in Wolverhampton from 2001 to 2009, when I took early retirement from the NHS. I then completed a PhD by publication entitled Service User and Carer Participation in Old Age Psychiatry, and have developed a portfolio of work through a Limited Company, Older Mind Matters Ltd, see http://www.oldermindmatters.com/. My current portfolio includes clinical practice, systemic therapy, safeguarding, research and teaching, and consultancy.

As a mentor/coach

I believe that the NHS doesn’t always do well in supporting and developing staff – its most valuable resource, that mentoring (in a broad sense) is something we all need: it can offer much needed support as well as the opportunity to bounce ideas around. I remain in regular contact with a colleague who has provided me with mentoring informally over many years.

Mentoring has become more formalised now, but over many years I have supported trainees, consultants and also colleagues in other disciplines in their development and I still remain in contact with some.

I can offer mentees support around all aspects of consultant and trainee roles, and in developing roles outside the NHS. I have broad experience to draw on over a number of years in practice, education, training and in national roles including work with the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Available days

My work pattern changes from week to week but I can be flexible (to some extent) on times and days. As I write this Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays are better days for me and I’m an early riser so 0730-0900 is especially good (but not a requirement!)

I would like to offer mentoring by Skype – all we need is computers and internet connection!

Brief background

Associate Medical Director, Consultant Psychiatrist and Medical Psychotherapist at Worcester Health and Care Trust.  Previously Director of Personality Disorder Service Birmingham and Solihull MHFT.

I have a long standing interest in leadership, medical management and the health and welfare of doctors. I focus on ways of facilitating their positive contributions and development in both my NHS and private practice.

As a mentor/coach

I gained great benefits from my experience of having a coach, especially during times of change of role as this gave me space to think and plan away from my immediate workplace.

I then trained in Executive Coaching at Bristol Business School gaining accreditation at level 7 Institute of Leadership and Management, this training involving several coaching and mentorship journeys.

I lead the West Midlands Mentorship Scheme on behalf of the West Midlands Executive, linking in with national developments at the College. This has an established training and CPD programme which is developing skills and expertise in mentorship across the West Midlands.

The meeting of minds in mentorship can lead to really positive changes both internally, in the mind of the mentee (they often begin to see things differently) and externally in their work environment (where they develop a sense of purpose, more focus and make changes).

Available days

I have limited time to take on mentees, am based in Malvern and usually see people there on Fridays, with some availability on Wednesdays.

Trust

Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust 

Job title and grade

Registrar in Forensic Psychiatry (ST5)

Locality

Reaside Clinic in Birmingham

Brief background

I qualified in South Africa in 1998 and registered with the GMC in 1999. I worked as a Medical SHO and Registrar for several years (in South Africa and England) before becoming a GP in South Africa in 2004. I practiced as a full time GP in South Africa and later in Canada after relocating there in 2008. I moved to the UK in 2011 and worked as a Specialty Doctor/Clinical Fellow on the middle grade rota in A&e (University Hospital Coventry/Worcester Trust) for nearly 5 years prior to starting Psychiatry training (2016) in the West Midlands. I am currently an ST5 in Forensic Psychiatry. 

As a mentor/coach

I have worked in various roles and many training interactions over many years both in clinical medicine and psychiatry. I have always enjoyed having discussions with various members of staff and junior doctors about their careers and feel that I can relate to various people about the day-to day challenges that they experience. I would enjoy having a more ongoing role as a mentor in order to see where I can assist other staff and help reflect on their situations to improve their work related fulfillment.

I have been involved in bedside and other teaching of various groups over many years. This included teaching of nurses, nurse practitioners, peers, middle grades, students and junior doctors. I feel I am well equipped to have a role as a mentor as I have had such a wide variety of experience. 

I have been asked to informally help provide support to a group of nurse practitioners during my previous placement and received a lot of excellent feedback. I was praised on my ability to understand the clinical pressures that they experienced and relate to people in an approachable manner. I have also previously been praised for having a mature manner and a sense of humor which helped various people over the years.

Available days/venue

I currently have a special interest day on a Friday, but would be available over the weekend and evenings unless on call. Workplace, Online, neutral venue. If in evening online meeting would be preferable.

Trust 

Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Trust

Job Title and Grade 

Consultant Psychiatrist General Adult Psychiatry Acute Inpatient 

Brief background 

I am a Consultant Psychiatrist (Adult Inpatients) with my NHS practice based at The Oleaster, National Centre for Mental Health, a teaching hospital, which is part of Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. I am a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists since 2006.  I was elected as a Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in September 2017. I am an examiner for the Royal College of Psychiatrists. I am an examiner for PLAB exam conducted by the GMC.  I am a Senior clinical examiner and personal academic tutor for medical students at the University of Birmingham.  I am also an assessor for Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration in psychiatry.  I have been appointed as Specialist Advisor for Care Quality Commission in November 2014.  I was a college tutor and an educational supervisor for post-graduate trainees in Psychiatry from 2012-2016.  I am a health examiner and medical supervisor for the General Medical Council. I am fully accredited Clinical and educational supervisor. I am principal investigator for clinical trials and Regional representative for the West midlands division of the Royal College of Psychiatrist. I am also a senior clinical appraiser.

As a mentor/coach 

I have been a personal mentor for the medical students since 2006. I have long experience in coaching and mentoring. I have received positive feedback on my supportive and nurturing nature, balanced perspective and honest feedback.

Available days /Venue

Trust

Reaside Clinic Birmingham

Job title and grade

Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist

Brief background

I have been an Associate Specialist in Forensic Mental Health since 2009 at St Andrew’s Healthcare in Birmingham

As a mentor/coach

I have had a number of mentees in the last 10 years and have supported them to make significant changes in their professional development and obtained positive feedback from them. I believe in helping myself by getting involved in mentor/mentee process or coaching as it is mutually beneficial phenomena.

Venue and available days

Wednesday late evening, Friday afternoon and late evening and weekends. Available on Skype as well.

Trust 

Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust

Job Title and Grade

Consultant Old Age Psychiatrist

As a mentor/coach

Our trust gave the option of mentoring which immensely helped me to make the transition to a substantive consultant position. This experience gave me the insight into providing support and guidance to my fellow peers. I strongly feel this is a great experience which benefits both the parties involved.

I have provided support and guidance in my role as a coach to the junior doctor trainees with a positive outcome and have had good feedback. I continue to provide support to my consultant colleagues.

I am looking forward to support and guide doctors in my role as a mentor under strict confidential setting. I am happy to provide emotional support and bring positive changes in a time limited way.

Quotes from previous mentees on beneficial changes

‘Great colleague and Supervisor, always ready to help and listen. Helped me through my training post with great care and wisdom’

Available days/Venue 

Days of the week and if weekends are possible, times (including if evenings are possible) I am very flexible with my timings and will be available on the weekend. Ideally I would prefer Saturday mornings as a preferred time. During weekdays I would suggest Monday mornings.

Danetre hospital in Daventry would be an ideal option during the weekdays (face to face) but would prefer Skype/video link during weekends or face to face at my home address preferably on Saturday mornings. 

North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust

Brief Background

I have been a consultant liaison psychiatrist since 1993, having previously been a Lecturer in Psychiatry to Keele University. I have always retained my clinical role, but have also been College Tutor, Programme Director in General Psychiatry to West Midlands Deanery, Clinical Lead for Specialist Services and Medical Director. I was also on the Liaison Faculty Executive Committee and was an active member of GOAPSAC, inspecting senior training schemes. I retired as Medical Director in December 2011, returning to full-time clinical practice, remaining a senior trainer.

As a mentor/coach

I have been actively involved in mentoring and training throughout my career and am currently mentoring two recently appointed consultants. My background illustrates the areas in which I am able to mentor individuals – teaching, clinical and managerial.

Why do I want to be a mentor? I believe that making transitions can be difficult and that we cannot be sufficiently prepared for some of the changes we face. It is easy for good people to flounder in those circumstances, affecting them personally in terms of job satisfaction and self-esteem. This can impede their potential and we all lose, especially our patients. I enjoy watching people grow as they navigate through the transitions. It gives me great personal satisfaction to observe the progress of my trainees and mentees.

Available days

Tuesday and Wednesday pm. Happy to do out of hours. Venue would be my office.

Black Country Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Brief background

I am a consultant psychiatrist, working in Wolverhampton for several years. I have teaching and training responsibilities as a named educational supervisor. Besides these, I am actively involved in research and my areas of interest include Stress Related Disorders, Preventive Psychiatry and Geriatric Care.

As a Mentor/Coach

I have been involved in mentoring formally and informally for many of my colleagues. I understand it is always helpful to have some advice, practical tips and experiential knowledge before a long journey. Proper planning can lead to a highly productive and satisfying working-life and may improve chances of smooth sailing in a constantly changing work scenario. It is a pleasure to discuss various issues one comes across as a consultant and address the concerns of new colleagues at the beginning of their long career.

Available days

The meetings can be arranged at Steps to Health, Showell Circus on Thursdays or at the Beeches, Penn Hospital on Fridays.

Trust

Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

Job title and grade

Consultant Psychiatrist

Brief background

I have been a consultant psychiatrist in Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust since 2015. I have worked both in the community and inpatient settings previously and my recent work has mainly been as a Consultant in a busy crisis resolution and home treatment team. I am also a GPVTS Trainer. I have been the clinical lead for acute services (Solihull &East) since 2017 which has immensely helped my management skills.

As a mentor/coach

I have been actively involved in informal mentoring and training throughout my career. My strengths include teaching, clinical and managerial. I believe that I will be able to guide & support new consultants as well as trainees through, what can often be perceived, a tough change.

I have had numerous opportunities to coach and guide colleagues and trainees over the years as a clinical lead which further enhanced my interest in becoming a mentor.

I believe that being a good mentor is not about giving advice but engaging with people through compassion, empathy and active listening. Being a mentor, to me, means being part of shaping tomorrow’s leaders.

Available days

I am available Mondays to Fridays (9-5) and also on the weekends (on Phone/video links). I am flexible with the time generally.

Venue

I am currently based in Solihull and happy to meet at my base. Alternatively, I will be happy to meet up colleagues in Solihull &Birmingham at a mutually convenient place. I am also happy to have telephone/video link sessions.

Background

My original training is in medicine. Having initially trained as a general practitioner, I became a child and adolescent psychiatrist. I still work in this area although I am now retired from full time NHS practice. I have experience at senior management level in the NHS having been clinical director of a children and young people’s mental health service. I have also worked in the private sector.

I have a longstanding interest in creating a context in which people can produce positive change in their lives. Early in my career I developed a personal and professional interest in humanistic psychology. This eventually led me to train as a coach and mentor.

My work with children and young people has inevitably led to an interest in how systems work and a systemic perspective is an integral part of how I approach both coaching and mentoring.

I have learnt that leadership and management are challenging roles which require both the development of specific skills and the development of ourselves as people.

I believe leaders are made not born, but that the process of making leaders is often neglected thus preventing people reach their potential. Coaching or mentoring can release this potential.

I think that it possible for us to improve the way we do things both in our working and personal lives by a combination of reflection and action.

In my coaching practice I use a variety of tools and techniques derived from coaching, mentoring and other schools of though including humanistic and cognitive models. My work is embedded in a philosophy based on humanism, emphasising the positive and dealing with reality.

When coaching or mentoring people at work I am clear that the function of the coaching is to improve the way they work. Fortunately this usually improves life in many ways. Experience and theory show that there are significant personal benefits even where the main intent is to improve work performance.

The work of coaching and mentoring is essentially about empowering people.

I focus on five major areas:

1. Awareness and management of our own mental states.
2. Awareness of the emotional states of other people and managing our relationships with them.
3. Achievement of goals.
4. Equipping people with the tools and techniques they can use for themselves after the coaching or mentoring has finished.
5. Aligning personal and work goals to the benefit of the organisation and the individual.

I am particularly interested in working with professionals who have achieved a high level of competence in their core professional role and have taken on, or are about to take on, senior management posts, to assist them develop their leadership and management skills.

The use of coaching and mentoring for this group may have great benefits both for the person themselves and the organisation yet is often neglected until there are difficulties.

I have regular supervision for my coaching/mentoring.

Qualifications

• ILM 7Certificate in Executive Coaching & Mentoring
• Certificate in Family Therapy (University of Birmingham)
• Certificate in Cognitive Behaviourial Therapy (University of Birmingham)
• Certificate in Behaviourial Therapy (Institute of Psychiatry)
• Practitioner in Neurolinguistic Programming
• Intensively trained in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
• Fellowship of Royal College of Psychiatrists

Available days

I am available by arrangement. This includes out of hours.

Trust 

Coventry & Warwickshire Partnership Trust.

Job Title and Grade

Consultant- Psychiatry of Intellectual/Learning Disability

Brief background 

I am a relatively new consultant psychiatrist (CCT Feb 2019). I did my core training in the Worcestershire scheme and my higher training in Learning Disability across West Midlands, mainly with Coventry & Warwickshire Partnership Trust. 

I have worked previously in Assurance and Business Advisory services at Price Waterhouse Coopers prior to my medical degree. I have also worked as a research assistant and have a Masters degrees in both biochemistry and epidemiology from Oxford University and Imperial College respectively. I am interested in technology and improving services at both a local and national level. I am a previous Newsletter Editor for the RCPsych ID Faculty, National Trainee Representative and have contributed to a College Report.

As a mentor/coach

Although I have no previous experience of formal mentoring, I have attended the college training and am keen to fulfill this role to the best of my ability. I feel fortunate in having had some outstanding clinical and education supervision along my training some of which, when looking back, included informal coaching approaches. I am pleased to be able to offer mentoring support to develop colleagues using evidence based approaches supported by the College. I will continue to develop myself as a mentor both by reflecting on my mentoring with mentees as well as attending and reading information that will help me and in turn my mentees.

My somewhat non-traditional pathway and skills learnt along the way, including receiving informal mentoring, have enabled me to reflect and distil approaches that I use myself. 

I may be a more suitable mentor for a trainee or medical student at this stage in my own mentoring journey. I would offer formal mentoring approaches in addressing the mentee’s key issues to work through. 

Available days/Venue

Monday, Wednesday or Friday daytime. Preference for time period prior to workday if logistically possible.  Evenings and weekends with prior arrangement.

South Warwickshire (Leamington). I can meet by mutual convenience in my working office. ANPR parking is available outside office. Happy to have phone/video link (Skype) sessions between face-to-face meetings.

If mentee works in a Trust a reasonable distance between Worcestershire and South Warwickshire, I may be able to meet before or after work (between 7.30 am and 8.30 am or 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm) at mentee’s work location on weekdays with prior arrangement and a suitable Trust room being arranged by mentee.

Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership Trust

Brief background

I have been a consultant psychiatrist for people with an intellectual disability (ID) in Coventry since 1998. I work mainly in the community, but also support a small inpatient unit. I am an elected member of the West Midlands Division Executive Committee and co mentoring lead. I previously sat on the national ID Faculty Executive with a variety of roles taken on. I Chair the West Midlands ID Consultants Group. I am also a CT1-ST6 Trainer.

As a Mentor/Coach

I initially took on a mentoring role to support trainees moving onto consultant posts. Since then I have developed an interest in the field and have enjoyed supporting the development of the West Midlands psychiatrists mentoring scheme and local training around mentoring.

I have experience in mentoring a number of new consultants. I am co lead for psychiatry mentoring in the West Midlands region and have supported training events and mentoring surveys within the region.

I can offer mentees support around all aspects of consultant/trainee roles. I am interested in education, training and have experience of working within the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Available days

Monday PM, Tuesday PM and Friday PM. I am happy to have late starting sessions.

Venue: Coventry Community Learning Disabilities Team, Windmill Point, Windmill Road, Coventry CV6 7AT

Trust

Brief background: 

Higher trainee working LTFT in older adult psychiatry. A very keen teacher of trainees and supporter of colleagues wellbeing and development.

As a mentor/coach:

I have been informally mentoring throughout my career especially since becoming a higher trainee.  I am a familiar face in my locality having worked here part time for more than a decade. I also support trainees throughout the West Midlands with preparing for their CASC clinical exam and applying for their specialty training posts. 

Available days: 

Monday, Wednesday and Friday.   Possible weekend/evenings if arranged with enough notice.

Brief background

Recently retired from NHS practice, I currently sit on tribunals and am deputy chief medical member for tribunals. Extensive experience as a trainer and mentor. Chair of West Midlands Division 2013-2017.

As a mentor/coach

Mentor for West Midlands Deanery.

Also mentored many new consultants.

Have attended training in the Deanery and College on mentoring.

I am able to give support to mentees based on my experience of working in a large organisation as a trainer mentor to many previous trainees.

Available days

Available days – Friday’s best day. Happy to meet in Solihull or Birmingham.

Worcestershire Health and Care Trust

I work as a part--time Consultant Psychiatrist with Worcestershire Health and Care Trust (WHCT) in General Adult psychiatry. I have worked in the Trust since 2001. I work in an outpatient community setting covering Droitwich catchment area of South Worcestershire.

I have considerable experience of supervising Psychiatric and GP trainees. I have also been a clinical director in this Trust, and that experience has allowed me to see a wider picture of the ways in which Consultants have had to adapt to the continuous pattern of change and re-organisation in the NHS.

During my tenure as Clinical Director, I developed an interest in what might be described as the “pastoral “ needs of colleagues working under a variety of different pressures in the workplace, and this led to an interest in the Mentoring programme set up by the RCPsych.

I have now completed the mentoring training and am willing to offer mentorship to any colleagues, especially newly appointed Consultants who may consider him/herself to benefit from the experience of an established Consultant within the Mentoring programme.

I live in Worcester but I am happy to travel for meetings with a mentee should that be more convenient.

Pen Portrait updated 26.01.2018

Trust and specialty

Coventry & Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust; General Adult Psychiatrist(Early Intervention)

Job title and grade

Consultant

Brief background

I have been a Consultant Psychiatrist for 12 years in Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust. I am medical lead for Psychosis service in our Trust. I am also Undergraduate Psychiatry lead for Buckingham Medical school. I was involved in developing Psychiatry curriculum and placement for Buckingham medical school 3 years ago. I previously worked as Undergraduate tutor for North Warwickshire.

As a mentor/coach

Over the years, I have worked with several trainees and always found teaching and supporting Trainees an enjoyable experience. Over the last 3 years, I was involved in supporting and mentoring a Trainee doctor to develop into the role of teaching fellow at Buckingham university. I have informally worked with a senior doctor who was going through a burnout due to the workload. I also supported other doctor who have some GMC restrictions due to health reasons. 

At a undergraduate level I was employed by Warwick Medical school as a personal Tutor for 7 medical students. I also a Psychiatry lead for Buckingham university. In my role I am involved in teaching and mentoring students. Several of my students have shown an interest to take up Psychiatry as career after working with me and commented on my influence on making this decision

The feedback that I received was very positive regarding my approach-ability, flexible style & ease to get on with attitude. Students have also commented on my passion towards psychiatry and as a motivator to help the doctors develop both professionally and personally. I have done Undergraduate teaching qualification from University of Birmingham one of the Module was on becoming a successful mentor. I can offer the time and place that is required to offer mentorship.

Available days

Time to be agreed with the mentee. I am available to work in the evenings and weekends

Venue

I have access to private meeting space in Coventry, Warwickshire, Online

Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

Brief background

I qualified from Leeds University in 1995 and after completing a medical rotation, I changed to psychiatry, because I enjoyed listening to patients talk about their experiences. I joined the Coventry and Warwickshire rotation and then completed my higher specialist training in forensic psychiatry in the West Midlands. I started working as a consultant at Reaside medium secure unit in 2006. I was engaged in a number of service development activities and became Clinical Lead at Reaside in 2012. I moved to Hillis Lodge low secure unit in 2015, for a fresh challenge and since then I have been involved in a number of other interesting clinical areas and service development opportunities.

As a Mentor/Coach

I have always been involved in the training of psychiatrists (FY, core trainees, ST 4-6) and I like working with people to help them reach their potential. I am also keen that psychiatrists feel supported, especially during difficult times and are able to talk through dilemmas in a safe and supportive environment. I have benefited from being a mentee and I would like to now offer to support others

Available days

Job Title and Grade

Brief background 

Completed my training in Manchester. Started Substantive consultant Job with this trust in 2013.

As a mentor/coach.

When I was appointed as a consultant, I was not aware of accessing a mentor/coach. I later realised how important it was to speak to somebody who is not my line manager or appraiser which encouraged me to become one.

Available days/Venue

Favourable days are Thursday and Friday, but flexible on other days depending on clinical needs. F Block at Kidderminster Hospital or CHEC at Worcester Royal Hospital

Dudley and Walsall Mental Health Partnership Trust

Work: Dudley and Walsall Mental Health Partnership Trust

Brief background

I have been working as a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist in Dudley since 2003 and work within the community CAMHS setting. I am the LNC chair for the above Trust, have been a CASC examiner for the RC Psychiatrist since 2011 and the College Representative for workforce planning since 2016. I previously (2010 to 2015) was the Academic Tutor at the West Midlands Higher Specialist Training scheme in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I am also a CT2 and ST4-6 trainer and have been an educational supervisor in the past.

I am married, have two teenage daughters and have been living in Birmingham for over 20 years.

As a mentor/coach

I have been mentored myself when I started my consultant post and found this support beneficial to settle into the job and orientate myself.

I developed an interest into the mentoring approach in 2012 and I have mentored a couple of newly appointed CAMHS consultants in the past as well as doctors in training referred by the HEE Professional Support Unit. I completed the mentoring induction course run by the West Midlands Division of RC Psychiatrist in February 2015 & November 2017. I finished the mentoring training course provided by HE West Midlands in April 2015.

I can offer mentees support around all aspects of consultant / trainee roles. I am interested in education and training.

Available days: Monday PM or Friday PM

Venue: Halesowen - The Elms Health Centre

Contact Details: The Elms Health Centre, Slade Road, Halesowen, West Midlands B63 2UR Phone Reception: 01384324689, Email: Michael.slowik@nhs.net

Pen Portrait updated 14.12.2017

Brief background

I have been practicing as a consultant in adult psychiatry since 2006. My special clinical interest is in the management of mood disorders. My teaching interest is in psychopharmacology. I have also lectured and run workshops on the service provision for bipolar disorder and lead the trust’s psychological services for this. My journalistic experience has been in the public education of mental illness and I have written for, been interviewed by and taken part in public events on these issues. My work in this area has included national newspapers, popular magazines and broadcasting and I have a regular magazine medical features column. I have held the position of Vice Chair on the national charity Bipolar UK for 3 years.

As a mentor/coach

I have constantly held the role of clinical and educational supervisor to junior and senior trainees in psychiatry as well as medical students whilst a consultant. My supervisory role also extends to non-medical prescribers, where I currently supervise three senior nurses. I have appraised consultant colleagues for over 6 years. In addition, I have attended courses in mentorship as well as learned from the skills of my own mentor.

My approach is recognised as motivating, supportive, and due to my varied experiences broad. My approach is primarily based on mentoring consultants to achieve their very best and to develop themselves well beyond what our everyday commitments require. I am keen to see my mentees develop their ambitions both within their NHS trust roles but also externally in as many ways as their professional goals take them. Conversely I have assisted doctors through more difficult times, both personally and professionally, and have skills and experience in helping manage such problems.

Available days

My place of work is in Lichfield, Staffordshire. My working hours are full time from Monday to Friday and I can meet by mutual convenience in my working offices. Parking is available.

Brief background: 

I work on a low secure unit and a locked rehabilitation unit within the NHS. I have been a consultant in the UK for 20 years having previously held other psychiatric positions abroad and hold or have held clinical roles within independent and voluntary sector organisations over time.

As a mentor/coach:

I have coached a number of new consultants in applying for clinical positions and immediately after taking up roles. I have been an appraiser for consultants. 

Available days/Venue:

Thursday afternoon in Birmingham or West Bromwich area.

Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

Brief background

I went to Guys and King College Hospital and moved to Birmingham for my second house job. I did all my psychiatric training in Birmingham and was privileged to be trained by eminent psychiatrists who were also great teachers. I was encouraged to do research by Professor Andrew Sims and went on to obtain an MD for my research into burns victims.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my career in psychiatry and initially ran a referral only service but later looked after a catchment area, looked after the Eating Disorder Unit and set up the Liaison Psychiatric service at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. I ran a service for doctors and currently do an Occupational Health Psychiatric outpatient service. I do a session with brain injured patients and am a Human Tissue Authority Assessor. I see referrals from the GMC and have a medico legal practise.

I have been a teacher since the mid seventies!

As a mentor/coach

I have always been enthusiastic about looking after my colleagues including junior and senior doctors and have been offering a service to doctors since being appointed a consultant in 1978.

I have many years experience and can offer the benefit of this experience, and I trust a helpful and supportive attitude.

Optional: 3-5 quotes from previous mentees on beneficial changes.

Available days

Times of meeting are by negotiation but preferably late Tuesday or Thursday afternoons.