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This week, Chris Sheridan and I handed the @BMAScotland Scottish Junior Doctors Committee chair over to Alisdair Gilmour, an orthopaedic trainee in Glasgow.
I've reflected on what the role has meant for me and what @BMAScotland means for junior doctors in Scotland.
I've reflected on what the role has meant for me and what @BMAScotland means for junior doctors in Scotland.
I joined in the BMA in my final year at @dundeeuni, wanting to be a voice for junior doctors from working class backgrounds in the BMA. I took up the chair of SJDC in my year, having felt aspects of the job were unjust and unsafe.
I was lucky to be a part of getting 46 hours post nights rest instituted, getting people the right to their wedding day off (hard to believe this didn't exist), getting the first above inflation pay rises and more. These were important to me.
Through coronavirus, we worked with @scotgovhealth, @NHS_Education and NHS Scotland employers to protect the health and livelihoods of our members. We made sure those shielding didn't see a drop in pay.
Some have been skeptical in the past about the value of the BMA. Having been at the table, I can truly say that without the BMA juniors would be so much less protected and represented. We've never had such strong membership in Scotland and I think that's starting to show.
I hear less apathy at work when it comes to our own health, about the safety of our working patterns and the effect on patients, and about our training. I think juniors have growing consciousness and self respect and that can only be good for the patients we care for.
Typically, a higher percentage of consultants choose to be union members than juniors. We should learn from that and build on our growing strength. There's so much left to do and there's much further to go to make our work as rewarding, as welcoming and as safe as it can be.
I think we'll get there faster if we participate in our union, in our colleges and if we make friends and allies of patient groups. Working in and with the system is essential for progress. If you're getting angry, get involved.
