Medical leadership saves lives. Hospitals with high levels of medical engagement, where all doctors are actively involved in management, leadership and service improvement, have better outcomes. Leadership competencies are not only required by senior clinicians and trainees who aspire to positional leadership roles. From the moment they step onto the wards, all trainee doctors require a range of leadership and management competencies; however, trainee leadership capability remains an undervalued resource in the NHS. The rotation of trainees provides them with unique insights into healthcare systems, and with many challenges facing the NHS and trainees responsible for so much front-line clinical activity, all trainees must be engaged in leadership. The health system must engage and support trainees in leadership development, so trainees take responsibility for driving the quality and safety agenda and demonstrate leadership in transforming services. There is a need to professionalise medical leadership and attract trainees to leadership as an investment in the future of the NHS.
Keywords: Junior doctor; leadership; medical engagement; patient safety; quality improvement; trainee.