From Senior Trainee to Consultant: Addressing an Educational Gap in Paediatric Training

Authors

  • Leeha Singh Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3227-8408
  • Richard Berg Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London
  • Iram Cockar Croydon University Hospital, London
  • Caroline Scott-Lang St Mary's Hospital, London

Keywords:

Paediatrics, Postgraduate Medical Education, Transition to Consultant, Senior trainees, Leadership and management

Abstract

Background: The transition from senior trainee to consultant represents a critical stage in paediatric training. Despite achieving clinical competence, trainees report limited structured support for consultant-specific responsibilities, such as applications, governance, and leadership. This gap contributes to transition anxiety, reduced confidence, and variable preparedness at the point of appointment.

Aim: To design, implement, and evaluate a sustainable, trainee-led programme supporting the transition from senior Paediatric trainee to consultant.

Methods: The Transition to Consultant (T2C) programme (2024–2026) organised by London school of Paediatrics trainee committee (Education subgroup), utilized a longitudinal design over two academic years. It employed interactive lectures, case-based discussions, and experiential mock interviews led by senior trainees and supported by recently appointed consultants.

Results: Over 130 ST5+ Paediatric trainees attended between 2024 and 2026. Feedback demonstrated high levels of satisfaction, with trainees reporting improved clarity regarding recruitment and increased confidence in interview preparation. Demand significantly exceeded capacity, with 95 applicants for 50 places in the most recent cycle.

Conclusion: A trainee-led consultant transition programme is feasible, sustainable, and highly valued. This model transforms uncertainty into preparedness and is transferable across specialties.

Author Biographies

Leeha Singh, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children

LSP Trainee Committee, Education Sub group member, Lead for Transition to Consultant Course

ST5 Paediatric Neurology trainee at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London

Richard Berg, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London

Paediatric Consultant, Department of Paediatrics at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

Iram Cockar , Croydon University Hospital, London

ST8 Paediatric Trainee, Department of Paediatrics at Croydon University Hospital

Caroline Scott-Lang, St Mary's Hospital, London

Paedaitric Consultant, Deaprtment of Paediatrics at St Mary's Hospital, London

References

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Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. Progress+: The paediatric training curriculum. London: RCPCH; 2023.

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Published

09-06-2026

How to Cite

Singh, L., Berg, R. ., Cockar , I., & Scott-Lang, C. . (2026). From Senior Trainee to Consultant: Addressing an Educational Gap in Paediatric Training. London Paediatrics, 8(1). Retrieved from http://journal.londonpaediatrics.co.uk/index.php/1/article/view/146

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 1 (2026): Spring Edition

Section

Short Reports

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Leeha Singh, Richard Berg, Iram Cockar , Caroline Scott-Lang

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the works authorship and initial publication in this journal.