Trainers Residential 2024

The much-anticipated West Mid Trainers Residential took place on Friday, 22nd November 2024, and oh, what a day it was! This yearly gathering is always a highlight on our calendar, and this year was no exception – it was our biggest and best yet!

With a record-breaking 51 trainers in attendance, the room buzzed with energy, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of GPs. It’s heart-warming to witness how our vibrant trainer community continues to flourish, driven by the passion and dedication to supporting trainees on their journey.

This year, we dove into the theme of playful learning – an approach that injects creativity and joy into education, proving that a little fun can lead to big transformations. Between the laughter and lightbulb moments, we explored how these playful strategies can do so much more than engage trainees; they can also foster psychological safety and a sense of belonging within our teams.

It was a day to remember – full of inspiration, collaboration, and a reminder that learning (and teaching) can be both meaningful and fun!

Playful Learning in Medical Education

We were absolutely thrilled to welcome the brilliant Dr. Giskin Day to lead a session on bringing playful learning into our everyday teaching practices. Giskin’s insights showcased how incorporating abstract (and material) elements into teaching can spark curiosity and deepen engagement in ways we hadn’t imagined.

One of the highlights? Taking part in our very own ‘Edventure’! This immersive experience allowed us to witness first-hand how playful learning can turn routine educational conversations into vibrant, reflective, and meaningful exchanges. It was inspiring to see how this approach opens the door to more creativity, collaboration, and, dare we say, a little fun in our teaching.

A huge thank you to Giskin for guiding us into this boundless world of imaginative education. For those who couldn’t attend (or who just want to revisit the magic), the learning materials from the session are now available to download from the Educator Forum section of our website. Happy exploring! ✨

Psychological Safety in the Workplace

Our afternoon session shifted gears to focus on a cornerstone of effective learning environments: psychological safety. Guided by the pioneering research of Professor Amy Edmondson (and her inspiring book, The Fearless Organization), we explored how to take personal responsibility for fostering a culture where everyone feels safe to contribute, question, and grow.

We dived into a recent survey of trainee perceptions of psychological safety, which sparked lively discussions and a wealth of new ideas. It was enlightening – and humbling – to hear directly from trainees about their experiences, reminding us of the importance of actively maintaining psychological safety across all domains in our teams and practices.

Once again, Giskin brought a creative twist, inspiring us to think about how playful elements can contribute to psychological safety. Her concept of a ‘Medical Monopoly’ game for inductions left many of us buzzing with ideas. I, for one, can’t wait to design a more engaging induction process that helps new trainees feel welcome, connected, and ready to thrive right from the start!

For those keen to delve deeper, the slides and survey results are now available for download in the Educator Forum section of the website. Let’s keep the conversation going! 😊

Wrapping Up

As the day came to a close, we confirmed the dates and venues for next year’s meetings – keep an eye on the website as the Meeting Schedule will be updated soon. Be sure to share these with your Practice Managers and save the dates in your diaries!

It was truly heart-warming to see everyone smiling, connecting, and diving into the activities with such enthusiasm. These residentials have become a much-needed oasis – a chance to step away from the hustle of daily practice, reflect on our journeys, and recharge for the road ahead. It’s a privilege to create this space for you all, and I hope the day left you feeling inspired to bring a little creativity and playfulness into your work. As a memento, I’ve put together a video of the residential, capturing the joy and camaraderie of our time together. I hope it serves as a lovely keepsake of the memories we’ve made.

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year! 🎄✨ I look forward to seeing you in January 2025, ready to embrace another year of growth, learning, and laughter. 😊

Nad.