Comfort zones to Council chambers

Like many of you, my first visit to the Churchill House was when I faced the primary SOE/OSCE examinations. Almost a decade since, I still remember choosing to wait in the park opposite, despite the cold December, instead of the College reception area as there was an aura about the building, which gave butterflies in my stomach.

All I wanted was to get the coveted FRCA and never enter the building again. Little did I know, the journey that started with exams, led to attending educational events for CPD and eventually getting involved with the College work through the SAS committee. Here I am now writing my first blog since being elected to Council.

Traditionally, new members of the Council take office in March, in the presence of the President and other esteemed members who are in their ceremonial robes. It is probably one of the best events in one’s career.

Unfortunately, as anticipated, due to the ongoing pandemic, this year the Council chambers were confined to the screens of the laptop and it was not the long U-shaped table, but the study tables at our homes.

The paradox was that I was in the comforts of my home but definitely out of my comfort zone. The day started online with a friendly meeting with the President and the Vice Presidents, followed by the official Council meeting. The new members read the declaration after the CEO and were officially enrolled. This was followed by business as per the agenda with updates from respective Boards and Chairs of various committees.

It was an intense day, which gave me a flavour of the workload ahead. What struck me most was the openness with which every member spoke and was listened to. It can feel intimidating to share the table with all stalwarts of the specialty, who have been inspiring role models, educators, examiners, authors of books and articles, that we have followed through our anaesthetic career. However, it felt friendly, welcoming, and congenial.

In my commitment of six years at the Council, as a SAS member, it will be my endeavour to be the voice representing this important group of workforce. 2020, we know has been difficult for all of us, and 2021 brings its challenges and hopes. As the sun shines and the spring flowers bloom, we now have the results of the referendum and a decision on the SAS contract.

The new specialist grade is a welcoming change and I am hoping it will bring career-fulfilling opportunities for those who are willing to shun their comfort zones. As the summer months beckon so will the New Curriculum and I recommend colleagues aspiring to apply for the specialist registration to stay engaged especially during the transition period.

The year ahead is already anticipating challenges with an exhausted workforce and a growing backlog of patients. One year on, as we observed the national reflection day, remembering those, whom we lost, fighting this battle, it is important to look after ourselves and our wellbeing so that we can look after our patients well and deliver the care they deserve.

As a new Council member, my priorities for 2021 are to understand the College Governance structure and work in liaison with the team, extend opportunities to members, associate members for better engagement with College activities, and spread awareness about the work that the College undertakes to support all its members. I believe that every step we take should be better than the last one. Shunning the comfort zones is the first step and beyond it lie immense possibilities!

Dr Ashwini Keshkamat, RCoA Council member