What trainees can expect from CDU coaching/mentoring
When is coaching/mentoring needed?
It is not uncommon for doctors and dentists in training to have difficulty demonstrating the required competencies to progress to the next stage in their training. Sometimes this is because of exam failure and sometimes because of performance at work which does not reach the level expected for their stage in training.
What CDU coaching/mentoring involves
A trainee who self-refers or is referred to the CDU by their educational supervisor or medical director will be allocated a CDU coach/mentor. All CDU coach/mentors are experienced consultants or GPs.
The CDU coach/mentor's first duty is to the trainee. They will want to fully understand what has been happening for the trainee and especially whether there are any particular factors contributing to their current situation. How has the trainee performed in previous jobs? Is their work being affected by personal circumstances, eg a long commute to work, or changed family responsibilities? What are their longterm hopes and plans?
If the trainee has self-referred their work with the CDU is confidential. Where a trainee has been referred, the coach/mentor will contact the educator who made the referral and will seek to work with both the trainee and their supervisors to help the trainee progress.
The CDU coaching/mentoring contract
The trainee will be expected to sign our coaching/mentoring contract . This spells out the practicalities and expectations on both sides for the work to proceed.
The CDU encourages trainees to see a referral as an opportunity for some really dedicated self-development work with an empathic coach/mentor.
