In this section
“When we took on our first breast clinician, we found it very rewarding because they were with us for three years. We taught them everything and saw them develop, grow and mature over that time and become independent. We were very lucky in appointing our first breast clinician trainee, now breast clinician, working as part of the breast team. Because the experience was so successful and rewarding for all involved, we opted for a second trainee and again, we’re seeing them grow and develop over time. It’s really amazing what you can achieve in three years.”
Dr Nisha Sharma, Director of Breast Screening and Clinical Lead for Breast Imaging
“The programme is a very positive step in trying to reduce workforce issues in breast imaging. It is an evolving, coordinated project which builds on individual and team strengths encouraging mutual learning and personal development. Our department is very grateful to be involved.”
Professor Iain Lyburn, Consultant Radiologist
“We are extremely pleased and proud of the progress of the new credential. The scheme has the potential to make a real difference in supporting breast clinics and training the future leaders of breast services. So far, credential trainees have praised the breadth of the course and supervisors have told us the scheme offers a positive future for their services.”
Dr Stephen Harden, RCR Vice President
“The funding of a third cohort of trainees recognises the success of this scheme, which has produced new breast clinicians working autonomously in breast units across the country. Trainees come into this branch of medicine from a range of professional backgrounds and we welcome enquiries from interested doctors from hospital practice or primary care, or who may be returning to practice.
The credential programme trains each doctor to a high national standard across all elements of the curriculum, they are supported locally and nationally by the collaborative credential team.”
Dr Zoe Goldthorpe, ABC Vice President
“I feel privileged to be part of such a great national training pilot”
Dr Mayada Haydar, Trainee Breast Clinician
“I wasn’t even aware breast clinicians existed before hearing about the credential- it has everything I have been looking for in a career and more. The variety within it is fantastic and working across radiology, surgery, genetics and oncology- I really feel I am getting to do the best bits of each of the specialties but also a real canvas to build in any or all of the areas to add impact to the local service. It has both been challenging but also quite exciting to be part of the pilot, for the unit I am in, I am their first breast clinician and it feels like together with my supervisors we are creating something new.”
Dr Fatima Ali, Trainee Breast Clinician
“I can speak first hand to the importance of the Breast Clinician Credential in Breast Disease Management…. it will have a massive positive impact on patient care.”
Fiona Harrison, Patient Representative
“Being shortlisted for the BMJ Awards is testament to the hard work and dedication of the credential team. They’ve addressed and implemented a novel solution to a workforce problem that will benefit women now and in the future.”
Nikki Barraclough, Executive Director, Prevent Breast Cancer
