Radiology Events and Learning (REAL) Faculty Lead

Are you a passionate advocate for education? Are you enthusiastic about the RCR REAL initiative for improving our reporting through learning from errors, discrepancies, and good spots in a safe, anonymous environment without blame or shame? Over more than a decade the Radiology Events and Learning (REAL) faculty has led this initiative, using real life educational cases and expert targeted teaching to improve awareness of common radiology pitfalls and help avoid them.  The impact of REAL has grown substantially both in the UK and globally.  To support the next stage in its development we are seeking a new lead for our REAL faculty, a key role overseen by the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR). As the driving force behind REAL, you will lead our subject matter experts in planning, reviewing, and delivering educational resources that support ongoing learning. If you're keen to make an impact on the future of radiology education and patient care, we invite you to take the helm of the REAL faculty. 

The REAL faculty lead is responsible for REAL activities which include:

• Working with the RCR Learning team to develop REAL further as a leading global initiative.  
• Working closely with the RCR Learning team, and aligning with RCR’s strategic priorities.
• Editing the quarterly REAL newsletter.
• Reviewing submitted errors, educational cases, and good spots cases for anonymous publication.
• Commissioning targeted teaching articles on key identified clinically important subjects where errors occur.
• Chairing the annual faculty meeting to discuss future REAL activities.
• Supporting individual REALM leads in Trusts throughout the country with advice and guidance.
• Responding to REAL queries.
• Actively seeking opportunities to foster greater engagement. 
• Working in collaboration with the advisor to organise the annual national REALM (REAL meeting).
• Representing REAL by giving talks and chairing sessions.
• Reviewing, updating, and promoting the RCR REALM standards document.

You will have a faculty to help you deliver the activities outlined above.

As faculty lead, you'll also play an active role in shaping the strategic direction of clinical radiology through your position on the RCR Learning committee and the Professional Support and Standards Board.

What support will I receive from RCR staff and other officers?

The REAL lead is supported by REAL faculty members, as well as staff from the RCR Learning team who can provide expertise in developing, marketing, and delivering educational resources and will help you with all aspects of your lead role. The role holder will have a dedicated staff point of contact within the team.

This role will commence on the 1 September 2024 and will typically serve a term of three years which may be extended on the invitation of the Vice-President (CR) by up to one year.  

We do not provide direct remuneration for this post but offer financial assistance with travel and subsistence. It is estimated that no less than 10 days of time annually (0.5 PAs) will be required to support the role, and we would support the successful applicant in local negotiations with their Trust to include this in their job plan which should be categorised as external duties. 

To put your name forward for the role of REAL faculty lead, you need to be a Fellow of the College by examination (no minimum period as a Fellow is required), resident in the United Kingdom, hold a current licence to practise with the General Medical Council (GMC) and be in active clinical practice.

Interested applicants are welcome to contact the current chair Jonathan Smith at [email protected] to discuss the role.

• Evidence of knowledge and implementation of practice from radiology events and learning.
• Strong understanding of how to identify, influence and engage with subject matter experts (SMEs) to contribute to ongoing educational resources in radiology events and learning.
• Ability to build positive working relationships with a range of stakeholders, including strong time management skills.
• Expertise and experience in supporting the drafting of guidance and educational resources, including around audit and quality improvement.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in practice 

• Contribute to your College and faculty’s professional development offering, and help support training and retention at a global level  
• Collaborate with and learn from members, Fellows and partners based around the globe 
• Earn CPD credits for the delivery of learning activities 
• Use the title ‘RCR REAL Faculty Lead’ to share your experience with professional connections (in line with RCR guidance)

If you wish to apply, please fill out the application form with supporting statement, making sure your CV is saved as your name in a PDF or Word format.

We welcome applications from RCR Fellows based in the UK, subject to the criteria outlined above.  

Applications close on 8 May 2024 at 17.00 (BST). Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview on 23 May 2024. Successful candidates will be contacted no later than 17 May 2024.