Are you aspiring to the role of medical director (MD), associate MD, deputy MD, or a senior executive role? If you are currently in or about to step into these roles – then this programme is for you!
The programme will have a particular focus on:
- how to have a significant impact in support of the board and executive team
- how, as medical director, you will play a significant role in the reconfiguration of clinical services designed to enhance patient experience, as well as provide a positive environment for colleagues
- how to work nationally, regionally and locally to tackle health inequalities and champion quality of care across all clinical services.
‘A brilliant programme to give a very comprehensive overview of skills, capabilities and resilience to progress in the medical leadership role’
Manish Pagaria, clinical director in Dudley, delegate 2024–25
This programme has been uniquely designed by a group of doctors working at this executive management and leadership level. Including current and former medical directors, alongside a former CEO of a trust board and senior members of the RCP. Together, they carefully considered the MD role in the NHS today to design a practical and fit-for-purpose programme.
Even as long ago as 2017, the Good Governance Institute paper The role of the Medical Director in the NHS identified that ‘A significant issue with the role of Medical Director is that there is no clear and systematic career path. In terms of preparation and training for the role, the NHS Confederation argues that although there is some value in formal management courses, more advantageous are courses which deal with actual issues encountered on the job rather than simply management theory’. The RCP developed this AMD programme to address this need, and it has been highly valued and evaluated since it’s first cohort.
Apply nowWe have considerable experience in designing successful programmes with a practical, work-based focus. This programme will include group working enabling participants to focus on a project which will impact on their own trust. A range of guest speakers will share their own experiences of the successes and challenges of working at board level. Throughout the programme there will be opportunities to network and build relationships with those in similar roles around the UK.
Why choose our programme?
The RCP Aspiring Medical Director Programme gives aspiring clinical leaders the clarity, confidence and practical skills they need to step into senior leadership with impact. Grounded in real‑world NHS challenges, the programme blends expert teaching, peer learning and personalised development to help you navigate complexity, lead teams effectively and drive meaningful change. With direct access to experienced medical directors, high‑quality leadership tools and the prestige of RCP accreditation, it’s a powerful next step for clinicians ready to shape the future of healthcare.
The programme has a unique practical focus with the aim of helping doctors to develop the skills and knowledge required to manage the real-world issues encountered working at executive level in the NHS. This is a fit for-purpose programme; practical, inspiring, uniting, and designed for today’s NHS’.
Dr Alex Crowe, RCP censor, (former MD), programme design lead
Programme overview
The programme will be delivered at the RCPs state of the art facilities in the Spine, Liverpool. Private Networking Dinners and overnight accommodation will be provided during the 2-day blocks. Before applying please make sure you can attend all days of the programme
- Days 1 and 2: 19 and 20 October 2026
Introduction to the MD role – definitions, roles and responsibilities, Board functions, MD visibility and leadership styles.
- Days 3 and 4: 22 & 23 February 2027
Effective communication – how to be a translator between board and medical staff, MD as a manager, neurodiversity and inclusive communication, working with the media.
Managing staff and doctors – creating a culture of disclosure, challenging unacceptable behaviour or standards of work, challenging conversations
- Action learning set: Online (15 March 2027)
- Days 5 and 6: 14 & 15 June 2027
NHS changes – digitalisation, financial planning, the primary and secondary care interface. Preparing for the interview, influencing and lobbying and succession planning.
Teaching days will be interactive, allowing learners to work together and explore specific areas important to the role. Supportive resources and reading lists will be supplied through the RCP Medical Education Resource Centre throughout the programme.
‘Really good oversight of the roles/ responsibilities of the MD role. Useful discussions around Board function etc. Excellent speakers – authentic, credible and engaging’
‘Really good oversight of the roles/ responsibilities of the MD role. Useful discussions around Board function etc. Excellent speakers – authentic, credible and engaging’
Dr James Griffiths, deputy MD, Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, delegate 2024–25
Who should apply?
The programme is aimed at all those aspiring to the medical director role, including those about to step into assistant, associate or deputy MD roles. It is also suitable for those in equivalent roles, such as senior executives in other healthcare systems.
Additionally, we have a 1-day clinical director course, which is suitable for those not yet at a sufficiently senior role, email education.courses@rcp.ac.uk to find out more.
How do I apply?
Applications for the 2026/2027 cohort are open.
If you have any questions, please email: education.courses@rcp.ac.uk
Liverpool
- Day 1 and 2: 19 and 20 October 2026
- Day 3 and 4: 22 and 23 February 2027
- Day 5 and 6: 14 and 15 June 2027.
The cost for the year-long programme is £5,000 (£4,500 with our 10% RCP member discount) which can be split over 2 financial years, and we are encouraging use of study budgets and trust top-ups to fund this. Accommodation and networking events are including in the price.
Applicants will need a supporter at senior executive or MD level in their own organisation, who will countersign a learner agreement with you and will support you with the programme and the associated project. We are happy to contact them and discuss how this might be possible. Contact us at education.courses@rcp.ac.uk
This programme is approved for 36 external CPD credits.
On the final day or the programme, delegates will share a short 10-minute presentation suitable for use in an interview for an associate MD role and as an outcome to complete the RCP Leadership accreditation. The accreditation will match a project you will have been involved in at your trust. Time will be given in the programme to look at trust-based projects and how they can be supported with the tools you are learning.
Our experienced medical educationalists work collaboratively to co-design programmes with senior clinicians who are active in hospitals throughout the UK. This ensures our courses remain relevant and respond to the changing needs of the clinical workforce, enabling high quality patient-centred care.
This unique partnership approach is key to the value and success of our programmes both in the UK and internationally. Each course combines on-the-ground experience and professional knowledge of medical practice in the NHS, alongside educational theory, teaching and practical skills, designed for every stage of your career.
We can work with Trusts to develop long-term partnerships for staff development, reserving places on programmes, offering discounts for multiple bookings, and working with you and the learners to develop impactful workplace-based development
If you are an employer wishing to secure a place on the programme but have not identified your applicant, please contact us and we will be able to reserve a place for your learner(s).
If you are wishing to book multiple places on the programme, please contact us for a multi-seat discount: education.courses@rcp.ac.uk
If you have any queries about this programme, or would like to speak to a course lead, please contact us at education.courses@rcp.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0)20 3075 1563
Liverpool dates:
- Day 1: Liverpool (7 October 2025)
- Day 2: Liverpool (2 December 2025)
- Day 3: Liverpool (10 February 2026)
- Day 4: Liverpool (21 April 2026)
- Day 5: Networking day for both cohorts in London (23 June 2026).
London dates:
- Day 1: London (14 October 2025)
- Day 2: London (9 December 2025)
- Day 3: London (3 February 2026)
- Day 4: London (14 April 2026)
- Day 5: Networking day for both cohorts in London (23 June 2026).