From Forum fellows to advisory panel, supporting early career voices in improvement work
The next generation advisory panel took shape at the International Forum in Copenhagen in 2023, during discussions on multigenerational improvement. The Forum’s focus on collaboration and learning prompted reflection on how early-career professionals could be more closely involved in shaping improvement conversations. Dr Jamie Smyth, Public Health registrar and National Medical Director’s Clinical Fellow 2022–23, explains that this moment highlighted an opportunity to strengthen participation across career stages.
Following the Copenhagen Forum, Dr Smyth, together with his peer Forum Fellows Dr Emily Audet, Dr Riddhi Shenoy, Dr Emma Tonner, Dr Victoria O’Brien, Dr Tom Hine-Thomas, and Maja Troj Larsen, went on to form the next generation advisory panel. With encouragement from BMJ Group and Forum leadership, this initial experience developed into a more sustained way of working.
With encouragement from BMJ Group and Forum leadership, this early experience developed into a more sustained way of working. The London Forum in 2024 marked the first formal year of the panel, with Dr Emily Audet as chair. During this Forum, the panel supported the delivery of a provocation session for senior leaders, bringing early career perspectives into senior level discussions.
As the Forum continued in Utrecht, the panel became an established part of the Forum community. Through its work, it has supported early-career clinicians and professionals to present their work, build connections, and take part in the Forum in a more active way.
Now, having chaired the panel over the past two years, Dr Smyth believes it contributes to the Forum’s sustainability by introducing new delegates who return as contributors and speakers. His close involvement has strengthened his leadership practice in public health and reinforced the value of bringing experience and new perspectives together across generations.
“Empowering future generations of patients and health professionals is vital, and only through multigenerational collaboration can we begin to address the challenges facing health systems across the globe.”
Dr Jamie Smyth
Speciality Registrar in Public Health – ST4, Imperial College Healthcare Trust
More about the next generation advisory panel
The next generation advisory panel is a representative group that ensures that the views and interests of early-career healthcare professionals are represented throughout the planning and delivery of our International Forums in Quality and Safety in Healthcare.
The panel plays a pivotal role in providing support and advice during our planning meetings, and critically, providing a strategic direction for achieving greater representation of early career healthcare professionals during Forums, an essential part of our growing community.
Attending Oslo?
Join the Aspiring Leaders in Healthcare Network (ALiHN) early career professionals networking breakfast
This is the perfect opportunity for early-career professionals to connect with peers from around the world, build a supportive community for your time in Oslo, and discover how ALiHN empowers future healthcare leaders. Begin your conference with new connections, shared ideas, and a strong sense of community.
Dr Emily Audet, Severn Hospice, UK
Dr Jamie Smyth, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust; UK
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