BSH's Early Career Forum was convened in 2021 to implement new nonclinical membership benefits to support those at the start of their careers. They represent the multidisciplinary team, including physician associates, nurses, and scientists.

They have been working on several projects, more information on each follows below. If you are early in your career and have ideas you would like the Early Careers Forum to consider, then please contact our Head of Engagement [email protected] to discuss.

Mentoring

BSH are currently trialling a mentoring platform. Members from the entire MDT, at any point in their career, can support one another in their career growth and development.

Sharing knowledge and expertise is fundamental to our progress both as individuals and for the profession. Developing a mentoring relationship can be a fulfilling and productive way to achieve this.

Why might you want to be mentored?

  • Guidance on professional development and career advancement
  • The opportunity to develop new skills and professional knowledge
  • Gain impartial advice and an alternative perspective
  • Have a non-judgemental sounding board for your ideas
  • Advice on developing strengths and overcoming weaknesses

Why might you become a mentor?

  • “Give something back" and provide support to others
  • Gain opportunities to work on new and exciting challenges
  • Develop leadership skills

The platform matches mentees with mentors possessing their desired interests, skills and expertise and vice versa. If you are interested in joining the trial, please contact [email protected] – we are particularly interested in hearing from people working in the wider MDT. Mentoring is a rewarding experience for both participants, so let's get started!

Early Careers Achievement and Undergraduate Achievement Award

*NEW*: Early Careers Achievement and Undergraduate Achievement Award

This is an exciting new award created by the BSH Early Career Forum. Each Award has a prize value of £1,500, plus expenses to attend the 2024 BSH Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM).

These two awards will be for projects or ideas in service improvement, leadership, and workforce rearrangement. Applicants are encouraged to think broadly and innovatively. The aim of this prize is to foster professional development in students and people early in their careers and encourage reflection on how everyone can contribute to improvements in healthcare regardless of career stage.

The submission should relate to, or have the main focus on, haematology.

Eligibility

This award is open to BSH members and non-members.

For the Undergraduate Achievement Award:

The prize is open to all healthcare students completing an undergraduate degree in their field.

For the Early Careers Achievement Award:

The prize is open to doctors in training, nurses and other healthcare professionals at a maximum of four years post qualification.

Application process and timeline

Applications open on 5 November, and will close at 23:59 on 15 January 2024. The winners will be notified by the end of February and invited (and funded) to attend the BSH ASM in April to receive the award.

The application can be of any media (including, but not limited to, an essay of no more than 2,000 words, a video, an interview, a recorded presentation)– to be submitted by email to the Head of Engagement at BSH no later than 15 January 2024. Applicants need to state which category they are submitting for (undergraduate or early career).

For any questions, please contact the Head of Engagement: [email protected].

Grant and Abstract writing advice

The Early Careers Forum have created the following two documents, giving hints and tips on how to write a successful grant application or abstract submission.

Help to write your Abstract document 

Help to write your Grant application document

EXTERNAL RESOURCES FOR CAREER AND WELLBEING

The Early Careers Forum have compiled a list of external, helpful resources to support you in your career, especially if you're in the early stages.

We hope they will aid you in developing your career and soft skills and managing your mental health and wellbeing.

We encourage you to bookmark this page and check back regularly for updates and additions. If you would like us to add any resources, please email [email protected]

Education and career support
Health Education England - Professional support resources

Health Education England (HEE) offer professional support resources usually coordinated through a Professional Support Unit (PSU) or Professional Support and Wellbeing Unit (PSWU). These units cover all of HEE's regions.

Health and wellbeing
NHS mental health England and Wales)

The NHS direct workers to the Samaritan phone lines which can be reached by dialling: 

116 123

Alternately text SHOUT to 85258 for support 24/7.  

Supporting our NHS people (England)

NHS England’s Supporting our NHS people webpage provides information about and links to support available to NHS staff, the health and wellbeing programmes in place, and a selection of how-to guides.

NHS Practitioner Health (England)

NHS Practitioner Health is a primary care-led mental health assessment and treatment service established to care for NHS professionals. They provide services to practitioners in England.

NHS support line for Filipino staff (England)

A team of fully qualified and trained professionals – all of whom are Tagalog speakers – are available to help NHS staff.

The support line is available for when you’ve had a tough time, are feeling worried or overwhelmed, or maybe you have a lot on your mind and need to talk it through. Tagalog speaking specialist counsellors and support workers are available for confidential discussions about any anxiety or emotional issues you may be experiencing, a bereavement, or if your wellbeing has been affected by witnessing trauma as part of your work.

Visit the website here

You can book a consultation by calling 0300 303 1115 between 8am and 8pm, seven days a week. The assistance is available from anywhere in the country and is provided by Hospice UK.

BMA wellbeing support services directory

The British Medical Association (BMA) have an extensive wellbeing support services directory.

Mind

Mind provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

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