CVS has welcomed a new cohort of graduates to its New Graduate Tutor Groups after 'a successful first launch year': 126 new first-year graduates have just joined their 124 year-two peers on the initiative.
The New Graduate Tutor Groups scheme aims to help graduates develop a local peer support network, give them the opportunity to develop their consulting and communication skills, and embed a contextualised care approach to their general practice work.
The groups are held regionally four times a year for graduates with up to 24 months' experience in CVS’ New Graduate Programme. Each tutor group runs over the course of a full day. A number of focused sessions are run on topics such as emergencies, anaesthesia, dentistry and client communication, with clinical and professional skills taught together. Information is presented in a seminar format, followed by small group case-based discussions. There is the opportunity for graduates to explore their experiences related to the material and to reflect on what they could have done differently.
The groups also include 'Career Progression Check-ins' for year-two graduates. This includes discussions on their development, areas for further progression, and results in the creation of a development plan to take back to their practice line manager.
The New Graduate Tutor Group days are led by a team of regional lead facilitators who are experienced first-opinion general practitioners, supported by two new graduate pastoral support vets (PSV). Training content is compiled by CVS’ regional clinical lead team who have additional qualifications or a special interest in the relevant areas.
Heather Lucas, PSV (South) at CVS, comments: “It is heart-warming to see how valuable our graduates are finding our tutor groups. Attendance has been high at almost 80% and the feedback on content has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Our aim was to give graduates the opportunity to work through common challenges they may face in first opinion practice in a safe space, with appropriate support and coaching. We believe this will help build resilience in managing complex situations and improve job satisfaction in practice in the long-term."
Jennifer Clarkson, PSV (North), adds: “We also created these quarterly groups to enable our young vets to form friendships with those going through a similar experience. It’s amazing to see how our year-two cohorts help and encourage our year-ones. And it’s also interesting to see our year-twos appreciate how far they have come over the last 12 to 18 months.
“In addition, we hope that the inclusion of our career progression element will help our mature graduates to see the opportunities available to them within the wider CVS group – and visualise their future within our company."
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