Ep7: The Art of Supervision

By shaping the next generation of physicians, supervision affects the lives and health of patients. In this episode, our guests explore how the role of the supervisor has changed over time (as well as where the role ends), the skills needed for a good supervisor, and some suggestions on how to deliver constructive criticism. With combined decades of experience, they also share their thoughts on how to improve your own performance as a supervisor—and why they find it worthwhile. 

Three experienced supervisors share their views: Dr Peter Davoren FRACP, an endocrinologist and former Director of Physician Education at Gold Coast Hospital; Dr Marion Leighton FRACP, a general physician based in Wellington who supervises both for the RACP and for the MCNZ; and Dr Josh Francis FRACP, a Darwin-based paediatrician who provides remote supervision for doctors in Timor-Leste. We also spoke to Alexandra Greig (AT, Public Health) to hear the thoughts of a doctor who is currently being supervised

Links to resources mentioned on the show are provided below. View the RACP's curated collection on teaching for a larger guide to professional development tools.

This episode was produced by Alastair Wilson, with editing by Anne Fredrickson. Music from Scott Holmes ('Oceans Apart'), Squire Tuck ('Song for the Chameleon'), Cahill Locksmith ('Diamond Variety'), and Julianna Barwick ('I Wish I Could Create'); photo by Isaac Bowen (via Flickr). 

Editorial feedback was provided by RACP Fellows Dr Libby Smales, Dr Lionel Lubitz, Dr Mandy Fletcher, Dr Rachel Wong, A/Prof Matthew Links, Dr Marie-Louise Stokes, and Dr Hamish McCay, and RACP staff member Ms Erin Murphy. 

Please visit the RACP website for a transcript embedded with citations. Fellows of the College can claim CPD credits for listening and additional reading.