How can we build services that better understand population needs?

In this episode, Dr Jonathan Darling speaks to Dr Nadeem Moghal, Director and Chief Medical and Innovation officer at Strasys. The discussion moves beyond traditional leadership theory and focuses on the practical realities of leading in complex environments, particularly where transformation and service improvement are required.

The two explore the challenge of building better services in increasingly complex systems. Using the example of paediatric services, Nadeem discusses the fragility that can exist within healthcare systems and the importance of understanding population needs. He highlights the growing importance of evidence-based leadership and a system-wide perspective when planning for the future.

Jonathan and Nadeem share several powerful insights on leadership, personal development and driving meaningful change. Leadership is not simply about directing others; it is about having the courage to grow, the determination to drive change and the resilience to persevere when the path becomes difficult.

Read Jonathan's reflections, see Nadeem's recommended authors and comments and download the transcript on the RCPCH website

About Nadeem

Most healthcare consultants observe the system from the outside. Nadeem Moghal has spent over 30 years inside it, as a clinician, a senior leader, and a patient. That combination of perspectives shapes everything he does at Strasys.

At Strasys, Nadeem leads the firm's clinical and innovation agenda. He is passionate about improving healthcare equality and life chances, and has been pioneering population-centric healthcare reform. His recent work includes supporting the reshaping of care for children and young people with Alder Hey, developing national healthcare quality governance capability, and enabling integrated care health systems to think and operate differently.

He questions current approaches, encourages different thinking, and works with leaders to build more equitable communities. Thinking differently, underpinned by data analytics and connected to real stories, is what makes Strasys his natural home.

Want to know more about the RCPCH's Assessment Review particularly what, why, when and how it's going to affect you? This podcast episode aims to do just that by bringing together some of the College faculty who have been involved through the planning, development and pilot stages.

Dr Cathryn Chadwick, outgoing Vice President for Training and Assessment, Dr Josh Hodgson, Chair of the RCPCH Trainee Committee and Dr Sarah Hallett, Trainee Representative for Assessment at the RCPCH, discuss proposed changes to workplace-based assessments which are designed to better reflect real clinical practice.

Cathryn has been leading the work to review the assessment programme within the Progress+ curriculum for doctors in postgraduate paediatric training. After two pilots and a consultation on the new workplace-based assessments, the proposed changes have been submitted to the General Medical Council for approval. Drawing on insights from trainees, trainers and College teams, the review marks a significant step towards embedding assessment within everyday clinical work.

In this conversation, Cathryn, Josh and Sarah outline the Assessment Review process, proposed changes, and predicted timeline for implementation, and address concerns that have come up along the way.

• Learn more and keep up to date with the Assessment Review process - on RCPCH website
• Read our news page summary and download the transcript from episode 1 - on RCPCH website
• Discover more of our podcasts - on RCPCH Learning

About Cathryn

Cathryn is the outgoing RCPCH Vice President for Training and Assessment, a post she has held since 2021. She is a General Paediatric Consultant at Northampton General Hospital where she has a neonatal interest. Cathryn is excited by the opportunities in the new curriculum for trainees to develop capabilities to provide holistic, joined up care for children and young people.

About Josh

Josh is the Chair of the RCPCH Trainee Committee and a Paediatric Intensive Care Medicine trainee based at the Evelina London Children's Hospital. He is an Associate Fellow of the Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management (FMLM and a member of the Academy of Medical Educators and an Instructor for the Resuscitation Council (UK).

About Sarah

Sarah is the trainee rep for Assessments at RCPCH and an ST6 (S1) in General Paediatrics in the East Midlands. She has provided trainee input throughout the Assessment Review and also sits on the Training Quality and START Boards, as well as the SPIN Working Group.

Representing around 30% of the medical workforce in the NHS, SAS doctors are essential to delivering high-quality care. Yet their role is still evolving in terms of recognition and development. In this episode, Dr Jonathan Darling, who has recently completed tenure as RCPCH Vice President for Education and Professional Development, speaks with Dr Kumar Swamy, neonatology specialist and RCPCH SAS Joint Chair about how the RCPCH SAS committee works to amplify the impact and recognition of SAS doctors through consistent and persuasive messaging.

The two discuss how leadership rarely begins with a title but with curiosity, involvement, and a willingness to contribute. Kumar reflects on his journey to developing leadership skills organically by stepping forward in areas he cared about and learning along the way. Emphasising the benefits of shared leadership, he explains the co-leadership model he follows as RCPCH SAS Joint Chair. This is persistent, collaborative and meaningful leadership in action.

• Read Jonathan's reflections and download the transcript from episode 12 - on RCPCH website
• See related resources about 'Leading the way'- on RCPCH Learning

The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast relates only to the speaker and not necessarily to their employer, organisation, RCPCH or any other group or individual.

About Kumar

Kumar Swamy is a Specialist in Neonatology at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. 

He has been involved with the RCPCH SAS committee for over ten years, working first as a regional representative. As a Joint Chair, part of his responsibility is to represent the SAS interests of the College on the Academy of Medical Royal College's SAS meetings. He is also a SAS Tutor for Nottingham University Hospitals and aims to support SAS doctors both locally and nationally.