Bridging the divide: The duality of roles for medical directors and clinicians in the new NHS

Abstract

This article describes some of the central concerns of medical directors in NHS trusts. It focuses on the issues they face as a result of their dual roles as medical professionals and management professionals. Three aspects of the duality are discussed: the tension in satisfying the demands of the two roles in their own job; the facilitation of other clinicians to come to terms with an enhanced managerial role; and the exploitation of the two roles in managing relationships with all colleagues. The article will inform medical directors, those concerned with the design of education for management clinicians, and those people involved in the wider debate about the benefits of NHS reforms. It concludes that the dual role provides medical directors with a unique potential for making a powerful contribution to the strategic thrust of the organization.