Tabitha Atkinson-Seed, former University of Exeter medical student selected to join the prestigious Healthcare Leadership Academy scholars programme

Former University of Exeter medical student selected to join the prestigious Healthcare Leadership Academy scholars programme

A former medical student from the University of Exeter has been selected to join the Healthcare Leadership Academy (HLA) Scholars programme - a prestigious scholarship set up to develop and nurture healthcare leaders of the future.

After completing a rigorous selection process, Tabitha Atkinson-Seed will be joining the Healthcare Leadership Academy’s cohort for the 2022/23 academic year. 

Founded in 2016, the HLA scholarship recognises healthcare students and professionals with proven leadership ability and gives them the opportunity to take their leadership skills to the next level.

The HLA aims to inspire and support healthcare students and professionals to change the world of healthcare through leadership, one small step at a time. 

Tabitha graduated with a medicine degree at the University of Exeter in 2020. She went on to complete her foundation training at both the Royal Devon and Exeter and Royal Cornwall Hospitals. She has recently accepted a clinical teaching fellowship at the Royal United Hospital Bath.

Speaking about the opportunity, Tabitha said: "The opportunity to be a part of the HLA community is incredibly exciting. Nurturing high quality leadership and mentorship in the NHS is something that I believe to be so important, and I am therefore thrilled to have the chance to develop my own leadership skills over the coming year. It is an immense privilege to be chosen for the scholarship and I am looking forward to getting to know my HLA colleagues, who will no doubt inspire me along the way.

The HLA started with the flagship HLA Scholars programme based in London and since then it has rapidly spread across the UK, with cohorts in London, Newcastle, Bristol, Belfast, and Edinburgh, as well as Amsterdam.

It was formed in response to demand from young clinicians and medical students to learn about leadership. The aim of the programme is to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals and develop their understanding of leadership.

Speaking about this year’s cohort, Johann Malawana, Director of the HLA, said: “After a rigorous and competitive application process, we are delighted to welcome Tabitha to our 2022-2023 HLA cohort. 

“The pandemic has reinforced the need for leaders who inspire, listen and care. At a time of great global challenge, it is important that the next generation of healthcare leaders are motivated, inspired, and prepared in order to best look after the populations they serve.

“We look forward to seeing what this generation of Scholars achieve with the platform they are given through the HLA and its community.”

As part of their role, Scholars are expected to develop a community project over the course of the one-year programme, with previous projects having reached national prominence, winning prizes, publications and presentations at national events including at the House of Lords.

Universities and healthcare organisation’s where previous scholars have been based have benefitted immensely from their staff and students becoming scholars. They have developed high profile projects that have had an impact nationally and internationally. 

The HLA is approved by The Institute of Leadership & Management, is a certified member of Social Enterprises UK, and is commissioned by Health Education England North East and Health Education England South West. 

The HLA partners with Medics.Academy and through Medics.Academy its programme is accredited by the Medical School at the University of Central Lancashire. The HLA is also supported by University College London’s Academic Careers Office.

Find out more visit https://thehealthcareleadership.academy/

Date: 16 August 2022