2026/2027 Scottish Medical Appraisers Conference

Welcome/Opening remarks (Dr Iain Jamieson, Assistant Director, PSDS)

PSDS/Medical Appraisal updates (William Liu, Training Manager for Medical Appraisal, PSDS)

Fostering Neuro-inclusive Appraisals

This interactive workshop explores the varied neurodiverse experiences appraisers may encounter during appraisal discussions. Building on last year’s popular session, we will focus on real-world scenarios and the practical challenges that may arise, including different problems individuals face, unique viewpoints (and potential ‘baggage’) they may bring, and both likely and unlikely situations that could surface during the appraisal process.

The session will offer practical strategies for appraisers to provide meaningful support, such as recognising when additional time might be needed or how to adapt their approach to ensure neurodiverse colleagues are able to engage fully and confidently. Attendees will leave with increased awareness, actionable tools, and a renewed confidence in supporting neurodiversity within the appraisal context.

Presenters:

• Dr Colin Jamieson (GP, NHS Ayrshire & Arran)
• Dr Iain Jamieson (Assistant Director, PSDS)

PARALLEL SESSIONS [PICK ONE]

GP Returner and International Induction Programme
[For Primary Care Appraisers]

This session will explore the different pathways to GP registration and the practical steps required for doctors to be added to their local Performer List via the Returner and International Induction Programme (R&IIP). This programme supports doctors with a UK GP qualification who have been away from practice for 2 or more years or doctors who have an equivalent UK GP qualification who have never worked in the UK as a GP. We will discuss the implications for revalidation and equip appraisers with guidance on what to look out for when supporting this group of doctors during appraisal.

Aims of the session:

• An overview of the different routes to GP registration in the UK
• An understanding of the R&IIP scheme and how doctors are supported through these programmes
• The role of appraisers in supporting doctors returning to practice, including practical scenarios and tips
• Guidance for appraisers on navigating these transitions, from a primary care perspective

We hope this session will provide a valuable platform for sharing experiences, discussing current processes, and identifying areas for improvement in supporting doctors who have been added their local Performer List via the R&IIP.

Presenter:

• Dr Karine Newlands (Assistant Director, PSDS)

Supporting SAS Doctors Through Appraisal
[For Secondary Care Appraisers]

This workshop focuses on supporting SAS doctors through the appraisal process in a way that is consistent, fair and developmental. Using real‑world scenarios, the session will explore the specific contexts SAS doctors work in, common challenges that arise at appraisal, and how appraisers can create constructive, meaningful conversations that support reflection, wellbeing and career development. The workshop will also highlight practical resources and approaches that can be taken into everyday appraisal practice.

Aims of session:

• recognise the key features of SAS roles and how these can influence appraisal discussions
• identify common challenges SAS doctors may experience in preparing for and engaging with appraisal
• apply supportive appraisal approaches that promote meaningful reflection and professional development
• signpost appropriate resources and support to help SAS doctors get the most from appraisal.

Presenters:

• Dr Claire Gilroy (Specialty doctor, Secondary Care Appraiser, NHS Ayrshire & Arran)
• Dr Lynne Meekison (Associate Postgraduate Dean for SAS, PSDS)

Finding Hope in Appraisal

Recent feedback from appraisers indicated a rise in the challenges currently confronting many appraisees, from mounting cynicism and declining job satisfaction to reluctance in accepting new responsibilities. This interactive session will combine both small and large group discussions, as well as practical tips, to identify prevalent issues, examine how these difficulties manifest during appraisal, and consider their impact on both appraisees and appraisers.

Participants will be introduced to straightforward, practical mentoring and coaching strategies designed to foster deeper insight for appraisees. The session will also offer opportunities to exchange experiences, discuss new ideas in a supportive setting, and take time to reflect on learning.

Our aim is to empower appraisers to feel more confident in offering appraisees an appraisal that is of real value to them.

Presenters:

• Dr Barbara Chandler (SC Appraisal Lead, NHS Highland)
• Dr Paul Eunson (SC Appraiser and Appraiser course tutor)
• Dr Peter Kielhmann (PC Appraiser and Appraiser course tutor)

Lunch and networking

An opportunity for those who may wish to meet and network with fellow appraisers in other health boards and specialties.

Alternatively you may wish to just enjoy your lunch away from the screen and reconvene for the next session at 1:45pm...

Discussing Complaints in Medical Appraisal

Complaints are often one of the most sensitive and complex areas of medical appraisal. Appraisers are required to balance supportive, reflective discussion with the need for clear, accurate documentation that informs revalidation.

This interactive workshop will explore how appraisers can approach conversations about complaints with confidence, consistency and compassion. Drawing on practical examples and shared discussion, the session will consider how complaints can be explored constructively, avoiding judgement or collusion, while supporting meaningful reflection and learning.

The workshop aims to cover:

• How to structure and facilitate effective discussions about complaints in appraisal
• What proportionate, high‑quality recording looks like in Form 4
• How to consider whether a complaint can reasonably be described as “resolved”, including how to handle complaints that resurface years later
• The implications of complaints for appraisal and revalidation
• The potential professional and personal impact of complaints on doctors, and how appraisers can offer appropriate support within their role

This session is designed to be practical and reflective, supporting appraisers to handle complaints in a way that is fair, transparent and focused on professional development.

Presenters:

• Dr George Fernie (SC Appraisal Lead, PSDS)

Medical Appraisal Scotland: a web resource and recent projects

The very first version of SOAR was built and launched in 2007, but did you know that there was a companion website that was also launched at the same time?

Most of you will have visited the Medical Appraisal Scotland website to get to the SOAR user guides, but it is actually an information portal for all things appraisal and revalidation related, including toolkits, QIA library and resources for appraisees and appraisers alike.  Over the past few years we have added resources to this and the aim of this session is to (re)introduce to you this free web resource dedicated to support you.

We will also aim to share updates on recent research projects that the team has been working on.

Presenters:

• Pamela Curran (Senior Officer, Medical Appraisal, PSDS)
• Eilidh Henderson (Senior Officer, Medical Appraisal, PSDS)

Guidance on Ethical Use of AI in Medical Appraisal

The use of AI technologies is fast growing in our everyday lives.  Following consultation with the ROs (Responsible Officers) Network, the national Appraisal Leads group, the BMA and the national stakeholders group, a national guidance document was produced and published.  In this session we will cover some of the main points on suitable and appropriate use of AI within an appraisal setting; and offer you a platform to discuss this and your experience of AI with fellow appraisers.

Presenters:

• William Liu (Training Manager, Medical Appraisal, PSDS)
• Dr Iain Jamieson (Assistant Director, PSDS)

Odd things our brains do when we process information

Hindsight bias? Anchor bias? Bandwagon effect? Find out about some of the weird and wonderful things that happen in our brains when we process information.

Presenter:

• Nick Frew (Business Partner - Organisational & Leadership Development, PSDS)