Gordon McKinnon

As a former takeAIM fellow and SAM Trainee Representative, I would be delighted to re-join SAM Council as the New Consultant Representative. Since beginning my consultant role in Central Scotland in September 2024, I’ve found real value in supporting colleagues through the transition from training to consultant, delivering sessions at the End of Training webinar and SAM on the Cam to demystify the process and help registrars approach CCT with confidence and clarity.

My SAM journey began as a takeAIM fellow, where I promoted the specialty to students and early-career doctors, led on social media (significantly increasing engagement), and coordinated Acute Medicine Awareness Week during the pandemic. I co-organised the Manchester takeAIM conference, ran an interview masterclass, and remain an active alumnus at conferences, supporting sessions such as point-of-care ultrasound workshops.

As Trainee Representative, I advocated for trainees nationally, developed resources on specialist skills and SCE revision for the SAM website, and organised well-received trainee sessions at conferences. I sat on the SAM Glasgow organising committee and presented in Copenhagen’s “Cases That Changed My Practice” session. I have also led surveys on specialist skills, as well as broader evaluations of SAM resources, well-being, and moral injury across the MDT.

I remain involved in SAM’s QI subgroup and contributed to the recently updated decompensated cirrhosis bundle as an acute medicine representative.

As New Consultant Representative, I would like to develop a mentorship programme to support consultants at the start of this pivotal stage in their careers. I want to build on the success of the AWESAM Finishing School, extending access to more registrars across the UK, as well as supporting and collaborating with takeAIM to inspire the next generation of acute physicians. Drawing on my past experience, I’m excited to help shape a more connected, confident early consultant workforce within SAM.