A group leader’s perspective

The Clinical Connect Peer Education Programme has supported primary care clinicians across Waitaha Canterbury since the 1990s. It brings together general practitioners (GPs), nurse practitioners, nurses, and community pharmacists for small group learning focused on day-to-day practice. 

Group leaders sit at the centre of the programme, guiding clinicians through four topics each year. In 2025, sessions covered type 2 diabetes, frailty and legacy prescribing, and menopause. 

While leadership roles can require a significant commitment, three current group leaders say the role is manageable alongside their clinical workload. GP Dr Emily Shine, pharmacist Chris Wilkinson, and clinical nurse educator Erica Donovan, describe group leadership as accessible and worthwhile. 

Chris never saw himself as a conventional leader and values the programme’s focus on conversation and collaboration. 

“I’m not a natural teacher, but I really enjoy leading discussions and helping to get the best out of people,” he said. 

Erica and Emily both want clinicians who feel unsure about stepping into leadership to know leaders come from many backgrounds and do not need to fit a traditional mould. 

“I hadn’t done any further education post-graduation. There’s a misconception around needing to. I’m just someone who said yes to an opportunity,” Erica said. 

“People who don’t see themselves as leaders often bring fresh perspectives. Everyone working in health leads in some way,” Emily said. 

Clinical Connect builds strong relationships between clinicians, supporting better patient care across the system. 

“Through the programme, you build connections with clinicians in different areas of practice. When a patient presents with something unfamiliar, you know who to call,” Chris said. 

The programme delivers clear benefits for clinicians. The 2024 Clinical Connect Impact Report showed 93 percent of attending clinicians reported improved clinical decision-making. 

Clinical Connect continues to grow and in 2026 is being offered across Te Waipounamu South Island. Interested clinicians can submit expressions of interest for joining a group or becoming a group leader on the Clinical Connect website or contact the Pegasus Clinical Quality and Education team.