PD versus Support

One recurring thought I've had is about why we talk about supervisor professional development more than we focus on supervisor support. I think the latter is a different emphasis and there would be benefits from making this more explicit. I suspect this aspect is why workshops and courses that promote interaction between supervisors are usually well received. Sure there are lots of educational gaps to be filled, which will be helped by developing skills. But the longer I look at what matters in general practice and GP education it is a relational more than technical endeavour. Supervision is in essence about forming an alliance with learners so that they can learn the art and craft of general practice. 

I'd be interested to hear if others share this view and ideas on how we can keep the human and humane at the centre of supervision and supervisor 'CPD', and develop skills without reducing our craft to technical rationality alone. 

Susan Wearne