Business and Education Manager for the Thames Valley region within Postgraduate Medical, Dental and Education (PGMDE) at NHS England South East

The NHS runs on the dedication of its frontline staff — but behind every doctor, GP, and dentist in training is a network of people ensuring their journey into practice is as smooth, supported, and well-resourced as possible. For Mairi Hills, that work is her purpose.

As Business and Education Manager for the Thames Valley region within Postgraduate Medical, Dental and Education (PGMDE) at NHS England South East, Mairi coordinates the recruitment and training of resident doctors, GPs, and dentists across the region. She oversees regional expansion posts, manages education finance, and leads stakeholder communications — working closely with Directors of Medical Education, Heads of Schools, Training Programme Directors, and Medical Education Managers to keep the region’s postgraduate education system running effectively.

It is detailed, behind-the-scenes work, but its impact is far-reaching. Every doctor who completes their training, every GP who joins a practice, every dentist who qualifies — Mairi’s work has helped make that possible.

Her role directly supports the NHS’s long-term ambitions by ensuring the South East has a well-trained, well-supported workforce ready to deliver the care that patients need — both today and in the years ahead. In a health system undergoing significant transformation, investing in the people coming through is one of the most important shifts of all.

“For me, the NHS is about people — the colleagues I support, the learners we help develop, and the patients who ultimately benefit from that work,” Mairi says. “I feel proud to play my part in something so meaningful.”