Senior Clinical Fellow in Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery

Job responsibilities

LEEDS TEACHING HOSPITAL NHS TRUST

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB DETAILS

Job Title: Senior Clinical Fellow

Specialty/Department: Upper GI

Location: St Jamess University Hospital

INFORMATION ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

This is a 12-month fixed-term post for a Senior Clinical Fellow working within the Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery Department based at St Jamess University Hospital. The unit is a tertiary centre for referrals for oesophago-gastric cancer surgery as well as providing upper gastrointestinal and bariatric surgery services to Leeds.

This post will be suitable for a trainee who is taking or who has just taken the UK CCST exams or international equivalent and will be for 12 months. Previous experience in Upper GI surgery is essential. Given the tertiary nature of much of the unit's work, a post-CCT or an experienced senior surgical trainee are likely to get the most benefit from the Fellowship.

The unit comprises six surgeons. All six surgeons undertake oesophago-gastric cancer resections, bariatric surgery, anti-reflux surgery and general surgery (e.g laparoscopic cholecystectomy and hernia surgery).

There is training in laparoscopic and open oesophagectomy and gastrectomy. Cancer training is supplemented by broad training in Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery including bariatrics, anti-reflux and hiatal surgery. There is a JAG accredited endoscopy unit and training can be provided to the candidate depending on their level of experience and interests.

The Upper GI Department commenced a robotic surgery programme in 2022, and now offers robotic surgery using the DaVinci Xi dual console platform for major UGI cancer resections, bariatrics, anti-reflux and hiatal surgery. The robotic theatre suite benefits from two simulation consoles which trainees and fellows are encouraged to access.

MEDICAL STAFF IN THE DEPARTMENT

The post-holder along with 2 other Speciality registrars will have access to 4.5 full day operating sessions per week in main theatre and day surgery lists, specialist multidisciplinary meetings, outpatient clinics and endoscopy lists. This post will be allocated to the Department of Upper Gastrointestinal and Minimally Invasive Surgery led by 5 Consultants. The unit has expertise in the management of

oesophagogastric cancer, complex benign upper GI disease, minimally invasive surgery and obesity surgery.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Please see Person Specification

DUTIES OF THE POST

1. Work with 2 other speciality registrars to provide clinical care for acute, elective and outpatients under supervision of the Upper GI Surgical Unit consultants.

2. Participate in the general surgical out of hours senior registrar rota providing emergency care for acute surgical admissions and referrals, patients on the general surgical wards, the surgical high dependency unit and the intensive care unit. Appointees on the senior registrar rota cover a 24 hour on call and support more junior registrars who are on site overnight.

3. Support general and specialist outpatient clinics, theatre sessions, endoscopy sessions and day-case surgery. Obtain experience in the surgical management of upper cancer, complex upper GI disease, minimally invasive and bariatric surgery.

4. Contribute to weekly departmental and specialist multidisciplinary meetings and monthly audit meetings.

5. Participate in any on-going clinical trials to facilitate the collection and analysis of clinical data. Collaborate in clinical research and submit for presentation or publication where possible.

6. Participate in the teaching of medical students and clinical supervision of juniors.

This post does not have Postgraduate Deans approval. However study leave expenses may be available to the post holder for appropriate purposes.

LEVELS OF RESPONSIBILITY

TEACHING AND RESEARCH/STUDY AND TRAINING

The appointee will be expected to participate in teaching. The unit accepts medical students from Leeds Medical School at regular intervals. In addition there will be opportunities for the appointee to participate in Clinical Research.

Experience

Essential

• At least 7 years experience after full GMC registration or equivalent.
• Have completed Higher Surgical Training in General Surgery.
• Able to perform at Specialist Registrar Level in Emergency Surgery on-call.
• Prior experience of upper GI cancer surgery.
• Prior experience of hiatal or bariatric surgery.
• Experience in minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery.
• Advanced skills in laparoscopic surgery. -Able to suture/ tie laparoscopic knots
• Evidence of competence in performing intermediate General Surgery procedures independently (e.g. laparotomy, lap chole, appendicectomy).
• Ability to apply sound clinical knowledge and judgement to problems .Ability to prioritise clinical need. Ability to maximise safety and minimise risk
• Recognition of, and ability to undertake the initial management of, an acutely ill patient.
• Ability to provide complete details of employment history.
• Evidence that career progression is consistent with personal circumstances.
• Evidence that present achievement and performance is commensurate with totality of their period of training.
• Evidence of involvement in an audit project, quality improvement project, formal research project or other activity which: -focuses on patient safety and clinical improvement-
• -demonstrates an interest in and commitment to the specialty beyond the mandatory curriculum
• Evidence of interest in, and experience of teaching. Evidence of feedback for teaching
• Capacity to use logical/lateral thinking to solve problems/make decisions, indicating an analytical/scientific approach.
• Capacity to take in others perspectives and treat others with understanding; sees patients as people. Demonstrates respect for all.
• Able to work in multi-professional teams & supervise junior medical staff. Capacity to work effectively with others.
• Ability to show leadership, make decisions, organise and motivate other team members for the benefit of patients through, for example, audit and quality improvement Projects
• Capacity to manage/prioritise time and information effectively. Capacity to prioritise own workload & organise ward rounds.
• Evidence of thoroughness (is well prepared, shows self discipline/ commitment, is punctual and meets deadlines) Capacity to monitor developing situations and anticipate issues
• Capacity to operate under pressure. Demonstrates initiative & resilience to cope with changing circumstances. Is able to deliver good clinical care in the face of uncertainty

Desirable

• Upper GI Endoscopy experience (JAG accredited)
• Previous UGI cancer or UGI benign surgery experience as the primary operator (independent or supervised)
• Evidence of relevant academic and research achievements, e.g. degrees, prizes, awards, distinctions, publications, presentations, other achievements.
• Extracurricular activities / achievements relevant to the specialty

Qualifications

Essential

• MBBS or equivalent medical qualification. MRCS Part A.
• FRCS General Surgery Part III (or equivalent).
• Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training (or within 1 year of achieving this).
• Be eligible for full registration with, and hold a current licence to practise from, the GMC at intended start date.
• Eligibility to work in the UK.
• Advanced Life Support Certificate from the Resuscitation Council UK or equivalent (as required to complete Foundation competences) by intended start date.
• Is up to date and fit to practise safely and is aware of own training needs.
• All applicants to have demonstrable skills in written and spoken English adequate to enable effective communication about medical topics with patients and colleagues
• Meets professional health requirements (in line with GMC standards/Good Medical Practice).
• Demonstrates clarity in written/spoken communication & capacity to adapt language as appropriate to the situation.
• Able to build rapport, listen, persuade & negotiate.

Desirable

• Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).