Job summary
NHNN Pituitary and Central Skull Base Fellowship
Applications are invited for the post of Pituitary and Central Skull Base Fellowship to start in August 2024-2025. This is a full time post based at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN), which is part of University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH).
The NHNN is an internationally renowned hospital for clinical practice and world-class clinical research in neurosciences. It is also closely associated with the Institute of Neurology (ION). Together, the NHNN and ION are regarded as the premier neurosciences centre in the UK. The Victor Horsley Department of Neurosurgery provides a comprehensive elective and emergency neurosurgical service for the UCLH Trust, a large area of North Central and West London and its associated hospitals and the local community/GPs. In addition there are large numbers of National and International referrals to specialist Neurosurgical services.
This post offers a unique opportunity as the successful candidate will be an integral part of the Pituitary surgical team. The post is fixed term for 1 year which is suitable for a post-CCT (or equivalent) neurosurgical trainee who wish to develop their skills and gain experience of pituitary neurosurgery in a major centre of excellence.
The fellowship is expected to be for 12 months duration.
Main duties of the job
Responsibilities of the post include participation in the neurosurgery clinics, perioperative and post-operative management of pituitary patients and being an integral member of the pituitary multidisciplinary team. There is an expectation that you would have dedicated time for professional supervision and development of trainee/junior doctors within the department, undertake research, publish in peer reviewed journals and present at National &/or International conferences. The post is an ideal stepping-stone for an experienced trainee to gain further experience in pituitary surgery.
We are committed to providing a supportive learning environment in order to maximise the career potential of the successful candidate.
About us
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is one of the most complex NHS trusts in the UK, serving a large and diverse population. We provide academically led acute and specialist services, to people from the local area, from throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. Our vision is to deliver top-quality patient care, excellent education, and world-class research.
We provide first-class acute and specialist services across eight sites:
- University College Hospital (incorporating the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing)
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery
- Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals
- University College Hospital Grafton Way Building
- Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine
- University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre
- The Hospital for Tropical Diseases
- University College Hospital at Westmoreland Street
We are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of many complex illnesses. UCLH specialises in women's health and the treatment of cancer, infection, neurological, gastrointestinal and oral disease. It has world class support services including critical care, imaging, nuclear medicine and pathology.
At UCLH, we have a real 'One Team' ethos, and our values - safety, kindness, teamwork and improving, are central to the way we work. This is supported by our staff, who voted us as the #1 NHS Acute Trust to work for in the whole of England.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For more information regarding the main responsibilities of the role, please refer to the attached Job Description.
We are committed to sustainability and have pledged to become a carbon net zero health service, embedding sustainable practice throughout UCLH. We have set an ambitious target of net zero for our direct emissions by 2031 and indirect emissions by 2040.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For more information regarding the main responsibilities of the role, please refer to the attached Job Description.
We are committed to sustainability and have pledged to become a carbon net zero health service, embedding sustainable practice throughout UCLH. We have set an ambitious target of net zero for our direct emissions by 2031 and indirect emissions by 2040.
Person Specification
Eligibility
Essential
- oEligible for full registration with the GMC at time of appointment and hold a current licence to practise.
- oEligibility to work in the UK
- oNot previously relinquished, released or removed from a training programme in this specialty unless under exceptional circumstances
Qualifications
Essential
- FRCS(Neuro.Surg) or equivalent at the time of application
Desirable
- Possession of or Ambition to work towards a higher degree
Fitness to Practise + Health
Essential
- Is up to date and fit to practise safely
- Meets professional health requirements in line with GMC standards / Good Medical Practice
Clinical Experience
Essential
- Evidence of experience in Pituitary Neurosurgery
Desirable
- Intention to Sub-Specialise in Pituitary Neurosurgery
Clinical skills
Essential
- Has received basic surgical training in transsphenoidal techniques both microscopic and endoscopic, up to peri-CCT level.
- Appropriate knowledge base and ability to apply sound clinical judgement to problems
- Able to demonstrate proficiency in a range of medical procedures as an indication of manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination
- Evidence of competence in management of medical emergencies and in-patients through continuous work-based assessments, portfolio evidence, including log book documentation if applicable
- Evidence of competence to work without direct supervision where appropriate
- Demonstrate current ALS certification or equivalent
Desirable
- oSkull base course, cadaveric dissection course, simulation training.
- oAdditional clinical exposure to pituitary cases.
- oEvidence of skills in the management of acute medical emergencies (e.g. ALERT, IMPACT certification)
Academic skills
Essential
- oHas experience in undertaking clinical research and has personally published peer-reviewed articles in respected medical journals.
- oDemonstrates understanding of research, including awareness of ethical issues
- oDemonstrates understanding of the principles of audit, clinical risk management, evidence based practice, patient safety and clinical quality improvement initiatives
- oDemonstrates knowledge of evidence-informed practice
- oEvidence of relevant academic & research achievements and involvement in a formal research project
- oEvidence of involvement in an audit project, a quality improvement project, formal research project or other activity
Desirable
- oReceipt of a Higher Degree.
- oFormal training in research methodology.
- oDemonstrates an understanding of clinical governance
- oEvidence of exceptional achievement in medicine
Teaching
Essential
- oEvidence of teaching experience and/or training in teaching
- oEvidence of involvement in teaching students, postgraduates and other professionals, with feedback
- oEvidence of participation in a teaching course
Personal skills
Essential
- Communication Skills: oDemonstrates clarity in written / spoken communication & capacity to adapt language as appropriate to the situation
- Communication Skills: oAble to build rapport, listen, persuade & negotiate
- Problem Solving & Decision Making: oCapacity to use logical / lateral thinking to solve problems / make decisions, indicating an analytical / scientific approach
- Empathy & Sensitivity: oCapacity to take in others' perspectives and treat others with understanding; sees patients as people
- Empathy & Sensitivity: oDemonstrates respect for all
- Managing Others & Team Involvement: oAble to work in multi-professional teams & supervise junior medical staff
- Managing Others & Team Involvement: 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
- Managing Others & Team Involvement: oCapacity to work effectively with others
- Managing Others & Team Involvement: oEvidence of involvement in management commensurate with experience
- Managing Others & Team Involvement: oDemonstrates an understanding of NHS management and resources.
- Managing Others & Team Involvement: oEvidence of effective multidisciplinary team working and leadership supported by multi-source feedback or other workplace-based assessments
- Managing Others & Team Involvement: oEvidence of effective leadership in and outside medicine
- Organisation & Planning: oCapacity to manage / prioritise time and information effectively
- Organisation & Planning:oCapacity to prioritise own workload & organise ward rounds
- Organisation & Planning:oEvidence of thoroughness (is well prepared, shows self-discipline / commitment, is punctual and meets deadlines)
- Vigilance & Situational Awareness: oCapacity to monitor developing situations and anticipate issues
- Coping with Pressure and managing uncertainty: oCapacity to operate under pressure
- Coping with Pressure and managing uncertainty: oDemonstrates initiative & resilience to cope with changing circumstances
- Coping with Pressure and managing uncertainty: oIs able to deliver good clinical care in the face of uncertainty
- IT Skills: oDemonstrates information technology skills
- Language skills: All applicants to have demonstrable skills in written and spoken English adequate to enable effective communication about medical topics with patients and colleagues demonstrated by one of the following: That applicants have undertaken undergraduate medical training in English; or Have achieved the following scores in the academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS) in a single sitting within 24 months at time of application - Overall 7, Speaking 7, Listening 7, Reading 7, Writing 7. If applicants believe they have adequate communication skills but do not fit into one of these examples they must provide supporting evidence
Desirable
- oEvidence of achievement outside medicine
- oEvidence of altruistic behaviour eg voluntary work
Probity
Essential
- oDemonstrates probity (displays honesty, integrity, aware of ethical dilemmas, respects confidentiality)
- oCapacity to take responsibility for own actions
Commitment to specialty
Essential
- oShows initiative / drive / enthusiasm (self-starter, motivated, shows curiosity, initiative)
- oDemonstrable interest in and understanding of the specialty
- oCommitment to personal and professional development
- oEvidence of attendance at organised teaching and training programme
- oEvidence of self-reflective practice
Desirable
- oExtracurricular activities / achievements relevant to the specialty
Person Specification
Eligibility
Essential
- oEligible for full registration with the GMC at time of appointment and hold a current licence to practise.
- oEligibility to work in the UK
- oNot previously relinquished, released or removed from a training programme in this specialty unless under exceptional circumstances
Qualifications
Essential
- FRCS(Neuro.Surg) or equivalent at the time of application
Desirable
- Possession of or Ambition to work towards a higher degree
Fitness to Practise + Health
Essential
- Is up to date and fit to practise safely
- Meets professional health requirements in line with GMC standards / Good Medical Practice
Clinical Experience
Essential
- Evidence of experience in Pituitary Neurosurgery
Desirable
- Intention to Sub-Specialise in Pituitary Neurosurgery
Clinical skills
Essential
- Has received basic surgical training in transsphenoidal techniques both microscopic and endoscopic, up to peri-CCT level.
- Appropriate knowledge base and ability to apply sound clinical judgement to problems
- Able to demonstrate proficiency in a range of medical procedures as an indication of manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination
- Evidence of competence in management of medical emergencies and in-patients through continuous work-based assessments, portfolio evidence, including log book documentation if applicable
- Evidence of competence to work without direct supervision where appropriate
- Demonstrate current ALS certification or equivalent
Desirable
- oSkull base course, cadaveric dissection course, simulation training.
- oAdditional clinical exposure to pituitary cases.
- oEvidence of skills in the management of acute medical emergencies (e.g. ALERT, IMPACT certification)
Academic skills
Essential
- oHas experience in undertaking clinical research and has personally published peer-reviewed articles in respected medical journals.
- oDemonstrates understanding of research, including awareness of ethical issues
- oDemonstrates understanding of the principles of audit, clinical risk management, evidence based practice, patient safety and clinical quality improvement initiatives
- oDemonstrates knowledge of evidence-informed practice
- oEvidence of relevant academic & research achievements and involvement in a formal research project
- oEvidence of involvement in an audit project, a quality improvement project, formal research project or other activity
Desirable
- oReceipt of a Higher Degree.
- oFormal training in research methodology.
- oDemonstrates an understanding of clinical governance
- oEvidence of exceptional achievement in medicine
Teaching
Essential
- oEvidence of teaching experience and/or training in teaching
- oEvidence of involvement in teaching students, postgraduates and other professionals, with feedback
- oEvidence of participation in a teaching course
Personal skills
Essential
- Communication Skills: oDemonstrates clarity in written / spoken communication & capacity to adapt language as appropriate to the situation
- Communication Skills: oAble to build rapport, listen, persuade & negotiate
- Problem Solving & Decision Making: oCapacity to use logical / lateral thinking to solve problems / make decisions, indicating an analytical / scientific approach
- Empathy & Sensitivity: oCapacity to take in others' perspectives and treat others with understanding; sees patients as people
- Empathy & Sensitivity: oDemonstrates respect for all
- Managing Others & Team Involvement: oAble to work in multi-professional teams & supervise junior medical staff
- Managing Others & Team Involvement: 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
- Managing Others & Team Involvement: oCapacity to work effectively with others
- Managing Others & Team Involvement: oEvidence of involvement in management commensurate with experience
- Managing Others & Team Involvement: oDemonstrates an understanding of NHS management and resources.
- Managing Others & Team Involvement: oEvidence of effective multidisciplinary team working and leadership supported by multi-source feedback or other workplace-based assessments
- Managing Others & Team Involvement: oEvidence of effective leadership in and outside medicine
- Organisation & Planning: oCapacity to manage / prioritise time and information effectively
- Organisation & Planning:oCapacity to prioritise own workload & organise ward rounds
- Organisation & Planning:oEvidence of thoroughness (is well prepared, shows self-discipline / commitment, is punctual and meets deadlines)
- Vigilance & Situational Awareness: oCapacity to monitor developing situations and anticipate issues
- Coping with Pressure and managing uncertainty: oCapacity to operate under pressure
- Coping with Pressure and managing uncertainty: oDemonstrates initiative & resilience to cope with changing circumstances
- Coping with Pressure and managing uncertainty: oIs able to deliver good clinical care in the face of uncertainty
- IT Skills: oDemonstrates information technology skills
- Language skills: All applicants to have demonstrable skills in written and spoken English adequate to enable effective communication about medical topics with patients and colleagues demonstrated by one of the following: That applicants have undertaken undergraduate medical training in English; or Have achieved the following scores in the academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS) in a single sitting within 24 months at time of application - Overall 7, Speaking 7, Listening 7, Reading 7, Writing 7. If applicants believe they have adequate communication skills but do not fit into one of these examples they must provide supporting evidence
Desirable
- oEvidence of achievement outside medicine
- oEvidence of altruistic behaviour eg voluntary work
Probity
Essential
- oDemonstrates probity (displays honesty, integrity, aware of ethical dilemmas, respects confidentiality)
- oCapacity to take responsibility for own actions
Commitment to specialty
Essential
- oShows initiative / drive / enthusiasm (self-starter, motivated, shows curiosity, initiative)
- oDemonstrable interest in and understanding of the specialty
- oCommitment to personal and professional development
- oEvidence of attendance at organised teaching and training programme
- oEvidence of self-reflective practice
Desirable
- oExtracurricular activities / achievements relevant to the specialty
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.
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).
Additional information
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.
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).
Employer details
Employer name
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address
National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (UCLH)
Queen Square
London
WC1N 3BG
Employer's website
https://www.uclh.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)