About this role
Job summary
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a committed and enthusiastic Clinical Fellow in Gynaecology Oncology (ST5+ level) to join our dynamic team. The post is suitable for someone who has completed at least 5 years as a specialist trainee and is ready to start SITM training in gynaecological oncology or is post CCT and is now seeking to learn advanced surgical skills.
This is a unique opportunity for training in improvement methodology and evidence synthesis, in addition to an opportunity for training in colposcopy and outpatient hysteroscopy techniques. It would be ideally suited to a senior O&G trainee and is an idea stepping-stone prior to formal subspecialist training, or for someone interested in a 'unit lead' post with an interest in gynaecological oncology.
There is an absolute expectation for the post-holder to carry out research, audit and management training
Site Location: Musgrove Park Hospital
Hours: Full Time: 48 per week (40 core + 8 additional)
Working Pattern/Rota: Long Theatre days, but no O&G on call responsibilities
Contract Type: Fixed Term - 12 months in the first instance
We welcome applications from motivated and enthusiastic doctors who are keen to contribute to high quality patient care within the Trust.
We look forward to receiving your application
Main duties of the job
Healthcare Improvement and Teaching Duties
Healthcare improvement work within the gynaecological oncology department, supported by training from a local quality improvement team with a formal training programme or the option of a formal MSc via the University of Exeter (https://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/medicine/) with extension to MD possible
Teaching and mentoring groups more junior resident doctors with their own healthcare improvement projects, as part of the hospital healthcare improvement network.
Teaching GPVTS trainees and O&G resident Drs who come through the department
Engagement in research, with opportunities to contribute to and develop research projects within the Gynaecological Oncology service.
Clinical Duties
Training and maintenance of clinical skills in colposcopy and outpatient hysteroscopy, particularly for the investigation of postmenopausal bleeding.
Training and maintenance of surgical skills in gynaecological oncology surgery, including advanced laparoscopic techniques.
Participation in core clinical activities such as ward rounds, outpatient clinics, and theatre lists.
Compliance with Trust policies relating to Clinical Governance and Health & Safety, ensuring that national professional standards are consistently applied in clinical practice.
Completion of administrative duties associated with patient care, including documentation, correspondence, and followup arrangements.
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
Flexible working options to help you balance work and lifeNHS pension scheme for long-term financial securityGenerous annual leave allowance to recharge and relaxA strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potentialAdditionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Job description Job responsibilities
Post Overview
This Clinical Fellow position offers a unique opportunity to work within a team trained in Institute for Healthcare Improvement Methodology, contributing to the development and delivery of improvement projects within the Gynaecological Oncology Department. The team also has strong expertise in research synthesis, and the post includes substantial teaching and mentoring responsibilities for medical students and more junior resident doctors.
Previous fellows have used their protected research time to enrol in the IHI educational programme, undertake a formal MSc in Healthcare and Medicine via the University of Exeter, or begin work leading to a PhD by publication.
Working Pattern & Contract
48 hour working week, paid at MT04/MT05 depending on whether the postholder is ST5 or ST6+ at commencement.
No obstetric on-call commitment.
1-2 extended theatre days per week.
12 month initial contract, extendable to 2-3 years if undertaking a formal postgraduate degree and progressing satisfactorily.
Flexible working arrangements with another Gynae Oncology Fellow to ensure cover during leave.
Research, Audit & Management Training
There is an absolute expectation that the postholder will undertake research, audit and management training.
1 day per week is ringfenced for academic work.
On starting, you will meet with your Educational Supervisor to identify training needs and create a personalised development plan.
Strong links exist with other hospital departments, providing opportunities for training with oncologists and other surgical specialties.
The department has an excellent track record of supporting trainees into SST, ensuring they begin subspecialty training with the skills and confidence to thrive.
Weekly Programme (Indicative)
Ward rounds: preoperative and 1--2 postoperative sessions weekly, plus daily business rounds.
Academic study/audit: 2 sessions per week.
Theatre:
1x3 session inpatient list per week
2x3 session lists when the other Fellow is on leave
1 Day Surgery session every 4--8 weeks
Colposcopy and outpatient hysteroscopy training
Educational supervision, teaching and learning sessions
You will be assigned both a Subspecialty Educational Supervisor and a Colposcopy Supervisor.
Teaching & Mentoring Responsibilities
Teaching and mentoring junior resident doctors undertaking their own improvement projects.
Teaching GPVTS trainees and O&G residents rotating through the department.
Participation in the hospital's Healthcare Improvement Network.
Facilities & Educational Environment
Dedicated office space in the GRACE Centre with full access to computer based literature search tools.
An active Postgraduate Centre with a well resourced library, excellent IT facilities, and lecture theatres.
Internet access available in all wards and outpatient consultation rooms.
Regular educational activities include:
Gynaecological Oncology MDT
Colposcopy MDT
Departmental audit meetings
Team meetings
Multidisciplinary oncology meetings
Fellows are encouraged to participate and present at these meetings.
Training & Accreditation
Attendance at a basic colposcopy course is expected.
Ongoing training will support progression toward colposcopy accreditation.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Medical Degree -- MBBS or Equivalent Full GMC registration with licence to practice of adequate duration MRCOG part III or equivalent
Experience Essential
Achieved all competencies required in Foundation training years 1 and 2 or equivalent Achieved all competencies required in ST1/2/3/4 Training or Equivalent Ability to assess patients with a comprehensive history and physical examination Clinically competent to level ST5+ competency
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).
Employer details Employer name Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Address Musgrove Park Hospital
Musgrove Road
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 5DA
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)