ST1/2 Core Trainee - Neurosurgery

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

This post is designed for junior doctors who are interested in neurosurgery and who wish to develop their skills and gain experience of general and spinal neurosurgery in a major centre of excellence.

The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery is part of a group of postgraduate teaching hospitals that provide neurological and neurosurgical services on a local, regional, national and international basis. The Hospital is closely associated with University College London (UCLH) through the Institute of Neurology whose laboratory facilities are situated adjacent to the Hospital in Queen Square. The hospital and Institute has an extensive teaching programme which all trainees have access to.

This vacancy may close before the current listed closing date. You are advised not to delay submitting your completed application.

Main duties of the job

This post is not recognised for training purposes; however we are committed to provide a supportive learning environment in order to maximise the career potential of the successful candidate. There is a well-established Core Trainee (CT1-3) and Specialist Registrar training program and it is expected that the successful candidate will participate in these sessions. Time will be allocated for educational activities to broaden the horizon of the candidate. The post is an ideal stepping-stone for junior doctors to gain further experience in spinal and neurosurgery.

Job responsibilities

For the full Person Specification and more information regarding the main responsibilities of this role, please refer to the attached Job Description.

Person Specification

Eligibility, Qualifications and Competencies

• Eligible for full registration with the GMC at time of appointment and hold a current licence to practise.
• Evidence of achievement of Foundation competences from a UKFPO affiliated Foundation Programme or equivalent by time of appointment in line with GMC standards/ Good Medical Practice.
• Meets professional health requirements in line with GMC standards / Good Medical Practice.
• Capacity to take responsibility for own actions.
• MRCS(UK) full diploma or equivalent at time of appointment.

Language

• 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.

Experience and Skills

• Evidence of experience in general neurosurgery/neurology.
• Able to demonstrate proficiency in a range of medical procedures as an indication of manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
• Evidence of competence to work without direct supervision where appropriate.
• Demonstrate current ALS certification or equivalent.
• Demonstrates understanding of the basic principles of audit, clinical risk management, evidence-based practice, patient safety and clinical quality improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrates knowledge of evidence-informed practice.
• Demonstrates clarity in written / spoken communication & capacity to adapt language as appropriate to the situation.
• Demonstrates respect for all.
• Able to work in multi-professional teams & supervise junior medical staff.
• 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.
• Evidence of skills in the management of acute medical emergencies (e.g. ALERT, IMPACT certification).
• Demonstrates an understanding of research methodology.
• Evidence of relevant academic & research achievements and involvement in a formal research project.
• Evidence of relevant academic publications.
• Evidence of involvement in an audit project, a quality improvement project, formal research project or other activity.
• Evidence of a portfolio of audit projects including where the audit loop has been closed and there is evidence of learning of the principles of change management.
• Demonstrates an understanding of clinical governance.
• Demonstrates an understanding of NHS management and resources.
• Evidence of effective leadership in and outside medicine.

Commitment to specialty

• Commitment to personal and professional development.
• Evidence of attendance at organised teaching and training programme.
• Demonstrable interest in and understanding of the specialty.
• Extracurricular 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.

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

£49,909 a year Per Annum + London weighting (out of hours as per JD attached)