Gastroenterology

High quality training while maintaining your work/life balance

A career in Gastroenterology is a rewarding balance of acute care, chronic disease management and procedural skills. In the East Midlands we aim to deliver a broad range of training in luminal gastroenterology and hepatology across our district general and teaching hospitals. Training is divided into North (Derbyshire/ Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire) and South (Leicestershire and Northamptonshire) rotations, so that trainees can get high quality training without having to relocate or spend long periods commuting during their training. Trainees across both rotations come together for regional training days which are held at a central location and provide an opportunity to learn, network with fellow trainees and even compete for the Bod Goddard commemorative seat, awarded to the case of the year.

 

“With exceptional support from experienced consultants and the deanery, I have progressed during my gastroenterology training from a beginner to near‑independent clinical practice.”   Mohammed (ST7)

Develop your career in top-class facilities alongside experts in their field

As you progress through your training you will be encouraged to develop a subspecialty interest. Trainees with an interest in hepatology will have access to training in level 2 liver centres in Derby, Leicester and Nottingham, as well as enhanced level 1 centres in Lincoln and Chesterfield. The region also boasts two 12-month Advanced Training Posts (ATP) in hepatology (Derby/ Birmingham and Nottingham/ Cambridge), which are primarily aimed at trainees in ST6 and include experience in a transplant center. We also have a collaboration with St Mark's Hospital in London, an internationally renowned centre for complex inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which allows trainees to spend 6 months at St Mark's to enhance their training in advanced IBD. All trainees will have a period in their training where there is a focus on nutrition.  Both the north and south of the region have dedicated clinical nutrition teams who specialise in the management of patients with complex nutritional needs and intestinal failure, including those requiring complex enteral and parenteral feeding.

“A great place to train, with a trainee-friendly environment, supportive consultants, excellent endoscopy opportunities, and regular high-quality teaching delivered in first-class venues.”   Khaled (ST5)

 

For many Gastroenterologists, endoscopy is a key part of their working life. All the hospitals you will train in have JAG accredited endoscopy units. Derby, Leicester and Mansfield are accredited training centres, running courses and in the case of Derby and Leicester, offering immersion training where trainees have a concentrated period of training to progress their skills. Nottingham run an internationally recognised annual upper GI endoscopy and Barrett's endotherapy course. Those with an interest will have the opportunity to train in advanced colonoscopy techniques (e.g. advanced EMR, ESD), enteroscopy, ERCP (including spyglass. cholangioscopy), EUS and Barrett’s endotherapy. It is recognised that becoming an independent practitioner in some of these procedures requires additional post CCT training. Several of the region's hospitals offer post CCT endoscopy fellowships to further develop a trainee's skills in more advanced techniques.

 

"I chose the region due to the easy commute and distances between placements."   Katarina (ST4)

 

Gastroenterology training in the East Midlands offers lots of research opportunities

In the East Midlands you will develop your career under the supervision of some renowned experts in their field. The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centres (BRCs) are university-NHS partnerships, and the Nottingham BRC is one of only three in the UK with a Gastroenterology/ Hepatology focus. Those trainees with an interest in research will benefit from working with our academic consultants and will be encouraged to develop research grant proposals and to complete a higher degree (MD/ PhD) during a period of OOPR (Out of Programme Research).

 

Being at the centre of things

Away from work the East Midlands has plenty to offer trainees and their families. Whether your preference is for a gentle stroll round the grounds of the magnificent Chatsworth House or taking in the thrill of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, there is something for everyone. If you do want to go further afield then the region's central location affords great transport links. London and Birmingham are around an hour away by train, while East Midlands Airport serves over 80 destinations across Europe and beyond. The East Midlands is significantly more affordable than many parts of the country with average property prices less than half of those in London and eating out and entertainment roughly 35% cheaper.

The great outdoors - explore the vast wilderness of the Peak District on foot or bike or if that sounds too energetic then why not indulge in a traditional Bakewell pudding instead.

Take in a little history - whether it’s the birthplace of the industrial revolution at Derbyshire's UNESCO World Heritage site at Derwent valley Mills, the final resting place of King Richard III at in Leicester or a chance to see one of only four surviving copies of the Magna Carta at Lincoln Cathedral.

Soak up the local culture - take a walk along Leicester's golden mile with its fantastic restaurants, jewellers and clothing shops. It is home to the largest Diwali celebrations outside Asia.

Thrills and Spills - Alton Towers, the UK's largest theme park is on your doorstep, but there is plenty to entertain smaller ones with Leicester's national space centre a must visit for those with young families.

For more information, speak to one of our Training Programme Directors:

Adam Lawson - adam.lawson2@nhs.net

Rekha Ramiah - rekha.ramiah1@nhs.net