Cardiolgy Training Fellow (StR Higher)

Job overview

The 12-month TAVI Training Fellowship at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP)  is aimed at senior trainees in Interventional Cardiology from the United Kingdom, and internationally, who wish to become fully independent TAVI operators. The TAVI programme at UHP is one of the largest in the country with an annual case load of 250-300 and rising. The successful TAVI programme commenced in 2008. The team comprises of 3 TAVI cardiologists and 3 TAVI surgeons supported by established TAVI nurse coordinator team. The programme at UHP is a percutaneous, minimalist approach and conscious sedation programme with over 90% of cases performed via transfemoral access. The centre uses Balloon expandable and self-expanding TAVI valves has undertaken a large number of valve-in-valve procedures. In February 2023 a mitral edge-to-edge repair programme was commenced and around 20 cases have successfully been undertaken to date using the Pascal device. The aim of the TAVI Training Fellowship is to provide comprehensive training in all aspects of TAVI : (i) Patient assessment, (ii) Procedural planning, (iii) TAVI implantation and, (iv) Post TAVI care. The post would offer flexible provision to continue PCI procedural and on-call experience.

Main duties of the job

Clinical activity:

The appointee is expected to take responsibility for all patients undergoing TAVI procedures with the support of the TAVI ANP and supervision from the TAVI consultants. The Fellow will work with the ANP to ensure that all patients under the TAVI team are reviewed on a daily basis. The TAVI fellow along with the TAVI ANP team take responsibility and participate in weekly TAVI MDT and manage well-resourced electronic TAVI data-base. The Fellow will be trained in all aspects of TAVI workup, implantation and aftercare. The post holder will receive comprehensive training in gated cardiac CT reading using dedicated software (3Mensio) to determine size and type of THV prosthesis and MDCT to assess access planning. The Fellow will be allocated two dedicated TAVI outpatient clinics a week to assess new TAVI referrals and review follow-ups under the supervision of TAVI consultants.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Person Specification – for the post of – TAVI training fellowship (Registrar Grade)

• This post would be suitable for a senior trainee reaching the end of (or completed) sub speciality training in PCI whose aim is to achieve full independence as a TAVI operator
• The successful candidate must have or be eligible for full GMC registration
• Essential requirements are good team working, organisation and communication skills
• Evidence of higher training in cardiology is essential and extensive experience of percutaneous intervention is a requisite

On-call commitment

Cardiology registrar on-call rota is a 1:11, full shift rota. No requirement to take part on the on-call rota but the post would provide flexibility depending on the appointee’s training requirements.

Education

The Fellow is expected to participate in the educational activities of the team, train the more junior members of the PCI/TAVI team and medical students attached to the firm.

Research

The department has ongoing multi-centre trials and has undertaken original research projects. The Fellow will be expected to spend at least one session a week engaging in research projects with a view to achieve publications and presentations at meetings.

Audit

The Fellow will be actively involved in audit within the directorate and report on audit projects at the local and regional audit meetings.