Consultant in Clinical Genetics

Job overview

We are seeking an enthusiastic, motivated, and dedicated colleague to join the Consultant team at the Oxford Centre for Genomic Medicine, Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) NHS Trust.

The OUH is a large teaching hospital with an active teaching and research agenda. We are seeking a colleague who shares the values of the OUH in providing excellent, compassionate care.

The successful candidate will join 13 consultants, 2 honorary consultants, 8 SpRs and ACFs and 16 genetic counsellors; supported by a team of patient pathway administrators, a cancer triage team, a family history team and a team of genomic practitioners and associates to support mainstreaming of whole genome sequencing (WGS) across the region.

The role offers an opportunity for an individual keen to provide clinics in general genetics, to participate in and lead MDTs and to develop a special interest which complements those of the existing team. Individuals keen to develop an interest in Cardiac Genetics would be especially encouraged to apply.

The appointment is full time, but if an interested candidate was wishing a part-time post, please do contact the clinical lead for further discussions.

For further details or to discuss the position, candidates are invited to contact Dr Dorothy Halliday, Clinical Lead (Tel: 01865 226024; email: [email protected]) Oxford Centre for Genomic Medicine, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Windmill Road, Oxford, OX3 7HE.

Main duties of the job

The post-holder will be based at the Oxford Centre for Genomic Medicine (OxGEM) on the site of the  Nuffield Orthopaedic Hospital. OxGEM is a busy regional genetics service providing cancer and general genetic services to the population of Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and part of Wiltshire. The role will  include travel to peripheral clinics at district general hospitals within the region and the post holder will need flexibility and willingness to work in peripheral clinics according to the needs of the department.

The clinical work plan (see model job plan below) is based on 8.5 PA of direct clinical care (DCC) incorporating clinic and patient related activities, and 1.5 PA of supporting professional activity (SPA). The SPA time may be increased as additional responsibilities or roles  are undertaken.

OXGEM has a team of Patient pathway administrative support. Pre-clinic support is provided by a family history team. Office space will be provided, with access to a computer/laptop. IT support is available from the Trust IT support team. One of the existing consultant team will support as a mentor the new Consultant joining the team.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical activities

The core activity of the role is direct clinical care (DCC) related to General Clinical Genetics, with a possibility to develop a special interest.   While the post holder will spend most of their time at the OxGEM base located within the grounds of the Nuffield Orthopaedic Hospital in Headington, clinics in other OUH Hospitals will be undertaken, and the appointee will be given responsibility for providing general clinical genetics services to designated peripheral clinics or regions.

Core aspects of the role include triaging of referrals, seeing cases in clinic (which is currently offered as a blended approach of face to face, video and telephone consultations); offering telephone or letter advice to GPs and other colleagues; and follow up of genetic cases as appropriate by phone, or virtually by notes review and appropriate follow up activity. Other key aspects of the job include participation in multidisciplinary meetings with colleagues outside genetics to support the mainstreaming process, and engaging fully with OxGEM departmental meetings.

Support to resident medical doctors in training: The Oxford Clinical Genetics service provides training for eight Specialist Registrar’s and ACFs. As one of the consultant team, the postholder will participate fully in clinical supervision and education of the trainees and fellows within the department.

Out-patient clinics: An OxGEM consultant outpatient clinic would typically include separate lists for a consultant, an SpR and a genetic counsellor. Pre and post clinic support to the resident medical staff and genetic counsellor colleagues is provided by the overseeing consultant.   Genetic counsellor led clinics are also well established. A 10  PA job plan would typically include 84 clinics per year, with a mix of new patients and follow-up cases.

In-patient cover: Cover for urgent ward referrals and advice is provided on a rota basis with all consultants participating, approximately on a 1 in 7 basis. There is no out of hours on-call.

Liaison with the genetics laboratory: The Oxford genetics laboratory is part of the Central and South Genomic Medical Service.    Regular review of genetic test results with laboratory scientists is facilitated through weekly joint MDT meetings.

Clinical Audit: The successful applicant would be expected to participate in medical audit. OxGEM has an active programme of regular departmental audit, and participates in South West of Britain (SWOB) regional audits and national genetic audits.

Support of mainstream clinicians. OxGem is linked with the Central and South Genomic Medical Service along with Wessex and West Midlands. The successful applicant would be expected to participate in mainstreaming activities such as teaching and training mainstream colleagues and supporting return of genomic laboratory results.

Supporting Professional Activity

All consultants are given time within their job plan to participate in the department’s clinical audit programme, participate in the trust appraisal process, undertake annual job planning and undertake other clinical professional development activities to support revalidation