International Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery Fellowship

Job overview

The post will be based at St Thomas's Hospital London. However, it is a requirement of employment that the Fellow be prepared to work at any additional or alternative location owned or served by the Trust, either on an ongoing or temporary basis, according to the needs of the service.

This is an 8-month International Fellowship in Minimally Invasive and Robotic Cardiac Surgery, comprising:

Seven months at St Thomas's Hospital where the Fellow will receive comprehensive training in minimally invasive cardiac surgery, including endoscopic mitral and tricuspid valve surgery, minimally invasive aortic valve surgery, minimally invasive coronary surgery, aortic surgery, hybrid structural interventions, and advanced perioperative management.

One month of international observership and focused training, divided between two high-volume European centres of excellence.

The successful candidate will not be a GSTT employee. They will receive the money via a bursary grant and this is not subject to normal tax reductions via PAYE. They will be responsible for paying their own tax from the grant via HMRC directly.

Main duties of the job

Clinical:

The post-holder will, together with colleagues, be responsible for the provision of Cardiac Surgery services at St.Thomas’ Hospital, Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust to include:

(a) Diagnosis and treatment of patients of the trust in such hospitals, health centres or clinics or other premises as required.

(b) Continuing clinical responsibility for the patients in your charge, allowing for all proper delegation to, and training of, your staff.

Training of junior staff:

The post-holder will take responsibility for the training and direction of junior staff allocated to him/her that post-holder has agreed with their supervising consultant.

Teaching:

The post-holder will be expected to contribute as appropriate in the teaching of undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Clinical Governance:

All medical and dental staff are expected to take part in clinical governance activity, including clinical audit, clinical guideline and protocol development and clinical risk management. They will be expected to produce evidence of their contribution in these areas and their audit of their own clinical work as part of their appraisal.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery Fellowship Training Objectives

By the completion of the fellowship, the Fellow should:

Demonstrate competence in the assessment, investigation, and selection of patients suitable for minimally invasive cardiac surgery.

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the indications, contraindications, benefits, and limitations of different minimally invasive cardiac surgical approaches.
• Be competent in selecting the most appropriate surgical access strategy according to patient anatomy, pathology, and procedural requirements.
• Acquire proficiency in the planning and establishment of peripheral cardiopulmonary bypass, including femoral and alternative cannulation strategies.
• Develop expertise in operative exposure, instrumentation, and technical aspects specific to minimally invasive cardiac surgery.
• Be able to perform minimally invasive cardiac surgical procedures under appropriate supervision, with particular emphasis on minimally invasive aortic valve replacement and mitral and tricuspid valve repair or replacement.
• Gain exposure to advanced minimally invasive techniques, including transaxillary, endoscopic, and robotic cardiac surgery, and understand their role within contemporary cardiac surgical practice.
• Develop an understanding of the perioperative management pathways, multidisciplinary team working, and programme infrastructure required for successful minimally invasive and robotic cardiac surgery services.
• Participate in clinical research, innovation, and quality improvement projects related to minimally invasive cardiac surgery.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.