Programme 16-18 - Academic/Clinical Genetics based at Northwick Park
Hospital
CODE: 1415/IMP/16
F1
Hammersmith
Acute Internal
Medicine
4m
Renal Medicine
4m
Hepatobiliary
Surgery
4m
F2
Northwick Park
Emergency
Medicine
4m
Gastroenterology
4m
Clinical Genetics
(Academic
Genetics)
4m
Hepatobiliary
Surgery
Gastroenterology
4m
Acute Internal
Medicine
Clinical Genetics
(Academic
Genetics)
4m
Renal Medicine
4m
4m
Emergency
Medicine
4m
Hepatobiliary
Surgery
Emergency
Medicine
4m
Acute Internal
Medicine
Gastroenterology
4m
CODE: 1415/IMP/17
F1
Hammersmith
F2
Northwick Park
4m
CODE: 1415/IMP/18
F1
Hammersmith
Renal Medicine
4m
F2
Northwick Park
Clinical Genetics
(Academic
Genetics)
4m
4m
4m
Type of programme
Research/Education/Leadership etc
The academic F2s all perform some sort of research project during their time in the
department.
Brief outline of department including reference to department web site
Include examples of past academic projects
The Clinical Genetics department is based at Northwick Park Hospital, but is a
supra-regional service covering the whole of North West London, Hertfordshire and
Bedfordshire. Outreach clinics are held at 16 hospitals in the region. It is a
completely clinic based speciality – no in-patients, hence 9-5 Monday-Friday
working. Appointments typically take 30-45 minutes, with a large amount of preclinic preparation and detailed post-clinic letters. Entry level is ST3, so F2s are
entirely supernumerary. The F2 doctor will attend clinics (typically two per week, but
often a single whole day clinic), and is expected to prepare the clinic in advance and
discuss with the appropriate Consultant, subsequently observing the appointments.
By the end of the 4 month rotation, an F2 is expected to take pedigrees, and
examine for common conditions (Neurofibromatosis type 1, Marfan Syndrome etc),
supervised by a Consultant. The Academic F2 will be involved in seeing a wide
range of genetic referrals including general, paediatric and cancer referrals. The
strong clinical aspects of this post will allow development of key Foundation
Programme skills including working as part of a multidisciplinary team, improved
communication skills and the ability to carry out internet and database searches as
part of pre and post clinic work-up of patients
All Consultants are Honorary Senior Lecturers at Imperial College, and there are
close links with the Clinical and Molecular Genetics in the Institute of Clinical
Science, along with many departments in Imperial’s associated hospitals.
Structure of academic project/what expected
The academic F2 year will be based at Northwick Park Hospital, and will include four
months of A&E, four months of Gastro Surgery and four months in academic clinical
genetics.
Clinical Genetics is a rapidly expanding field within which research plays an integral
role. In addition, the impact of genetics is increasingly being seen in all branches of
mainstream medicine. It is our aim to give Academic F2 doctors an opportunity to
develop key skills needed for an academic career at the same time as gaining
experience of clinical genetics and an understanding of the role of this specialist
service within the NHS.
The academic F2s all perform some sort of research project during their time in the
department, but by necessity time is very limited. This study has the aim of
publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Typically they spend two days per week on
the research project and three in the clinical area, but this is variable. Some
individuals have done projects within the department, but others have been based at
other hospitals. Some have been laboratory-based, some are notes audits, and
others are entirely clinical. Projects are tailored for the individual’s long term career
aims, and are discussed at a meeting several months before placement starts, to
allow planning. Previous projects have investigated Ehlers Danlos Syndrome,
Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia, congenital myopathy, Silver-Russell
Syndrome, familial phaeochromocytoma, and familial adenomatous polyposis.
All F2s are expected to write up case reports during their time in the department.
There are always interesting cases available, and there have been multiple
publications. They are also encouraged to carry out an audit project within the
department.
In-house teaching and academic seminars will provide basic knowledge of the
principles behind clinical genetics and insight into the range of research opportunities
within this specialty. Since there is close liaison between clinical and diagnostic
laboratory staff within the department, trainees will be able to observe procedures
within both DNA and cytogenetics laboratories. Weekly meetings are also held to
discuss results with laboratory staff. Trainees will be allocated an academic and
clinical supervisor who will be responsible for overseeing progress throughout the
attachment and providing further career guidance.
Clinical commitments during academic placement
Departmental academic teaching programme (if applicable)
Academic Lead: name, job title, e-mail address
Dr Birgitta Bernhard, Consultant in Clinical Genetics
b.bernhard@nhs.net