Programme: Academic/Clinical Genetics – based at Northwick Park Hospital
Type of programme
This is a 4 month research and clinical placement in Genetics.
Brief outline of department
The North West Thames Regional Genetics Service (NWTRGS) is a fully integrated,
diagnostic genetic service, which provides cytogenetic, molecular and clinical
genetics services for a population of 3.6 Million in North West London, Hertfordshire
and Bedfordshire.
The clinical geneticists and genetic counsellors provide an outpatient-based
diagnostic and counselling service at Northwick Park Hospital and numerous
outreach clinics. Individuals with a genetic disorder, or relatives at risk of a genetic
disorder, are seen and advised of the causes and consequences of the disorder, the
risk of developing or transmitting it and the options available to them such as tests,
treatment or prevention. Clinics are also held for those where there is a familial
history of cancer.
Further information can be found on the Departmental website:
http://www.nwlh.nhs.uk/services/genetics/
Structure of academic project/what expected
The AF2 year is based at Northwick Park Hospital and will include four months of
A&E, 4 months of Gastroenterology, and 4 months of clinical/academic genetics.
Research plays an integral role in clinical genetics. In addition, the impact of genetics
is increasingly relevant in all branches of mainstream medicine. It is our aim to
provide an opportunity for AF2s to develop key skills required 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 AF2s conduct a research project during their time in the department. Projects
might be clinical or laboratory based. The aim of the project is publication in a peerreviewed journal. Typically, AF2s spend two days per week on the research project
and three in the clinical area, but this is variable. Previous AF2s did projects within
the department, but others were based at a variety of academic department within
Imperial College. Projects are tailored to the individual’s long term career aims and
are discussed several months before placement starts, to allow planning. Examples
of previous projects are: Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, Hereditary Haemorrhagic
Telangiectasia, Congenital Myopathy, Silver-Russell Syndrome, Familial
Phaeochromocytoma, and Familial Adenomatous Polyposis.
By the end of the 4 month placement the AF2 is expected to draw family trees and
examine for common genetic conditions (Neurofibromatosis type 1, Marfan
Syndrome etc), supervised by a consultant. All AF2s are expected to write a case
report during their time in the department. There are always interesting cases
available. Previous AF2 were very successful and there have been multiple
publications. AF2s are also encouraged to carry out an audit project within the
department.
Clinical commitments during academic placement
The AF2 mainly works with the clinical genetics team. The work is entirely outpatient
based and working hours are 9-5 Monday-Friday. Entry level is ST3, so AF2s are
supernumerary. The AF2 attends 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 consultant. Referrals include general, paediatric and cancer referrals. Clinics
take place at Northwick Park Hospital and various other locations throughout the
catchment area of the service.
Departmental academic teaching programme (if applicable)
In-house teaching and academic seminars provide basic knowledge 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 are
able to observe the work of the diagnostic molecular and cytogenetic laboratories.
Weekly meetings are held to discuss results with laboratory staff. Trainees are
allocated an academic and clinical supervisor responsible for overseeing progress
throughout the attachment and providing further career guidance.
Academic Lead:
Dr Birgitta Bernhard
Consultant in Clinical Genetics
b.bernhard@nhs.net