HEALTH EDUCATION THAMES VALLEY: Academic Clinical
Fellowship in Haematology (ST3)
Academic Clinical Fellowship (ACF) posts are awarded by the NIHR to University/NHS
Trust/LETB partnerships nationally through a formula mechanism and by competition. These
posts form part of the NIHR Integrated Training Pathway, further details of which can be
found on the NIHR TCC website http://www.nihrtcc.nhs.uk 3 years fixed. The post will
attract an NTN-A
ACFs who fail to secure the funding for a research training fellowship by the end of their ACF
will return to clinical training in accordance with the NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowships:
Entry, Eligibility and Exit points for Appointments made in 2015.
About Health Education Thames Valley
We are the Local Education and Training Board (LETB) for Thames Valley covering
Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. Our vision is to ensure the delivery of effective
workforce planning and excellent education and training to develop a highly capable, flexible
and motivated workforce that delivers improvements in health for the population of Thames
Valley. Thames Valley LETB is responsible for the training of around 2000 Foundation and
Specialty trainees.
Health Education Thames Valley is a relatively small organisation with a defined
geographical area which serves as a single unit of application. In the majority of cases
successful candidates will be asked to preference their choice of location for either one or
two years. Some programmes will require successful candidates to indicate a location and
specialty. Future placements will usually be based on individual training and educational
needs. Please note that applications are to the Health Education Thames Valley as a
whole. This may mean that you may be allocated to any geographic location within
the deanery depending on training needs.
ACF in Haematology Training Programme
The ACF Haematology training programme is a 3 year programme, starting at ST3. During
this time, the trainee's work will be monitored for satisfactory progress and subject to annual
reviews in the form of ARCPs. Progression on the programme will be dependent upon these
reviews.
The posts on this rotation have been approved for Specialist Training by the Royal College
of Physicians. The posts attract National Training Numbers and provide training towards a
Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT).
The Postgraduate Dean has confirmed that this post has the necessary educational and
staffing approvals.
Programme Directors
Professor Paresh Vyas (academic)
Dr W Atoyebi (clinical)
Base Hospital:
Oxford University Hospitals
District General Hospitals
Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading
Wycombe General Hospital, High Wycombe
Wexham Park Hospital, Slough
Milton Keynes Hospital, Milton Keynes
Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury
Duration Of Post
3 Years (see exit points)
Work Pattern
On-call, 1 in 6 with prospective cover
Core Hours
40
Out Of Hours Banding
Band 1C or 1B (currently being reviewed)
Includes Prospective Cover
Yes
Annual and Study Leave Arrangements
Duties include cover for colleagues, absence on annual or study leave. Leave must be
planned in advance and must be agreed with your supervising consultant. Annual leave
entitlement will be 5 or 6 weeks dependent on point of salary.
Accommodation
This post is not compulsorily resident. If accommodation is required a charge will be made.
Residency may be required to cover haematological emergencies.
Oxford University Hospitals Trust Information www.ouh.nhs.uk
Services are provided from three sites:
 The John Radcliffe Hospital, which is the main accident and emergency hospital, also
provides general and specialist medical, surgical, trauma, cardiac, women’s services and
geratology. This site also includes the West Wing, which provides a regional head and
neck services that includes neurosciences and specialist surgical service including
neurosurgery and neurology, cranio-facial surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery,
ENT and ophthalmology. The Children’s Hospital provides paediatric services.
 The Churchill Hospital, which has a number of specialist services including haematology,
renal and urology, medical and clinical oncology, palliative care, dermatology, chest
medicine, infectious diseases, geratology, diabetes, endocrinology and metabolic
services, medical and clinical genetics, laboratory immunology and genito-urinary
medicine.
 The Horton Hospital in Banbury, which provides district general hospital services,
including accident and emergency services, to its local population in the north of the
county and in surrounding counties.
The Trust has nearly 1,500 beds. It is anticipated that 260,000 people will attend as
outpatients, over 97,000 patients will be admitted, 90,000 will attend the accident and
emergency department, and more than 7,000 babies will be delivered during the current
year. The Trust works particularly closely with the University of Oxford Medical Sciences
Division. The Trust continues to build on its alliances with its key partners: Health
Authorities, Primary Care Groups, General Practitioners and other Trusts. These alliances
are particularly important in the development of specialist services and the availability of
these services to a wide population. The continued support of the Community Health
Council is much valued and we will continue to work with the CHC to the benefit and the
services.
The Department of Haematology
The Department provides comprehensive clinical and laboratory haematology service and
has one of the largest and most internationally competitive portfolios of research in Europe.
Regional MDT meetings for Lymphoma, Myeloma, Leukaemia and Bone marrow Transplant
take place weekly.
Clinical and Laboratory Services are based at:
(i) Cancer Centre, Churchill Hospital
http://www.ouh.nhs.uk/hospitals/churchill/buildings/default.aspx . There is a 25-bedded
purpose built inpatient unit and attached Ambulatory Care Unit (10 transplant beds –
allograft and autograft programme - ~105 transplants/year); Out-patient clinic area and a
Day Therapy Unit. The large regional specialised Haemophilia and Thrombosis centre is
also based here.
(ii) John Radcliffe Hospital (laboratory and liaison services) and specialised laboratory
services including the National Reference Haemoglobinopathy Centre, screening for red cell
enzymes, a comprehensive Thames Valley Haemato-Molecular Diagnostic service for
malignant and non-malignant disorders including specialist next generation genetic tests and
a Regional immunophenotyping service. The site also houses the Regional Blood
Transfusion Centre.
(iii) The Horton Hospital, which provides district general laboratory and clinical services. It
has its own Day Therapy Unit.
(For an example of the rota see Appendix 1)
Academic Research Laboratories are based at:
(i) John Radcliffe Hospital: Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine (www.imm.ox.ac.uk);
Nuffield Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (www.ndcls.ox.ac.uk) and the National
Blood service (http://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/research-and-development/).
Teaching
Dr Littlewood helps run a very successful teaching programme for the University of Oxford
Medical School.
Duties Of The Post
a)
Principal Responsibilities:
The ACF will take part in a rota to cover the clinical and laboratory aspects of their training
(see Training Programme).
The ACF will take part in 9 months of laboratory or clinical research leading to an application
for a Clinical Training Fellowship application leading to a DPhil/PhD.
b)
Daily Commitment:
In accordance with part of the rota. For an example of the rota see Appendix 2.
c)
Description of Working Pattern
The Specialist Registrars work on 1:6 on-call rota with prospective cover for colleagues
annual and study leave.
d)
Teaching
Teaching of medical undergraduates and the instruction of other junior medical staff, nursing
and laboratory staff.
e)
Administration/Management
The Specialist Registrar is encouraged to take part in the clinical and laboratory
management meetings during the rotation and is also encouraged to attend management
courses.
Trainee Centred Training Programme
The training programme has been drawn up to the guidelines of the SAC for Haematology of
the JCHMT. This scheme is meant as a guide. However circumstances may enforce
changes to the timing of specific attachments.
This programme is geared towards providing the requisite training in clinical haematology
together with core training in research methodology. The current SpR clinical programme
consists of a 3-6 month rotations through sub-speciality modules (e.g. lymphoma, leukaemia
and bone marrow transplantation, laboratory haematology, blood transfusion, haemostasis)
and 12 months in a district general hospital (DGH). Within the 3 year ACF programme there
will be three 3-month protected academic blocks. The Programme Directors will ensure that
in the first two years the ACF will rotate through all sub-specialities. In the third year the ACF
will spend 3-6 months in a DGH. Towards the end of the first year the ACF will take Part I
FRCPath examination, a key assessment of clinical competence.
1.
During the induction period, the trainee would be working in the laboratory alongside
th
a 4 or 5th year trainee.
2.
Formative assessment (appraisal) will take place during every part of the rotation
with a ARCP assessment every 12 months. The FRCPath part 1 should be taken after 18
months.
3.
Continuous assessment will be undertaken by use of the training logbook.
4.
Trainees are encouraged to attend the monthly clinical and laboratory management
meetings.
5.
The department will endeavour to provide funding for a trainee to attend one
international meeting and minimum of one national meeting during the 3-year training
programme.
6.
Please note the current postgraduate educational programme, which is attached.
7. Postgraduate training recognition is available. Recognition for final FRCPath and
accredited for haematology under the JRCPTB and GMC. There are several formal, and
informal, education sessions each week within the department. Good library facilities and
postgraduate education facilities are available at the John Radcliffe Hospital and District
General Hospitals.
Research
There are excellent research facilities in the Department of Haematology in Oxford
(Appendix 3). Development of an integrated single academic/clinical department of
Haematology which encompasses research groups in Oxford including LLR, MRC,
Wellcome and NBS groups is at an advanced stage.
Protected Academic Time
The ACF will take part in 9 months of laboratory or clinical research specifically within
Transfusion Medicine leading to an application for a Clinical Training Fellowship leading to a
DPhil/PhD.The ACF will usually spend three 3-month blocks with the academic groups. In
the first block the key aim is for the head of the host group and ACF to jointly develop a PhD
project that draws on the strengths of the ACF and host group. Practically, the ACF will do
focused project, much like a BSc student. For a laboratory-based project they will acquire
bench skills. A secondary aim is for the ACF to become involved in projects that lead to
publication. Finally, if the experience in the host laboratory suggests that an alternative host
group needs to be found, the ACF's mentors and the ACF can arrange this during this block.
In the second academic block the major aim is to write the Clinical Training Fellowship
application. Prior to this block the supervisor and ACF will be aware of the timelines for
applications. Key preparatory work for a Fellowship application includes writing Ethics
applications and animal licences, developing collaborative links with clinicians and scientists
(e.g. to ensure access to samples, techniques and reagents). Department administrative
staff will provide costings for applications.
Selection Of Host Haematology Group
A short synopsis of the research activities of host research groups in Haematology is
provided in Appendix 3. ACF candidates will be expected to research fields of interest prior
to interview. During the first 12 months, the ACF will be exposed to activities of the host
groups by a) attendance at monthly Department meetings where groups present aspects of
their work b) discussions with their academic mentor who will arrange meetings with
potential supervisors c) attendance at laboratory meetings of individual supervisors d)
meetings with research group members especially other Clinical Training Fellows. We
expect the choice of research group will also be informed by the clinical interest developed
by the ACF in the first 6-12 months of clinical training.
Specific Support For Clinical Training Fellowship Application
Once an outline of a project is clear (towards the end of the first academic block), the ACF
will write a short outline of the project for the academic mentor. They will ensure it is
appropriate for that particular ACF and a Clinical Training Fellowship application. Prior to
submission, the Fellowship application will be subject to internal review by the whole of the
Training Panel. Where Fellowships require candidates to attend for interview, the ACF will
be given one or more mock interviews with Training Panel members. Previous experience
has shown that Fellowship interviews are a key assessment step in competitive Fellowship
programmes.
Section of ACFs
Candidate selection is vital. The Training Panel will ensure potential ACFs have requisite
clinical skills and a strong academic record (usually one of the following: 1st Class Honours
Degree, publication record and academic prizes) and a clear desire to complete a dual
academic/clinical training and career.
Supervision and Mentorship
The ACF will have a separate clinical and academic mentor chosen from the Training panel.
All Training panel members have at least 10 years mentorship experience. The ACF will
formally meet both mentors every six months to review progress. Moreover, the group head
of the host laboratory will supervise the research project and help the ACF write the Clinical
Training Fellowship application. Where the supervisor is a non-clinical scientist, a clinician
scientist PI will be a second supervisor. Conversely, if the proposed supervisor is primarily a
clinician, a clinical academic will be a second supervisor. Most group heads have supervised
clinicians.
Milestones
Obligatory milestones are a) the ACF must chose a host group by month 8-9. Usually this
will happen by month 6 so that host laboratories can ensure space is available. b) At the end
of year 2, a Clinical Training Fellowship application will have been submitted. c) In Year 1
the ACF will have sat Part I FRCPath.
Exit From The Programme
a) Successful application for a Clinical Training Fellowship.
b) Transfer to the SpR training programme should core academic/clinical milestones not be
met or if the candidate is unsuccessful in obtaining a Clinical Training Fellowship.
For further information about the post please contact:
Professor Paresh Vyas 01865 222309 or e-mail paresh.vyas@imm.ox.ac.uk
Dr Wale Atoyebi, 01295 229234 or e-mail wale.atoyebi@orh.nhs.uk
Appendix 1: 3 YEAR SPECIALITY TRAINING ROTATION IN HAEMATOLOGY
1
2
INDUCTION
LABORATORY
5
6
LYMPHOMA
9
LEUKAEMIA/
BMT
3
4
TRANSFUSION
HAEMOSTASIS
AND
THROMBOSIS
LYMPHOMA
7
DISTRICT
GENERAL
HOSPITAL
8
DISTRICT
GENERAL
HOSPITAL
10
LEUKAEMIA/
BMT
11
PAEDIATRIC
HAEMATOLOGY
12
Each block 1-12 represents 3 months
LABORATORY
Appendix 2 : Example of a weekly rota
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thur
Fri
Consultant
Ward Round
 Leukae
mia /
BMT
 Lymph
oma
New
Patient
Clinic
9.00am
Immunophenoty
ping
Meeting 8.30
am
Journal Club
8.30 am
CHC Outpatient
s
Transplant
Clinic
9.00am
CHC
Outpatients
Consultant Ward
Round
 Leukaem
ia/ BMT
 Lympho
ma
A.M
8.30 am
Teaching
Haematology
Ward
Level 1
CHC
Morphology
Teaching
11.00 am
Haematology
Laboratory
Level 4
JR
Meeting Room
3
Level 1
CHC
8.30 am
Haematology
Ward
Level 1
CHC
Myeloma/Leuka
emia
MDT 11.00 am
Meeting Room 2
Level 1
CHC
Haemoglobinop
athy Clinic
10.00 1m
CHC
Outpatients.
Morphology
Teaching
11.30 am
Level 2
CHC
P.M
CLL/LPD
2.00 pm
CHC
Outpatients
General
Haematol
ogy
Clinic
2.00 pm
Lymphoma MDT
1.00 pm
Lymphoma
Clinic
Level 0
JR
Myeloproliferativ
e Clinic
CHC
Outpatient
s
Myeloma Clinic
2.00 pm
CHC
Outpatients
Leukaemia
Clinic
CHC = Cancer & Haematology Centre
JR = John Radcliffe Hospital.
CHC
Outpatients
Optional
Appendix 3: Principal Investigators in Haematology
MRC Molecular Haematology Unit and allied groups in the WIMM:
(http://www.imm.ox.ac.uk/ and
Professor Vyas (Acute Myeloid Leukaemia - stem cells and therapeutic targeting.)
Professors Higgs and Gibbons (genetic, epigenetic and cellular mechanisms regulating
erythropoiesis);
Professor Jacobsen (haemopoietic stem cell biology, leukaemia and myelodysplasia).
Professor Nerlov (haemopoietic stem cell biology, leukaemia).
Professor Rabbitts (leukaemia biology)
Professor Townsend and Dr Drakesmith (regulation and disorders of iron metabolism).
Professor Patient (regulation of haemopoietic stem cell biology in development
Professor Rocha (Stem cell Transplantation)
Dr Mead (Myeloid Diseases – Myeloproliferative Disorders, AML, CML and Stem Cell
biology).
Dr Porcher (biology of the key stem cell transcription factor and oncoprotein SCL/Tal1)
Dr De Bruijn (role of RUNX-1 in haemopoietic stem cells in development)
Dr Milne (MLL leukaemia)
Dr Buckle (imaging transcription in haemopoietic cells).
LLR Molecular Haematology Unit
Professor Boultwood (Myelodysplasia).
(http://www.ndcls.ox.ac.uk/ResGroups.php?GID=14)
LLR/CRUK haemato-Oncology Group
Professor Banham (Identification and utilisation of lymphoma antigens in lymphoma
management). (http://www.ndcls.ox.ac.uk/ResGroups.php?GID=28).
Clinical Trial and Translational Research
Dr Mead – Head of Haematology Clinical Trials Unit
BMT Trials: Prof Vanderson Rocha and Dr Peniket.
Lymphoma and CLL Trials: Drs Collins and Hatton (Lymphoma) and Dr Schuh (CLL).
Myeloma Trials: Dr Ramasamy and Dr Peniket.
Myeloid Trials: Prof Vyas, Dr Mead, Dr Sternberg, Dr Peniket, Dr Littlewood.
APPENDIX 4: NHS DEPARTMENT MEMBERS
ORH Medical Staff – Consultants
John Radcliffe Hospital,Oxford
Dr Atoyebi
Dr Bunch
Dr Collins
Dr Hatton
Professor Higgs
Dr Littlewood
Dr Mead
Dr Peniket
Dr Ramasamy
Professor Rocha
Dr Schuh
Professor Vyas
Haemophilia Centre
Dr P Giangrande
Dr D Keeling
Dr Curry
Cellular Sciences
Professor Gatter
Professor Pezzella
Dr Soilleux
NHS Blood & Transplant
Dr Benjamin
Dr Pawson
Professor Murphy
Professor Roberts
Dr Stanworth
ORH Medical Staff - Trainees
SpR
12
Academic Clinical Fellow
3
ST2
4
Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading
Dr Grech
Dr Mucklow
Dr Sampson
Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury
Dr Eagleton
Dr O’Hea
Dr Pushkaran
Wycombe General Hospital, Wycombe
Dr Aitchison
Dr Kelly
Dr Pattinson
Wexham Park Hospital, Slough
Dr Bienz
Dr Moule
Dr Offer
Dr N Philpott
Milton Keynes Hospital, Milton Keynes
Dr Dungarwalla
Dr Mitra
Dr D White
Main Conditions of Service
Appointments to this programme are subject to the Terms and Conditions of Service (TCS)
for Hospital Medical and Dental Staff (England and Wales). In addition appointments are
subject to:
 Applicants having the right to work and be a doctor or dentist in training in the UK
 Registration with the General Medical Council
 Pre-employment checks carried out by the Trust HR department in line with the NHS
employment check standards, including CRB checks and occupational health
clearance.
The employing Trust’s offer of employment is expected to be on the following nationally
agreed terms:
Hours – The working hours for junior doctors in training are now 48-hours (or 52-hours if
working on a derogated rota) averaged over 26 weeks (six months). Doctors in training also
have an individual right to opt-out if they choose to do so, but they cannot opt-out of rest
break or leave requirements. However, the contracts for doctors in training make clear that
overall hours must not exceed 56 hours in a week (New Deal Contract requirements)
across all their employments and any locum work they do.
http://www.nhsemployers.org/your-workforce/need-to-know/european-working-time-directive
Pay – you should be paid monthly at the rates set out in the national terms and conditions of
service for hospital medical and dental staff and doctors in public health medicine and the
community health service (England and Wales), “the TCS”, as amended from time to time.
The payscales are reviewed annually. Current rates of pay may be viewed at
http://www.nhsemployers.org/your-workforce/pay-and-reward/pay/pay-and-conditionscirculars/medical-and-dental-pay-and-conditions-circulars Part time posts will be paid prorata
Pay supplement –depending upon the working pattern and hours of duty you are contracted
to undertake by the employer you should be paid a monthly additional pay supplement at the
rates set out in paragraph 22 of the TCS. The current payscales may be viewed at
http://www.nhsemployers.org/your-workforce/pay-and-reward/pay/pay-and-conditionscirculars/medical-and-dental-pay-and-conditions-circulars
The pay supplement is not reckonable for NHS pension purposes. The pay supplement will
be determined by the employer and should be made clear in their offer of employment and
subject to monitoring.
Pension – you will be entitled to join or continue as a member of the NHS Pension Scheme,
subject to its terms and rules, which may be amended from time to time. If you leave the
programme for out of programme experience you may have a gap in your pension
contributions. More information can be found at http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/pensions
Annual Leave – your entitlement to annual leave will be five or six weeks per annum
depending on your previous service/incremental point, as set out in paragraphs 205-206 of
the TCS. The TCS may be viewed at
http://www.nhsemployers.org/your-workforce/pay-and-reward/nhs-terms-andconditions/junior-doctors-dentists-gp-registrars/junior-doctors-terms-and-conditions-ofservice-and-associated-documents
Sick pay – entitlements are outlined in paragraph 225 of the TCS.
Notice –you will be required to give your employer and entitled to receive from them notice
in accordance with paragraphs 195-196 of the TCS.
Study Leave –the employer is expected to offer study leave in accordance with paragraphs
250-254 of the TCS. Local policy and procedure will be explained at induction.
Travel Expenses – the employer is expected to offer travel expenses in accordance with
paragraphs 277-308 of the TCS for journeys incurred in performing your duties. Local policy
and procedure should be explained at induction.
Subsistence expenses – the employer is expected to offer subsistence expenses in
accordance with paragraph 311 of the TCS. Local policy and procedure should be explained
at induction.
Relocation expenses – the employer will have a local policy for relocation expenses based
on paragraphs 314 – 315 of the TCS and national guidance at
http://www.nhsemployers.org/PayAndContracts/MedicalandDentalContracts/JuniorDoctorsD
entistsGPReg/Pages/DoctorsInTraining-JuniorDoctorsTermsAndConditions150908.aspx
You are advised to check eligibility and confirm any entitlement with the employer before
incurring any expenditure.
Pre-employment checks – all NHS employers are required to undertake pre-employment
checks. The employer will confirm their local arrangements, which are expected to be in line
with national guidance at
http://www.nhsemployers.org/your-workforce/recruit/employment-checks/nhs-employmentcheck-standards
Professional registration – it will be a requirement of employment that you have
professional registration with the GMC/GDC for the duration of your employment. Though
the post is covered by NHS Indemnity, you are strongly advised to register with the MPS for
professional indemnity.
Health and Safety – all employers have a duty to protect their workers from harm. You
should be advised by the employer of local policies and procedures intended to protect your
health and safety and expected to comply with these.
Disciplinary and grievance procedures – the employer will have local policies and
procedures for dealing with any disciplinary concerns or grievances you may have. They
should advise you how to access these, not later than eight weeks after commencement of
employment.
Educational Supervisor – the employer or a nominated deputy (usually the Director of
Medical Education) will confirm your supervisor on commencement.
General information on the LETB’s management of Specialty Training programmes,
including issues such as taking time out of programme and dealing with concerns or
complaints, is available at www.oxforddeanery.nhs.uk and in the national ‘Gold guide’ to
Specialty Training at http://specialtytraining.hee.nhs.uk/. Please ensure that you inform
Health Education Thames Valley of any changes to your contact details.
October 2014