University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine
Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
JOB DESCRIPTION
ACADEMIC CLINICAL FELLOWSHIP
IN PAEDIATRICS
ST1- ST3 LEVEL
ONE POST
October 2015
Job title
Academic Clinical Fellow in Paediatrics
Introduction and training programme description
This NIHR-funded post provides an exciting balance of clinical and research training. This post carries an academic training number - NTN(A) and will be part of the run-through East of England Paediatric Training Programme.
The post duration is for three years starting from 1st September 2016. During this time the fellow will spend 75% of their time in clinical training and set aside 25% of time to develop academic training and skills. The successful appointee will be expected to apply for a research training fellowship in order to continue their academic training and register for a higher degree (PhD or MD). If unsuccessful in obtaining such funding they would transfer into a non-ACF run-through ST3+ post and pursue full-time clinical specialty training providing there had been satisfactory progress in other areas of training.
Hospitals in which training will take place
Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust for Academic Component of the ACF
Clinical placements will be organised in a rotation involving some of the 17 hospitals in the East of England School of Paediatrics training programme with specialist clinical placements in Cambridge. The structure of the ACF will be organised and agreed by the Training Programme Director, Academic Supervisor and the successful appointee.
Research institutions in which training will take place
Research training will take place at the University of Cambridge, School of Clinical Medicine (Department of Paediatrics) although, depending on the specific research, projects may be pursued at one of a number of other research institutes on the Cambridge Biomedical Research Campus (Addenbrooke’s Hospital). The academic supervisor will be allocated when the research project has been identified.
The research training component
Prior to starting the fellowship, the successful candidate should discuss and agree their specific area of research, either in an area of Paediatrics or Neonatal Medicine. During the course of the fellowship, the fellow will be expected to design, undertake and complete a discrete clinical study under supervision. The ultimate aim of the fellowship is to provide training and experience in clinical research methodology to equip the fellow with the necessary skills to pursue a career in Academic Paediatrics. Therefore, whichever specific research topic is chosen, supervision will be provided by a representative of the University Department of Paediatrics with regard to research methods training and academic career pathways. The Fellow will undergo basic training within the University, including courses on medical statistics, including use of common data analysis software, paper writing, grant applications, literature searches etc. They will also be able to access courses provided by the Cambridge Academic Training Office (CATO).
Day release or block release for protected research time?
It is anticipated that the successful applicant will be available for research on a block basis (e.g. 3-6 months durations) comprising 25% WTE over three years. This will be subject to negotiation.
Description of research in Paediatrics and Neonatal Medicine
The University Department of Paediatrics (Head: Prof David Rowitch) comprises over 60 staff including: clinicians, scientists, research nurses, postgraduate students and visiting fellows. There are various active programmes of research in the following areas:
Neonatal Neuroscience
The Department of Neonatology has an active programme of research in neonatal neuroscience, led by Prof David Rowitch and Dr. Topun Austin. A main focus is the identification and prevention of neonatal neurodevelopmental disorders and brain injury in the “Neuro-NICU.” The prevalence of cerebral palsy (CP) and associated neurocognitive disorders is rising in the UK because of increased survival of vulnerable extremely low birth weight (ELBW) premature infants. David Rowitch co-founded the “Neuro-NICU” at University of California San Francisco (UCSF) to optimize clinical care and promote research in imaging, pharmacodynamics, nutrition, neuromonitoring, neuroprotection and cellular/mechanistic research, and is developing a similar clinical-research centre model at the Rosie Hospital NICU, which is amongst the largest in the UK, and has Neuro-NICU service and Evelyn perinatal imaging centre (with dedicated MRI) facilities. Further collaborations are with the Department of Clinical Neurosciences (Prof. Pickard), developing methods to assess cerebrovascular regulation in preterm infants, and with the Autism Research Centre (Prof Baron-Cohen), investigating the relationship between early neuroimaging and the development of autism. A longstanding collaboration between the Department of Neonatology in Cambridge and the Department of Medical Physics and Bioengineering at University College London was formalised in 2012 with the creation of the neoLAB group. The interest of the group is in developing non-invasive systems to investigate functional brain activation in new-born infants, particularly using optical and electrophysiological techniques. In October 2013 the group moved in to the new Evelyn Perinatal Imaging Centre, a dedicated functional brain imaging unit in the new Rosie hospital. The East of England Neonatal Neuroprotection group is run from the Rosie Hospital. The group has recently completed an award winning project developing a coordinated and family centred approach across the region for infants requiring therapeutic hypothermia following oxygen deprivation around birth. Further details can be found on the Cambridge Neuroscience Website: http://www.neuroscience.cam.ac.uk/
Childhood Diabetes (leads: Prof David Dunger, Dr Carlo Acerini, Dr Roman Hovorka, Dr Rachel Williams). The department runs large cohort studies examining the mechanisms and prediction of macro- and micro-vascular complications, and co-ordinates a large international multi-centre trial to prevent complications in adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes. The high-profile artificial pancreas programme involves a variety of experimental and physiological studies. There are also studies on glucose regulation in Cystic Fibrosis and severe insulin resistance.
Paediatric Endocrinology: Prof David Dunger leads studies on the efficacy of GH therapy in small-for-gestational age infants, and on optimization of GH therapy during adolescent transition. Dr Carlo Acerini leads studies on the role of endocrine disruptors in Disorders of sexual development. Dr Ken
Ong leads an MRC programme on genetic, epigenetic and hormonal mechanisms linking growth and pubertal timing to later obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Paediatric Intensive Care (leads: Dr Nazima Pathwan, Dr Carlo Acerini). Studies include the genetic predisposition to infectious disease, inflammatory markers related to outcomes, mechanisms of neurotoxicity and endocrine consequences of head injury.
Neonatal Haematology and Transfusion Research
The Department of Neonatology has an active programme of research in neonatal haematology, led by Dr Venkatesh, including the co- ordination of a multicentre study, development of a bleeding assessment tool, platelet function testing in neonatology and multiple systematic reviews (red cell, platelet and fresh frozen plasma transfusion). The team collaborates with other NICUs across the UK, Europe, US and Australia in the area of neonatal haematology. The PLANET 2 Study is a multicentre parallel group randomised controlled trial of platelet transfusions in preterm neonates. It is one of only eight NIHR portfolio randomised controlled trials in neonates in the UK. The aim of the study is to define safe neonatal platelet transfusion threshold (2 groups 25 and 50). Primary outcome is a composite mortality and major bleeds at 28 days. Sample size: 660 neonates.
Neonatal Metabolism: This research programme is led by Dr Kathryn Beardsall. The transition from fetal to independent life involves many adaptive processes in metabolism. Adaptation at this time has important impacts on both short term and long term health. We are investigating the impact of our short term care and the implications for long term health. She was principal investigator on the NIRTURE study into glucose control in preterm infants whose results were published in the NEJM in 2010.
Other neonatal research
Dr Gustav Belteki, working in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, is interested in the molecular/ epi-genetics of neonatal diseases affecting preterm infants, particularly necrotising enterocolitis, and other co-morbidities. Dr. Wilf Kelsall along with Dr Yogen Singh have active research interests in the management of the patent ductus arteriosus and delivery of neonatal and paediatric cardiology outside specialist centres. The other consultants have interests in neonatal transport, patient safety and neurodevelopmental outcomes.
In addition, the ACF will be able to choose from a wider range of topics provided by a large number of research active NHS consultant paediatricians, particularly in the areas of paediatric oncology & haematology, gastroenterology, respiratory paediatrics, cardiology, and neurology. In total there are 40 NIHR portfolio-adopted clinical research studies active at Addenbrooke’s with a further 12 non-portfolio studies. Paediatric research on the Addenbrooke’s campus is supported by core facilities provided by the Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility (a purpose built research block with eight in-patient rooms) and the NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre and oversight is provided by the Trust’s Women’s and Children’s Directorate.
The clinical training component
The post will provide 3 years of training in Paediatrics [including the 25% of time in research], starting with core training and, for those fellows starting at ST2+, then moving to ST4 with arrangements made subsequently for training in the sub-specialty most relevant to their research area. The choice, blend and sequence of jobs will be overseen by Dr Wilf Kelsall (Head, School of Paediatrics, Health Education East of England LETB) and the appropriate Paediatric Training Programme Directors (Dr Matthew James and Dr Andrea Turner). The ACF will be designed to deliver core clinical training and allow exposure to the principal sub-specialist area of interest. Placements are likely to be in Cambridge and local DGHs. These clinical training placements will be indistinguishable from the mainstream Paediatrics speciality registrar training posts and will involve normal pro-rata on-call commitments.
Description of the Clinical Departments
At Cambridge University Foundation NHS Trust (CUFT), Addenbrookes Hospital, the Clinical Paediatrics and Neonatal Medicine Units are part of Division E (Director: Dr Robert Heuschkel).
The Paediatric Unit (Children's Services) at Addenbrooke’s is a regional service for many specialties, and the local paediatric centre for the population of Cambridge and surrounding areas. The Paediatric Unit admits approximately 3,500 patients a year and, therefore, offers a wide range of experience in both children's medicine and surgery.
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is one of three level III NICU’s in the East of England Perinatal network, situated in the Rosie Hospital located adjacent and connected to Addenbrooke’s Hospital. In September 2012 a major expansion to the Rosie Hospital opened, including the Rosie Birth Centre, fetal medicine unit and a new expanded NICU. The new unit has an anticipated final capacity of 58 cots with 40 currently open. Cambridge also hosts the regional acute neonatal transport service (ANTS).There are approximately 6000 deliveries per year. The Rosie provides regional perinatal services for fetal medicine, genetics, paediatrics surgery, neonatal neurology, paediatric neurosurgery and perinatal pathology.
STAFFING IN THE PAEDIATRIC, NEONATAL AND ASSOCIATED DEPARTMENTS
Paediatric Consultants
Dr Nadeem Abdullah General Paediatrics and Diabetes
Dr Gautam Ambegaonkar Paediatric Neurology
Dr Kate Armon Paediatric Rheumatology
Dr Helen Bailie General Paediatrics
Dr Helen Baxendale Paediatric Clinical Immunology
Dr Sally Benson Paediatric Clinical Psychologist
Dr Ricardo Branco Paedatriac Intensive Care
Dr Nigel Burrows Dermatologist
Dr Amos Burke Paediatric Oncology
Dr Rosalie Campbell Paediatric Intensive Care and Anaesthesia
Dr Manali Chitre Paediatric Neurology
Dr J Gass Dermatology
Dr Mike Gattens Haematology
Dr Peter Heinz General and Ambulatory Paediatrics
Dr Robert Heuschkel Paediatric Gastroenterology
Dr Richard Iles General Paediatrics and Respiratory
Dr Riaz Kayani Paediatric Intensive Care
Dr Deepa Krishnakumar Paediatric Neurology
Dr Elaine Lewis General Paediatrics/Community Children
Dr Anna Maw Paediatric Neurology
Dr Donna McShane General Paediatrics and Respiratory
Dr Boo Messahel Paediatric Oncology
Dr Sarah Morley Paediatric Intensive Care
Dr Matthew Murray Paediatric Oncology
Dr James Nicholson Paediatric Oncology
Dr S O’Curry Paediatric Psychologist
Dr Roddy O’Donnell Paediatric Intensive Care
Dr Alasdair Parker Paediatric Neurology
Dr Lucy Preston General Paediatrics/Safeguarding children
Dr Robert Ross-Russell Paediatric Intensive Care, Respiratory, General Paediatrics
Dr C Salvestrini Paediatric Gastrology
Dr A Sansome General Paediatrics
Dr Patricia Sartori Paediatric Oncology
Dr F Torrente Paediatric Gastroenterology
Dr Denise Williams Paediatric Oncology
Neonatal Consultants
Dr J Ahluwalia Neonatology, Renal, Medical Director
Dr T Austin Neonatology, Neonatal neuroscience research
Dr K Beardsall Neonataology, Metabolism, Academic appointment
Dr G Belteki Neonataology, Molecular genetic research
Dr S Broster Neonatology
Dr A D’Amore Neonatology, Neurodevelopment
Dr W Kelsall Neonatology, Cardiology and Head of School of Paediatrics
Dr S Hoodbhoy Neonatology, Fetal medicine, neonatal nutrition
Dr A Ogilvy-Stuart Neonatology, Endocrinology, Renal, Clinical Director
Dr V Venkatesh Neonatology, Neonatal haematology
Dr Y Singh Neonatology, Cardiology
Dr R Chaudhary Neonatalogy Locum Consultant
Dr S O’Hare Neonatalogy Locum Consultant
Maternal Fetal medicine consultants
Mr. G A Hackett Consultant Obstetrics &Gynaecology
Dr J Brewster Consultant Fetal Medicine
Mr. J Brockelsby Consultant Obstetrician and Maternal Fetal medicine
Miss H Missfelder Lobos Consultant Obstetrician and Maternal Fetal medicine
Professor Gordon Smith Consultant Obstetrician and Maternal Fetal medicine
Miss C Patient Consultant Obstetrician
Miss A Wilson Consultant Obstetrician
Miss F Hoveyda Consultant Obstetrician and Intrapartum Lead
Miss S Bhatia Consultant Obstetrician
Miss J MacDougal Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
Perinatal Pathology consultants
Dr Flora Jessop Consultant Perinatal Pathology
Dr Anita Whitehead Consultant Perinatal Pathology
Paediatric Surgeons
Mr A Aslam General/Chest
Mr T Ahmad Cleft and Plastic Surgery
Ms L Allen Ophthalmology
Mr D Conlan Orthopaedic
Mr S Farrell Surgery
Miss H Fernandes Neurosurgery
Mr M Garnett Neurosurgery
Miss C Jackson General/Neonatal
Mr N Jonas ENT
Mr P Hall Cleft and Plastic Surgery
Mr P Jani ENT
Nr A Rehm Orthopaedic
Miss N Smith General/Neonatal
Miss K Stohr Orthopaedic
Dr L Treharne Cleft Surgery
Mr M Williams Urology/General
University Department of Paediatrics
Professors
Prof David Rowitch (Head of Department)
Prof David Dunger (Diabetes & Endocrinology)
University Senior Lecturers
Dr Carlo Acerini (Endocrinology, Diabetes)
University Lecturers
Dr Kathy Beardsall (Neonatology)
Dr Matt Zilbauer (Gastroenterology)
Dr Nazima Pathan (Paediatric Intensive Care)
Affiliated Lecturer
Dr Ken Ong (MRC Epidemiology; Endocrinology, Obesity)
Clinical Lecturers
Dr Hilary Wong (Neonatology)
Dr Ruben Willemsen (Diabetes & Endocrinology)
Principal Research Associate
Dr Roman Hovorka (Institute of Metabolic Science; Artificial Pancreas)
Senior Research Associate
Dr Clive Petry (Perinatal Biology)
Associate Lecturers
Dr Amos Burke (Oncology)
Dr Andrew Clarke (Clinical Immunology and Allergy)
Mr D Conlan (Orthopaedics)
Dr Peter Heinz (Paediatric A&E)
Dr Richard IIes (Respiratory)
Dr Wilf Kelsall (Neonatology & Cardiology)
Dr Sarah Morley (PICU)
Dr Matt Murray (Oncology)
Dr Roddy O’Donnell (Paediatric Intensive Care)
Dr Alasdair Parker (Neurology)
Dr Rob Ross-Russell (Respiratory)
Dr Pat Set (Radiology)
University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Professor Gordon Smith Head of Department and Honorary Consultant
Dr Andrew Prentice University Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant
Dr D S Charnock-Jones University Reader (Non-clinical) in Reproductive Biology
Dr Francesco Colucci University Senior Lecturer (Non-clinical) in Reproductive Biology