Training Programme Directors
Dr Amy Foulkes - amy.foulkes@nca.nhs.uk
Dermatology Introduction / Overview of Programme
The North Western Deanery dermatology training programme is one of the largest in the UK. Its prestigious reputation as a centre of excellence draws from the internationally recognised, world-leading academic department linked with The University of Manchester, combined with exceptional clinical training which promotes mastery of both general and sub-specialty areas.
With 31 consultant dermatologists as part of the "hub and spoke" model based at the Dermatology Centre, Salford Royal Foundation Trust (SRFT) Hospital, trainees receive direct supervision from national experts in general dermatology and diverse specialised areas such as dermatological surgery, laser surgery, contact dermatitis, cutaneous lymphoma, paediatric dermatology, vulval dermatology, photo-biology and -therapy, psoriasis, dermatopathology, dermato-endocrinology and cosmetic dermatology.
The dermatology training is outstanding and in addition to SRFT Hospital, trainees may have clinical rotations to Leigh Infirmary, Tameside Hospital, University Hospital of South Manchester and Bury General Hospital. Some trainees take a 12-month (approximate) general dermatology rotation in the periphery, usually in year one; current peripheral sites include Blackburn Royal Infirmary / Burnley General Hospital.
General Description of Rotation
The rota is currently based on a four-month cycle. Usually general dermatology is emphasised in year one, with subspecialty exposure in the following years. On-call responsibilities are non-resident (pager access), currently remunerated 1 in 10, and cover the extensive geographical area of Greater Manchester. There is a dedicated dermatology / rheumatology ward at SRFT Hospital.
Educational Opportunities
The 4-year dermatology programme in Manchester offers an unparalleled comprehensive training experience in dermatology and its sub-specialties. Appropriate consultant supervision is provided for all ward referrals and outpatient clinics, which combine both new and follow-up patients. Each Thursday afternoon is designated an academic session at SRFT Hospital and all trainees are expected to be present. This session includes formal clinical teaching, joint clinical meetings, research discussion, journal club, cancer MDT, audit and invited lectures/seminars.
With 31 consultants and 16 specialist trainees in the programme including Academic Clinical Fellows, the enthusiasm, diversity and energy created is unique, and trainees are expected to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by such a dynamic programme. They will be fully supported by the Training Programme Director, Dr Amy Foulkes (amy.foulkes@nca.nhs.uk) in addition to the rest of the consultant team (both academic and clinical) and fellow trainees. Near the start of training, each ST3 is matched with an Educational Supervisor who will act as a mentor, ideally throughout the four years of training. The curriculum is based on the JRCPTB Dermatology schedule.
Career Placement Programme in Dermatology
For those considering a career in dermatology we offer work placements in The Dermatology Centre at Salford Royal Hospital by competitive application. There are typically 6 places/ year available to (usually Core Medical) Trainees for one week each. These give an opportunity to experience the breadth of dermatology with clinics in general and subspecialty areas such as skin surgery, phototherapy, lasers and inpatient care. You will meet Specialist Trainees and consultants through the placement joining them at an educational meeting where clinicians see and discuss patients with interesting and unusual dermatological conditions. If you are interested please contact Dr. Nuala O'Donoghue, Consultant Dermatologist (Nuala.O'Donoghue@srft.nhs.uk), or direct informal queries to specialist trainee Dr Oluwafikunayo Orekoya (Fikki.Orekoya@srft.nhs.uk) who can provide information re application deadlines etc. For further information on dermatology training and national educational events (e.g DermSchool, DermDoc) please see the British Association of Dermatology website www.bad.org.uk.
Research/Audit/Teaching
As one of the premier dermatology academic centres in Europe, clinical and non-clinical research is encouraged, with strengths in: psoriasis, photobiology, the brain-skin axis, dermato-pharmacology and hair follicle biology. Historically, Manchester trainees have been highly successful in securing prizes from the British Association of Dermatologists and British Society of Investigative Dermatology and typically present papers at both national and international level. Out-of-programme experiences, which result in awards of higher degrees such as MD and PhD, are frequent and have been funded by the Wellcome Trust, MRC and industry. The Manchester dermatology programme has a track record of supporting Academic Clinical Fellowships and Lectureships, which run alongside the standard dermatology training.
Teaching opportunities are multi-disciplinary and range from undergraduate, post-graduate GP and specialty training. Trainees are encouraged to attend formal courses designed to improve teaching ability (Teaching the Teachers) in order to become effective educators. The North Western Deanery heavily promotes a teaching ethos and has demonstrated its commitment to those trainees interested in developing a formal educational role by awarding a medical education bursary for the post of Clinical Teaching Fellow in Dermatology.
All trainees take an active role in audit as per the JRCPTB requirements. Design, execution and re-audit is encouraged to clearly demonstrate a full audit cycle and improvement in practice. Trainees are allowed flexibility to select their own subject matter for audit or can be directed, as a matter of preference. Department-wide audit meetings are held (6 per annum) at SRFT Hospital and all trainees are required to present their completed audit data at these meetings.