Following introduction of the new vascular surgery specialty and curriculum in 2013 the East of England has built a strong and supportive rotation which is now about to produce its first CCT accredited trainees.
There are currently 4 vascular hubs in the region – Cambridge, Norwich, Colchester and Basildon. Trainees rotate throughout these from ST4 through ST8, having spent the ST3 year of general surgery in Ipswich, Kings Lynn or Basildon.
The TPD is Patrick Coughlin, a vascular surgeon in Addenbrooke’s hospital (Cambridge) who recently took over the role. The trainee rep is Nadeem Mughal, an ST8 currently at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.
The rotation provides a fully comprehensive mix of open and endovascular surgery with specific rotations tailored to trainees needs. There is a revamped regional teaching programme which started in November 2018 and aims to cover the full syllabus over a 3 year period, thereby preparing trainees for the FRCS exit exam. Regular EVAR, peripheral angiography and cadaveric courses complement the more formal teaching to put theoretical skills into practice.
Notable recent achievements include the senior 3 trainees all passing the very first sitting of the new vascular FRCS earlier in the summer giving a 100% success rate! Trainees are also encouraged to develop interests in research, teaching and management. Currently there are:
- 2 trainees on OOPR undertaking PhD’s
- 2 trainees studying for a PGCE in Medical Education (funded by the Deanery)
- 1 trainee undertaking the Chief Resident Programme in management
For more information about training in vascular surgery in the East of England please contact Patrick Coughlin or Nadeem Mughal.