By Dr Jonathan Shurlock
Edited by Dr Ahmed El-Medany
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust have advertised a new role open to both potential and current cardiology trainees. The job description outlines a planned route to entry on the GMC specialist register for Cardiology via a Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) route. Funding for the position is provided directly by Imperial College Healthcare. There is an expectation of developing clinical excellence and building a research profile through obtaining a PhD.
As outlined in the job advert this role has been created in direct response to the removal of national training number funded training positions away from the region by the body previously known as Health Education England. It appears there is an ongoing plan to expand these novel roles to eventually replace those formal NTN positions that have now been removed.
Through this role Imperial College Healthcare seems to be taking a direct role in recruitment and shaping training on a local level. While in the current environment such a role seems novel, many will recognise a system whereby doctors in training apply directly to their desired trusts and regions. In the context of relatively limited long term NHS workforce planning, and in an environment where the importance of staff retention is overlooked, Imperial College Healthcare appears to be attempting to address the challenges of a centralised recruitment process. It will be interesting to see whether such roles begin to appear in healthcare trusts and deaneries more widely.
The job advert can be found here, including details on how to apply: https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/candidate/jobadvert/C9290-23-0743?keyword=st3%20cardiology&language=en
