Palliative Medicine
ST4 – ST7
Palliative Medicine training in London and KSS provides an excellent opportunity to train in a wide variety of different settings, and develop the skills and competencies required to feel prepared for a consultant position by the end of the four year training programme.
The trainee will typically rotate through hospice, hospital, and community posts, with at least one year in a hospice, and at least six months in each of a hospital and community palliative care teams. There is ample opportunity to work in some of London’s leading cancer centres and university teaching hospitals, with involvement in both malignant and non-malignant conditions. On-calls are predominantly non-resident unless the trainee lives more than 30 minutes away, in which case, units would be expected to provide overnight accommodation.
The rotation is divided into four areas or sectors: North West, North East/North Central, South West, and South East. The trainee will usually be allocated to posts within their sector for the duration of the training programme, thus limiting long commutes, unless their training needs require a placement in a neighbouring sector.
Shape of Training
As of August 2022, Palliative Medicine will become a Group 1 Specialty, therefore requiring dual accreditation with General Internal Medicine (GIM). There will be a requirement to complete 12 months of acute unselected take over the four year training programme to achieve dual certificate of completion of training. Further information will be available over the next 6 months so this information will be updated again at the beginning of 2022.
Specialty Certificate Examination
Trainees are expected to have attempted the SCE exam by ST6. There are resources on the MRCP website, as well as an unofficial revision course, question bank and flashcards to aid preparation.
Education Programme
There are currently four regional mandatory training days that take place throughout the year, as well as optional joint specialty training days with Oncology, Geriatrics and Acute Medicine. The trainee committee plays an active role in developing regional educational opportunities with the support and overview of a dedicated consultant education representative. Current projects in development include a DOPS based simulation training day, regional mentorship programme, and an online advanced communication skills course, all of which have been designed to enhance trainee experience and support achieving curriculum competencies. Most units also provide in-house or cross-site educational programmes.
Research and Out of Programme Experiences
Out of Programme requests to pursue research, education, management and leadership posts are supported, and there is a dedicated Research and Academic Training consultant lead who is available for guidance.
Less Than Full Time (LTFT) Applicants
The training programme is supportive of applicants wishing to work less than full time. There is a dedicated LTFT consultant representative who is available to support trainees with queries related to their training and development in this context.
Training Programme Directors
North London:
Dr Jane Neerkin, Consultant in Palliative Medicine janeneerkin@nhs.net
South London and KSS:
Dr Catherine Gleeson, Consultant in Palliative Medicine cathygleeson@stch.org.uk