Critical Care Fellow - Point of Care Ultrasound Imaging Fellowship

Critical Care Fellow - Point of Care Ultrasound Imaging Fellowship

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Applications are invited for an Oxford Critical Care imaging fellowship which will provide a unique opportunity in point-of-care ultrasound diagnostics (POCUS) in the Oxford Critical Care (OCC). This programme is aimed at senior Critical Care trainees looking to develop comprehensive practical skills and knowledge within the field of ultrasound diagnostics. Specifically, it focuses on transthoracic cardiac echocardiography, pleural imaging and intervention, vascular access, and abdominal scanning techniques with the aim of achieving independent practitioner level within 12 months. Successful candidates will complete the ICS F.I.C.E and F.U.S.I.C accreditation programmes during the one-year programme.

Main duties of the job

The programme will take place over twelve months. Appointees will have a dedicated day per week of supervision and mentorship. The appointee will be expected to complete:

1. Focused Intensive Care Echocardiography (FICE)
2. Pleural imaging and diagnostics to BTS level 1 or equivalent
3. Vascular Imaging & Access including PICC line, ultrasound guided peripheral & central venous cannulation to a high level of competence
4. Abdominal imaging including assessment and aspiration of ascites, imaging of renal tract and FAST assessment

About us

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training, and research. Find out more here www.ouh.nhs.uk

Job responsibilities

Each module is anticipated to take approximately three months to complete, with a dedicated day per week. The fellowship year comprises four separate modules:

1. Echocardiography module will consist of dedicated, directly supervised all day lists in critical care and cardiology outpatients every week, with a transition to scanning in clinical areas independently. In addition, fellows will be expected to attend weekly FICE tutorials within the OCC and Cardiology imaging MDT meetings.
2. Pleural imaging module will consist of supervised scanning within OCC and attending the Oxford Pleural Unit intervention and outpatient clinics.
3. Appointees will develop abdominal ultrasound imaging knowledge and skills using a combination of outpatient lists and inpatient scans within the trust in collaboration with the radiology department.
4. Vascular imaging opportunities will be provided throughout the training year within OCC and in collaboration with the Trust's multidisciplinary vascular access team.

Successful candidates will be enrolled into the compulsory departmental radiology ultrasound training programme and the Oxford FICE course as part of their appointment. Fellowship trainees will be supervised in teaching novice ICM trainees to assist in developing teaching skills. During the programme, appointees will operate on the senior tier of the OCC/Churchill Intensive Care Unit on call rota for the Oxford ICM training programme. Candidates from any Intensive Care Medicine parent specialty are welcome to apply. Both ICUs operate a 1:7 on call rota and applicants should have airway competencies and resuscitation skills.

The appointee will be supervised primarily by Dr Graham Barker, Consultant in Intensive Care Medicine & Anaesthesia, in collaboration with the Oxford Critical Care Echocardiography Fellowship directed by Dr Claire Colebourn. Progress will be monitored at regular intervals, and satisfactory completion of paperwork demonstrating good medical practice and acquisition of competencies (Educational supervisor report, fellowship lead recommendation, peer feedback etc.) will be required at six months to proceed further in the program.

Person Specification

Professional registration

• GMC registration with licence to practise or eligibility for sponsorship

Experience

• Advanced competencies in Intensive Care medicine.
• Evidence of ability to manage critically ill patients with distant supervision
• More than two years' experience in Intensive Care
• Minimum 6-12 months experience in anaesthetics and advanced airway management skills such as percutaneous tracheostomy
• Subspeciality experience in Cardiothoracic, Neuro Intensive care

Qualifications

• FRCA, MRCP, FFICM or equivalent
• Higher research degree

Skills and Knowledge

• Excellent leadership, organizational, communication, professional skills to effectively undertake the role of senior clinical Fellow in a busy teaching hospital ICU
• Experience of teaching undergraduates and trainees
• Experience of routine clinical audit
• Knowledge of the organisation of the NHS
• Research experience and outputs
• Management training and experience

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.