Senior Specialty Fellow in Cardiothoracic Surgery

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust; Southampton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS Trust in the UK is seeking a Senior Specialty Fellow in Cardiothoracic Surgery to develop independent surgical practice and work with consultant surgeons. This role offers extensive involvement in outpatient clinics, MDT work, and ward patient care. Ideal candidates will hold an MBBS or equivalent, have GMC registration, and demonstrate strong communication and organizational skills. This position is based in Southampton, a city known for its lower living costs and vibrant surroundings.

Benefits

Minimum of 35 days paid holiday

Access to NHS discounts

Generous pension scheme

Qualifications

• MBBS or equivalent medical qualification required.
• Must have GMC registration with a licence to practise.
• Evidence of participation in teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Responsibilities

• Perform pure thoracic surgical work.
• Develop independent practice with consultant support.
• Participate in outpatient clinics on scheduled days.
• Contribute to MDT work.
• Take responsibility for ward patient care.
• Participate in audit activities.

Skills

Evidence and ability to work effectively in multi-professional teams

Effective communication skills (verbal and written)

Organisational skills

Calm and compassionate under pressure

Ability to perform intermediate and straightforward major lung resections

Education

MBBS or equivalent medical qualification

GMC registration with a license to practise

Job description

Senior Specialty Fellow in Cardiothoracic Surgery

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust

The closing date is 17 December 2025

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

Main duties of the job

The Thoracic Fellow position at UHS provides an excellent training opportunity in the care of thoracic surgical patients. You will be given the opportunity to develop independent practice while working alongside consultant surgeons in preparation for consultant practice. This will greatly depend on the post holder's competencies and previous experience. You can work at a senior trainee (ST6-ST8) or post CCT level with a work schedule including independent operating lists (with covering consultant), lung cancer multidisciplinary team meetings and outpatient clinics. You will also undertake non‑resident on call for thoracic surgery emergencies again with consultant cover – dependent on previous activity and local assessment.

The department runs 8 operating lists per week including 3 double lists. We have access to three robots (2 x daVinci – Xi and X, 1 x CMR) and a hybrid theatre with on‑table imaging capability. Robotic lists typically run 4 times per week. Operating lists for you are typically scheduled 1–2 times per week with consultant cover and will be tailored to the fellow's level of competence. You will be expected to support the training of junior colleagues in and out of theatre when appropriate. Non‑resident on call for thoracic emergencies will be undertaken on a 1 in 5 day (24 hours) and 1 in 5 weekend basis with consultant cover. This will also involve undertaking emergency surgery in the CEPOD theatre.

About us

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated "Good" by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care.

We support flexible working and will consider requests taking into account the needs of the service. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 20% lower than London and 14 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

Job responsibilities

• Pure thoracic surgical work with no cardiac surgical on calls
• Chance to develop independent practice
• Regular theatre work
• Outpatient clinics (scheduled 1–2 days per week); fellow will be expected to prepare and review cases with consultant support
• MDT work
• Responsible for looking after the ward patients and supporting the team there
• Taking part in audit

Person Specification

Qualifications, Training & Experience

• MBBS or equivalent medical qualification
• GMC registration with a licence to practise
• Appropriate knowledge base, and ability to apply sound clinical judgement to problems

Aptitudes and skills

• Evidence and ability to work effectively in multi‑professional teams
• Understanding of equality and diversity and how this affects patients, visitors and staff
• Evidence and ability to communicate and liaise effectively with patients and colleagues (verbal and written communication skills in English)
• Demonstrate good organisational skills including ability to prioritise effectively and meet deadlines
• Demonstrate the ability to be calm, compassionate, and able to respond efficiently to various circumstances, which may change rapidly
• Evidence of participation in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching
• Ability to perform intermediate and straightforward major lung resections with minimal supervision

Living Trust Values

• Patients First
• Always Improving
• Working Together

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exemptions 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.

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust