MERSEY DEANERY

The Postgraduate Education and Training Department operates an equal opportunities policy

NEURORADIOLOGY FELLOWSHIP

WALTON CENTRE

LIVERPOOL

JOB DESCRIPTION

JANUARY 2009

MERSEY SCHOOL OF RADIOLOGY

Trainee contract commences on 1st April for 24 months.

There are a total of 11 hospitals on the general radiology training programme and there are currently 50 funded National Training Numbers.

The Mersey Training Scheme received Unconditional Approval at the RCR Training Accreditation Committee visit in 2003. The successful candidate will be based at ‘The Walton Centre for Neurology&Neurosurgery’. The centre has 15 Neurosurgeons and 30 Neurologists.The Centre offers exposure to current techniques in both diagnostic and interventional procedures. The department has 5 full time neuroradiologists currently in post.

We carry out an average of 6300 MRI scans and 6500 CT scans per year. The candidate will be expected to undertake supervised cross-sectional reporting. There are currently two MRI scanners, a Philips Achieva 3T system , installed in 2004. There is a GE Signa 1.5T MRI system, which is to be replaced by GE MR750 3T system and a 0.35 T GE Ovation open MR system (these will be installed by April 2009). There is a Siemen Somatom 4 spiral CT unit. There are two biplane rooms. There is one general radiography room and Siemens Ultrasound machine.

There is a large subset of tumour patients and a dedicated tumour imaging workup including perfusion imaging, spectroscopy, chemical shift imaging, diffusion tensor imaging, tractography and functional MRI. With the acquisition of the 3 T scanner many of these sequences are undergoing development for use in routine clinical work. The successful candidate would be expected to have exposure to all these techniques and would be strongly encouraged to undertake research with publications during the fellowship.

Procedures such as CT guided biopsies and myleograms are also done on a regular basis and the candidate will have a chance to become competent in these.

Diagnostic angiography training will also form part of the core training. There are multiple interventional procedures undertaken, including aneurysm coiling and arteriovenous malformation embolisation and Vertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty. There is an average of 350 interventional procedures carried out annually. There may be an interventional fellow in place, however the candidate will be encouraged to get involved and become familiar with these procedures. This would be especially the case if the candidate decides to undertake neurointervetional training in the future.

There are regular weekly MDTs which the fellow will be encouraged to attend. Attendances of national and at least one international conference will also be encouraged.

The fellow will be expected to take part in neuroradiology on call with a supervising consultant. The Walton Centre provides neuroradiology service to Merseyside, North Wales and Isle of Man – with a catchement population of 3.4million. The centre does not have an accident and emergency department and all the referral are tertiary.

The primary supervisor for this post will be Dr Kumar Das (Consultant Neuroradiologist)

The Trust holding contracts for Radiology SpRs is Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Annual leave is in accordance with nationally agreed terms and conditions of service. APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants may not contact the members of the interview panel once the advert is placed but, once short listed, applicants may visit the departments prior to interview.

Short listed candidates may contact:-

Dr Kumar Das (Clinical Tutor)Consultant NeuroradiologistWalton CentreTel : 0151 529 5538

Or

Dr Hans Nahser (Clinical Service Co-ordinator)Consultant NeuroradiolgistWalton CentreTel : 0151 529 5538

Unsuccessful candidates may ask for feedback after short listing or interview.

Person specification for Neuroradiology Fellow, Walton Centre, Mersey Deanery

Criteria Scoring systemFull / Limited GMC registration Essential

FRCR exam Essential

Minimum of 4 years training in General radiology. Essential

Undergraduate / Postgraduate prizes Good career progression

Desirable

Evidence of involvement in Research/Audits Desirable

Additional qualifications e.g. BSc/PhD/MRCP/MRCS Desirable

Knowledge of audit with experience in medical practice Desirable

Knowledge of research principles with experience in medical practice

Desirable

Good written and oral communication skills Desirable

Teaching experience at undergraduate and postgraduate level

Desirable

Administration / Management experience at undergraduate / postgraduate level

Desirable

Computer / IT skills Desirable

Good interpersonal skills. Desirable

Personal statement Reason for neuroradiology as a careerEvidence of career progression towards neuroradiologyAbility to work as part of a teamLeadershipPositive attitude towards education and trainingRole of neuroradiology in current hospital practiceFuture developments in neuroradiologyRadiology PrizeSAMP in radiologyClinical attachment in radiologyRadiology course attendedAttendance at MDTs

Desirable