Job Overview
Are you an aspiring surgeon eager to build a competitive academic and clinical portfolio? Join us as a Junior Clinical Research Fellow and gain hands‑on surgical exposure, structured academic development, and the opportunity to contribute to high‑impact research within a respected Academic Surgical Unit.
Based on the site of Epsom General Hospital, the South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC) is a partnership commissioned by the four South West London acute hospital Trusts (Epsom St. Helier, Kingston, Croydon and St. Georges). SWLEOC provides routine and complex elective and non-urgent emergency orthopaedic surgery services to patients aged over 18. It is rated as ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality commission (CQC) and is an exemplar unit for Getting it right First Time (GIRFT).
SWLEOC is the highest volume hip and knee replacement centre in the UK and one of the largest in the world, performing around 6,300 procedures per year. Sub-specialties include Hip and Knee Arthroplasty and Revision Surgery; a Young Adult Hip Service; Shoulder and Elbow soft tissue and arthroplasty surgery, Hand, Spinal and Foot and Ankle surgery.
There are six elective laminar flow operating theatres in the Theatre complex, which run six days per week. There is a 27-bed inpatient ward and a 17-bed Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU), which includes a Day Case Unit, all of which are covered on a 24 hour basis by consultant intensivists.
Main duties of the job
Main duties of the job
The post-holders will spend 2.5 days per week in theatre as first assistant to the Consultant Surgeons. The rest of the week will be spent undertaking research, and contributing to audit and quality improvement projects.
The core streams of research work include Artificial Intelligence, NIHR studies, and Outcomes Data, all aimed at advancing research and improving patient care. There is also the opportunity to contribute to weekly teaching for St. Georges University Medical School.
The post is full time, 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday and does not include any on call commitment. Additional theatre work on Saturdays is available on a voluntary ad hoc basis.
Working for our organisation
St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group cares for a population of four million people in South West London and North East Surrey. Our sites include St George’s Hospital, one of 11 major trauma centres in the UK and the largest healthcare provider and major teaching hospital in the area; St Helier Hospital, home to the South West Thames Renal and Transplantation Unit and Queen Mary's Hospital for Children; and Epsom Hospital, home to the South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC).
After years of collaboration, our two Trusts became a hospitals group in 2021. While remaining as two separate Trusts, being a hospitals group will help us to collaborate more closely on research, and the development, education, and training of our 17,000-strong workforce.
Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities
The post-holders will spend 2.5 days per week in theatre as first assistant to the Consultant Surgeons. The rest of the week will be spent undertaking research, and contributing to audit and quality improvement projects.
The core streams of research work include Artificial Intelligence, NIHR studies, and Outcomes Data, all aimed at advancing research and improving patient care. There is also the opportunity to contribute to weekly teaching for St. Georges University Medical School.
The post is full time, 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday and does not include any on call commitment. Additional theatre work on Saturdays is available on a voluntary ad hoc basis.
Person specification
Qualifications And Training
Essential criteria
MBBS or equivlent medical qualificationFull GMC registration (with an IELTS score that meets GMC criteria for IMGs +/- plabVisa and work permit for UK2+ years working in clinical role in NHS
Desirable criteria
Additional degree or qualification
Clinical Experience
Essential criteria
Completion of Foundation Programme Training or equivalent post-graduate clin. ex.Relevant post-registration clinical experienceEvidence that the level of achievement & performance is commensurate with the totality of the period of training
Desirable criteria
Additional orthopaedic or Research Experience
Teaching and Clinical Governance
Essential Criteria
Commitment to continuing medical educationunderstanding of clinical governance
Desirable criteria
Experience teaching under graduatesPresentations (podium or poster) at post graduate meetings
Commitment to a career in surgery
Essential Criteria
commitment to pursuing a career in surgical specialtiesAspiration to enter higher surgical training
Desirable criteria
Possesses realistic insight into the roles & responsibilities of a Surgeon
Essential Criteria
Management & administrative experience
Good IT skills including word processing, spreadsheets, powerpoint and databasesDemonstrate an understanding of NHS management & resourcesEvidence of effective multi-disciplinary team working and leadership, supported by multi-source feedback/other workplace-based assessments
Desirable criteria
Knowledge of referencing software package and statistical packages
Personal Attributes
Essential Criteria
Ability to work in a milti-disciplinary teamGood interpersonal skillsEnquiring, critical and flexible approach to work
Desirable criteria
Evidence of achievement outside MedicineEvidence of organisational skills- not necessarily in Medicine, eg grant applications/bursary applications, organisation of a university club, sports etc
Other Requirements
Essential criteria
Reliable work record
Desirable criteria
Evidence of altruistic behaviour, e.g voluntary work
Essential Criteria
Academic & Research Skills
Demonstrate understanding of the basic principles of evidence-based practice, patient safety and clinical improvement initiativesUnderstanding of research principlesEvidence of active participlation in audit
Desirable criteria
Involvement in QI projects, formal research project, or other relevant activityEvidence of relevant academic & research achievements e.g Degrees, prizes, awards, distinctions, publications, presentations, other achievements
Learning and Development
Essential Criteria
Demonstrate critical & enquiring approach to knowledge acquisitionCommitment to self directed learningReflective/Analytical approach to practice
Values & Behaviours
Essential Criteria
Putting the patient first by being helpful, caring, respectful & professionalAlways taking opportunities to improve, encouraging excellenceWork as one team: communicate, collaborate & shareDemonstrate respect for all by being polite, pleasant and listening