Training Programmes

Introduction:

This section features information on training programmes and posts offered.

BSG/BASL Position Statement on Hepatology Training 

This statement has been produced in response to the rapid increase in the burden of liver disease in the UK and the need to ensure training in liver medicine delivers a clinical workforce able to meet current and future demand. Liver disease is now the commonest cause of premature death in men in the UK, and has resulted in a major rise in out- and in-patient episodes for patients with chronic liver disease which is having a significant impact on service and training needs.

Download BASL-BSG Training Statement 2019.pdf

Advanced Hepatology Training posts - 2021 entry

These ATPs are approved for advanced training in Hepatology, including experience in a transplant unit, with a view to subspecialty accreditation providing other requirements are met. They are not just for aspiring transplant hepatologists – equally valid for DGH Hepatology but some posts will be better suited (eg 9m/3m). Posts are recruited through a standardised national process hosted by Health Education London. The recruitment window will open in November and interviewing will be in January 2021 with interviewers from the host centres, typically a panel of 4 or 5 – at present in person interviews cannot be guaranteed due to COVID. Posts will commence in line with the national rotation date for Gastroenterology. Of note academic trainees ie those holding an NTN(A), typically in a CL post, do not require an ATP year outwith their CL but must ensure 3 m in a transplant centre.

The posts are aimed primarily at trainees who will be entering ST6 although entry at ST5 or ST7 is also permissible. Trainees need to complete the 12 months in order for the post to count towards accreditation. If a trainee exits a post early due to unforeseen circumstances (eg pregnancy, but not research) the trainee can be re-accommodated in the post on return from leave without the need for re-application. Trainees should not apply if their CCT date will not allow post completion – further advice should be sought from the parent TPD/LETB. Regarding LTWT, at 60% a trainee will have to do the post twice (and will be re-accommodated automatically). At 80% a trainee will be deemed to have completed the post after 12 m but accreditation will require in addition 14 m whole time equivalent of Hepatology training (minimum 6 m level 1) prior to CCT. If a successful candidate leaves their parent LETB an OOPT form may be required for LETB admin purposes.

Trainees are encouraged to contact individual host centres if require specific information though we will endeavour to place as much as possible via the application portal (Oriel). Of note there is usually only a short window between offer and acceptance (48 hours).

Hepatology ATPs currently available for 2021