Chemical Pathology training in Severn
Training experience
The nature of chemical pathology allows trainees to develop and further interests in laboratory medicine as well as providing direct patient care. Trainees work in a well-supported environment with close supervision by clinical scientist and consultant chemical pathologist colleagues throughout the department. Clinical placements and specialist clinical services help forge strong relationships across other disciplines such as gastroenterology, endocrinology, renal and rheumatology due to the nature of competencies required. Support is given freely to complete examinations of FRCPath which are required for progression in training. Study leave and personal development is encouraged and supported to allow trainees breathing space outside of service provision.
Clinical experience
Severn Resident Doctors in Training are placed across a number of NHS trusts including:
- University Hospitals of Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust Trust
- North Bristol NHS Trust
- Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Hospital placements host a range of tertiary level services for the region in a range of clinical areas relevant to chemical pathology including:
- Regional specialist Paediatric services in the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children
- Paediatric and Lipid services including an Apheresis unit
- Regional Adult and Paediatric services for Inherited Metabolic disorders disord
- Tier 3 and Tier 4 Weight management service
- Nutrition support for those with intestinal failure
These services allow trainees to provide clinical care in both inpatient and outpatient settings and accessible routes to completing the required competencies for training.
Laboratory experience
A number of specialist laboratory services are also provided across Severn placement hospitals including:
- The South West Newborn screening (NBS) unit
- Coronial toxicology services
- Specialist Endocrine and Metabolic laboratories
This provides trainees with a range of opportunities to take an active role in the delivery and management of specialist assays provided on a regional basis across the South-West as well as supra-regional assay services. A wealth of opportunities for FRCPath projects exist given a drive to further develop these specialist laboratory services for the region.
Wider-training opportunities
With a large teaching university in Bristol and Plymouth and academies across the South-West, trainees can immerse themselves in the academic components of specialist training including delivery of medical education and exposure to clinical research trials through the hospital research units.
Chemical pathology training in the Severn deanery is incredibly rewarding allowing trainees to provide direct patient care in inpatient/outpatient settings whilst also gaining competence in a number of specialist laboratory disciplines.