STTrust Doctor in Cardiothoracic Surgery

The Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Imperial was formed as a result of the merger between the departments at St Marys and Hammersmith Hospitals in 2010. The recognised areas of expertise in those departments have been retained and we offer all aspects of adult cardiothoracic surgery including chest trauma cover for St Marys site (excluding cardiopulmonary transplantation). There is specific expertise in aortic surgery, minimal‑access mitral, aortic and coronary surgery.

The unit has a very strong focus on training, with an excellent track record of trainees progressing towards independent operating.

In thoracic surgery, video‑assisted thoracoscopic surgery through multi-, bi‑ and uni‑port approaches is standard for lung resection as well as for pleural and mediastinal pathologies. The unit covers a wide geographical area and 3 Lung MDTs providing thoracic surgical expertise.

There is an aspirational drive to promote Enhanced Recovery and close involvement with the academic departments at Imperial College London. The department has an excellent track record in education and training with career progression to recognised NTN or consultant posts.

This post would be especially suited for a dynamic surgeon with prior experience in both cardiac and thoracic surgery at ST3+ level wishing to expand their experience and progress towards CCT in cardiac or thoracic surgery.

• Pre‑operative assessment and preparation of patients to undergo cardiac or thoracic surgery in outpatients, for urgent referrals (including emergency trauma cover at St Marys site) and the specific cardiothoracic pre‑assessment clinics.
• Capacity to be a competent independent operating surgeon without direct supervision, while also assisting the consultants in the operating theatres as required and providing training or supervision to more junior staff and Surgical Care Practitioners.
• Continuing responsibilities for post‑operative critical care of the patients undergoing cardiac and thoracic surgery and subsequent Level 0/1 care on the wards.
• Post‑operative follow‑up of patients in the outpatient, chest drain or wound clinics, working with other teams where indicated.
• Partaking in the middle‑grade on‑call rota.
• The accurate, careful and timely recording of clinical data, both written and electronic, as outlined in the Principles of Good Medical Practice described by the GMC, participation in clinical audit and familiarity with Trust and Directorate IT and information systems.
• Communicating effectively with both junior and senior medical colleagues, nursing staff (including Clinical Nurse Specialists for lung and cardiothoracic ANPs for ward care), HCSs/AHPs and other hospital staff; particularly good communication skills with patients, their relatives and carers.
• Opportunities to make presentations and to be involved in teaching.

• Keep patients (and/or their carers/relatives if appropriate) informed about their condition.
• Involve patients (and/or their carers/relatives if appropriate) in decision making about their treatment.
• Maintain professional standards and obligations as set out from time to time by the General Medical Council (GMC) and comply in particular with the GMC’s guidance on Good Medical Practice as amended or substituted from time to time.

• A doctor is responsible for carrying out any work related to and reasonably incidental to the duties set out in their Job Plan, such as:
  • The keeping of records and the provision of reports.
  • The proper delegation of tasks.
  • Maintaining skills and knowledge.

• Prior experience in cardiac surgery primarily (ST3+ or equivalent) and some previous exposure to thoracic surgery.
• MRCS or equivalent qualification.
• Wishing to progress to CCT in cardiac surgery.

At Imperial College Healthcare you can achieve extraordinary things with extraordinary people, working with leading clinicians pushing boundaries in patient care. You’ll get an experience like no other and will fast‑forward your career. Benefits include career development, flexible working and wellbeing, staff recognition scheme. Optional…