aspire-post-ccst-fellowship-plastic-surgery-oncological-reconstruction-fellowship

Aspire Post CCST Fellowship: Plastic Surgery Oncological Reconstruction Fellowship

PostDurationCommencingEligibilityApplication Form
Cork University Hospital/South Infirmary-Victoria University Hospital1 YearJuly 2024Available to doctors who have obtained CCST and are within two years of post CCST* or eligible for entry into the specialist division of Plastic Surgery.Informal enquires to Ms Jemima J Dorairaj at: ms.jemimadorairaj@gmail.com

TO APPLY interested candidates must submit the following to sineaddixon@rcsi.ie   

  • Up to date Curriculum Vitae including Logbook
  • Statement of interest

*Closing date on the 31st January 2024

Fellowship Details

The Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery based at Cork University Hospital and South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital (SIVUH) provides specialist Plastic Surgery services to the Munster Region. As the only Level 4 hospital in Ireland serving a population of 1.5 million, the unit provides a comprehensive reconstructive service to all surgical specialties. The unit specialises in oncological reconstruction for breast and head & neck cancer, in addition to providing a reconstructive service for complex sarcoma, melanoma and colorectal cancer defects. Currently the department is staffed by 7 Consultant Plastic Surgeons, 5 Specialist Registrars, 1 Registrar and 6 Senior House Officers. There are more than 5,000 surgical procedures performed, in the department, a year, including close to 60 complex oncological reconstructions per year which is expected to rise significantly with two additional Consultant appointments.

The aim of this fellowship will be the opportunity to specialize in complex post oncological reconstruction, with a particular focus on head and neck reconstruction. This will be achieved through participation in the patient journey from diagnosis to rehabilitation. The fellow will participate in the pre and post-operative clinics and MDTS supporting the surgical journey. There will be a particular focus though on the hands on surgical experience.

The Fellow will be required to participate in 1-2 head and neck reconstruction list per week, in addition to general elective lists with an emphasis on cancer resection and reconstruction (including skin cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, colorectal reconstruction) in addition to secondary adjustment/reconstruction surgeries such as facial reanimation surgery.

The Fellow will gain surgical experience in raising pedicled and free flaps for various oncological defects, perform microsurgical anastomoses, and resect complex tumours. The Fellow will also be trained in contemporary surgical techniques such as the venous coupler device and virtual surgical planning in head and neck reconstruction. The Fellow will work under close supervision of the Consultant with the aim of transitioning to complete independent operating by the end of the fellowship.

Through participation in head and neck, melanoma and sarcoma multidisciplinary meetings, the Fellow will gain experience in the clinical decision-making surrounding cancer management. The Fellow will attend and lead dedicated weekly reconstruction outpatient clinics reviewing both new and return patients and contribute to the post-operative management of inpatients. Leadership skills will be nurtured through the day-to day running of the Plastic Surgery Unit along with the team of doctors in training, in consultation with the Consultants. The Fellow will be involved in teaching at both a local and national level and will be expected to actively engage in unit audit and research opportunities. Through the units’ close links with University College Cork, the Fellow will have the opportunity to perform cadaveric dissections in the ASSERT Centre. Full access to the Plastic Surgery Microsurgery Skills Lab in CUH will provide the opportunity for additional simulation training in microsurgical anastomosis.

Applications Timeframe: 

  • Closing date on the 31st January 2024

To apply interested candidates must submit the following to sineaddixon@rcsi.ie   

  • Up to date Curriculum Vitae
  • Statement of interest

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION FORM HERE

Confirmation of CCST date or proof of application submission or attainment of registration  specialist division Post CCST Fellowship in Breast Reconstruction, Irish Medical Council or proof of application submission or attainment of registration  specialist division Post CCST Fellowship in Breast Reconstruction Irish Medical Council

*The RCSI/NDTP recognise that those currently in Training with an expected CCST in  2024 may not fall in line with a CCST date of June 2020 and applications will be considered from interested candidates who may have a CCST within a reasonable timeframe of commencement of the fellowship.