Introduction

Peninsula Postgraduate Medical Education supervises all postgraduate medical speciality training in the Devon and Cornwall region. Trainees can expect to train rotating between Exeter, Torquay, Plymouth and Truro. The Peninsula School of Surgery is also able to offer Core Training with ENT content - further details are below.

Description of the Training Rotation

ENT ranges through major head and neck/skull base oncological surgery, microscopic/endoscopic ear and laryngeal surgery, endoscopic sinus surgery, remote access robotic and laser oncological surgery and incorporates the medical management of multiple disorders ranging from sleep disordered breathing, paediatric disorders, voice, balance, ENT manifestations of haematological, neurological, audiological, and autoimmune diseases, as well as many others. It is hard to think of a specialty which offers such a wide spectrum of conditions which fall within the remit of one specialty.

ENT is becoming increasingly sub-specialized, but there are also considerable possibilities for collaboration and shared patient care within a multi-disciplinary team setting with the Oncologists, Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgeons and with the ophthalmologists, endocrinologists, immunologists, and respiratory physicians.

The training programme is usually six years long with annual rotation, dependent on a satisfactory outcome at Annual Review of Competence Progression. The hospitals included are:

  1. The Royal Devon & Exeter
  2. Derriford Hospital,Plymouth
  3. Torbay Hospital,Torquay
  4. Royal Cornwall Hospital,Truro

Senior Clinical Fellowships, approved by the Royal College of Surgeons, are also available locally in Rhinology. Research is actively encouraged and the training committee has an academic subcommittee to advise trainees on research opportunities, which include: PhD and MD theses; Masters in Clinical Education, Patient Safety/Simulation, or Leadership in Healthcare; an active NIHR research portfolio; local/regional research projects across the Peninsula; and many teaching opportunities at Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry (PUPSMD) and Exeter Medical School.

Training covering all subjects in the ISCP curriculum for ENT to CCT level is provided within the Peninsula Hospitals and the rotation's trainees have had an excellent pass rate at the intercollegiate exam.

For assessment requirements, please see the ARCP Checklist.

Further information and career guidance is available from the Training Programme Director - Mr David Alderson, Torbay Hospital, 01803 656871 and prospective trainees are welcome to visit the units by appointment.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Core Surgical Training (with ENT content)

A number of Core Surgical Training posts will include ENT attachments and can be used as a stepping stone towards a career in ENT. Applicants at ST3 level into ENT are required to have at least 6 months experience in ENT, preferably 12 months. They are required to have passed the Diploma in Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery before they start ST3 and it is for this reason they are recommended to undertake their ENT experience in the first year of their Core Training. ENT trainees can currently count their DOHNS towards part of their MRCS exam. Excellent ENT experience is available at core level throughout the Peninsula Hospitals. Trainees (including Foundation Doctors and Medical Students) requiring career guidance should feel free to contact the Training Programme Director.

Please see the School Structure page for Head of School, Training Programme Director, College Tutor and School Management contact details.