The HEE KSS training programme in OMFS is a five-year programme which aims to produce consultant oral & maxillofacial surgeons of the highest calibre, with the broadest training experience possible. The programme also accepts run-through trainees starting at a more junior ST1 level with a robust core surgical training programme of two years.
This higher surgical training programme is led by Aakshay Gulati, Training Programme Directors, to find out more about Mr Gulati’s role visit the Meet the Team webpage.
Where do trainees train?
There are many fantastic training opportunities within the region which are based in:
Kent
- William Harvey Hospital, Ashford – East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust
Surrey
- Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford – Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Sussex
- Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead – Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton – Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust
- Eastbourne District General Hospital, Eastbourne – East Sussex Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
- St Richard’s Hospital, Chichester – Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
To find out more about each training location, please visit the Local Education Provider webpage.
The vast majority of the programme is delivered at these providers and all of the units are strong in oncology and reconstruction, with the exception of Chichester, which has no on-site microvascular service but does offer exposure to thyroid surgery.
Surgical dermatology is also well catered for in Chichester, Brighton, Eastbourne, and Guildford. Nationally, there is more orthognathic surgery carried out in the South East than any other area of the country. Trainees have no difficulty attaining the indicative numbers for orthognathic surgery. Low energy trauma cases and salivary gland surgery cases are also abundant at every unit. The region also has one of the busiest centres for head and neck oncology nationwide and hosts the JCST Training Interface Group Head & Neck Oncology Fellowship.
Rotations
HEE KSS currently have educational capacity for 12 trainees. KSS have planned placements so that trainees rotate through a small number of hospitals, changing hospital every 12 to 24 months (in October).
With the introduction of the new surgical curriculum in 2021, the placements will be streamlined to allow for this. Once appointed, trainees will be allocated to their placements within the region based on their educational and curriculum requirements. As far as possible, HEE KSS will avoid placing trainees in two geographical extremes of the region (Eastern and Western) to allow for trainee convenience and stability.
Curriculum
The curriculum is integral to the e-portfolio (ISCP) and all the assessment requirements are mapped against it. All competencies must be supported by evidence. Each competency must be signed off by clinical supervisors and must be supported with all evidence of trainees learning. The Assigned Educational Supervisors will support trainee development throughout and help trainees achieve their goals. Trainees are also encouraged to record reflective learning. Multiple consultant reports incorporating the concepts of generic professional capabilities and capabilities in practice will be the way forward with the introduction of the new surgical curriculum in 2021.
It is essential that Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) trainees and trainers understand this curriculum as their whole programme is based on it.
Summary of curriculum exposure:
- dental alveolar surgery & head and neck infection (all units)
- low energy trauma (all units)
- high energy trauma (some units)
- salivary gland surgery (all units)
- orthognathic surgery (all units)
- surgical dermatology (all units)
- head and neck oncology (all units)
- reconstructive surgery, including microvascular (microvascular all units except Chichester)
- temporomandibular joint surgery (all units)
- cleft surgery (available through elective placement)
- craniofacial surgery (available through elective placement)
- aesthetic surgery (some units)
Teaching and Learning
Trainees are required to attend the regional teaching days, which is organised jointly by HEE KSS and London. In addition to this, there are regional audit days, where attendance is required. This gives trainees the opportunity to organise and present audit at a regional level.
Additional training opportunities
The major trauma centre in Brighton has recently been set up and allows for exposure to the multidisciplinary management of polytrauma. Trainees are also encouraged and supported to participate in placements in Evelina and Great Ormond Street Hospitals amongst others to fulfil the curriculum requirements for cleft and craniofacial surgery. Throughout the rotation, there is a strong work and research ethic and trainees will have plenty of opportunity and support with publications, presentations and research.