General Surgery at Dumfries & Galloway Royal Infirmary provides invaluable experience across various surgical specialities including emergency general surgery, colorectal surgery, breast and endocrine surgery, Upper GI surgery, vascular surgery and urology.  The department is supported by 12 Consultants and 9 middle-grade doctors.

FY2 Trainees will rotate between these specialties on a 3-weekly basis, actively engaging with the Consultants' elective activities, participating in ward rounds, clinics, theatres, and endoscopy sessions. FY2s will receive supervision from Registrars, Specialty doctors, and Consultants. Additionally, the FY2 Trainee will provide guidance and support to the ward FY1s during the working week.

There will be 2 weeks of day time (8am to 8pm) activity split as week and weekends over the 4 month period. The FY2 is expected to gain experience in receiving calls, admitting and managing critically ill surgical patients, be involved in Trauma care and perform some emergency procedures such as catheterisations, suturing, drainage of abscess as well as assisting in emergency surgery.

The FY2 will be directly supervised and supported by the On-call Registrar and Consultant.

Duties will include:

Critical Care

• Deliver comprehensive and compassionate care to surgical patients under the guidance of senior consultants
• Participate in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of surgical cases within the assigned specialty areas.
• Assess and manage patients in both elective and emergency surgical settings
• Educate patients and their families on surgical procedures, post-operative care, and potential complications and taking consent
• Effectively address patient queries and concerns

Surgical Procedures:

• Perform basic surgical procedures under supervision with strict adherence to aseptic techniques, patient safety protocols, and infection control measures.
• Assist in various surgical procedures, including but not limited to laparoscopic and open surgeries, endoscopy, and minor procedures.

Ward Rounds and Follow-Up:

• Attend daily ward rounds to monitor patient progress and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, which includes doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and dieticians.
• Participate in patient handovers and ensure continuity of care.

Administrative Tasks:

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient records and progress notes.
• Actively engage in departmental meetings, case discussions, and quality improvement initiatives

The training potential of this module is excellent. F2 doctors will take responsibility for their own learning and will be expected to take advantage of training opportunities presented during their day-today work.

Participate in teaching activities of the Surgical department, including presenting at monthly CPD meetings, formal FY1 teaching, and bedside student teaching, supporting the Clinical teaching fellow.

Develop teaching and mentorship skills for junior colleagues.

Engage in research and audit projects within the surgical department.

Collect, analyse, and present data.

Experience in management of acutely unwell patients whilst working in a highly supervised environment.

FY2s will receive 2 hours per week for self-development