Scottish Medical Training

The East of Scotland training programme in Diabetes and Endocrinology is a small and friendly unit that offers the complete training package, and a supportive environment. Out of the 5 year programme there is usually one year in Perth and four years in the Dundee Teaching centre. There is a rich variety of clinical experience with various sub-specialty clinics in both Diabetes and Endocrinology. For Diabetes these include dedicated clinics in diabetes antenatal care, foot clinics, young adult clinics, insulin, pump clinics, genetic diabetes clinics, outreach community clinics, with access to intensive insulin management courses. There are group patient and professional educational sessions.

For endocrinology there are neuro-pituitary clinics, young endocrine clinics, dedicated thyroid aspiration service, obesity clinics, a bone clinic, genetic endocrine clinic and neuroendocrine clinics. As everything is on site at Ninewells hospital, there is great flexibility of the training programme to address the needs and interests of the trainee. There is a lot of informal contact with supervisors leading to enhanced informal training opportunities in addition to all the formal processes. Training is thus provided in a very supportive way.

The unit also has a very strong educational and research reputation and a monthly afternoon dedicated to postgraduate education in Diabetes and Endocrinology, as well as weekly grand rounds in General Medicine. Trainees are supported to explore additional areas of interest, such as degrees in academic research (MMSC, MD, PhD) or Medical Education (CMEd, DMEd) which can be done within the programme or as an out of programme experience. This all provides the trainee with a huge diversity of clinical experience with opportunities for personal development, whilst maintaining regular contact with Educational and Clinical supervisors.

The East of Scotland Deanery is set in Tayside, which is a beautiful area to live and work within. It has varied geography and offers diverse interests for individuals and families, from a thriving city life in Dundee to outdoor activities in Angus, Perthshire and North Fife. It has good road and rail networks to the other areas of Scotland. The quality of life in Tayside is excellent with easy access to beautiful countryside for sport and leisure as well as world-renowned facilities for golf.

Training within the Deanery is trainee focused with attention to individual trainee needs and aspirations. Ninewells is a University teaching hospital with opportunities to become involved in research. The University department of Diabetes and Endocrinology is one of the leading Research Units in the UK.

Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, Perth Royal Infirmary, Stracathro Hospital, by Brechin.  There are also opportunities for training in Community Centres.