Scottish Medical Training

The East of Scotland Haematology training programme is based at Ninewells Hospital and School of Medicine in Dundee, with rotations to Perth Royal Infirmary for district general hospital experience.

Trainees train and work in a Haematology unit providing level 3 Haematology care, with 9 consultants in Haematology and Transfusion Medicine.  Newly appointed trainees at the ST3 level participate in a 4-week induction programme that includes laboratory aspects relevant to Haematology and Blood Transfusion, and structured training in systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT). 

Trainees then undergo a further 4 weeks of experiential learning in partnership with a senior trainee, to receive exposure to ward and day unit-based Haematology practice. 

The subsequent rotations through the Haematology ward, day unit, laboratory, haemophilia unit, blood transfusion and paediatrics provide ideal opportunities to develop generic and speciality specific competencies.

Trainees have the opportunity to attend local and national, multi-disciplinary team meetings including those dealing with allogeneic stem cell transplantation, the care of teenagers and young adults with cancer, patients with haemoglobinopathies bleeding disorders and CAR-T therapy, as well as participate in the care of patients, prior to, and following these cellular therapies. Participation in the out-of-hours on-call rota consolidates knowledge and provides experience in liaison Haematology with primary care, and secondary care specialities including obstetrics.

In summary, the training programme provides comprehensive exposure to clinical and laboratory Haematology, enabling trainees to achieve the necessary standards of general professional capabilities (GPC) and speciality-specific capabilities in practice (CiP) stipulated in national Haematology Training Curriculum.

Opportunities for less than full-time training (80%) are supported in the training programme.

Training within the East Region of Scotland Deanery is trainee-focused, with attention to individual trainee needs and aspirations. Weekly teaching sessions, seminars and morphology meetings further consolidate learning, with focussed teaching prior to the FRCPath examination.

Ninewells is a university teaching hospital with opportunities to become involved in research, including those that lead to the award of a higher degree. There are frequent opportunities for audit and research.  When possible, trainees at the appropriate stage of training and experience are permitted to ‘act as’ or ‘act-up’ as a consultant as well as ‘chair’ clinical quality forum meetings.

The East Region of Scotland Deanery is based in Tayside, which is a beautiful area to live and work in. 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.