Scottish Medical Training

The North of Scotland training program offers comprehensive training in all aspects of Gastroenterology and Hepatology with the exception of management of patients in the immediate period after liver transplant. The majority of the rotation is in the Gastroenterology unit at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary with other placements in one or more of Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, Dr Gray’s Hospital, Elgin and Gilbert Bain Hospital, Shetland.

The Gastroenterology unit at ARI is the main GI referral centre for Grampian and surrounding regions. The unit consists of a modern 29-bedded ward, emergency endoscopy unit close to the ward, an elective endoscopy unit with 3 rooms, and a GI physiology lab.

Trainees are exposed to a full range of endoscopic services provided comprising ERCP including SpyGlass, endoscopic ultrasound, oesophageal and intestinal stenting, endoscopic management of upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding, PEG and PEJ tube insertion, argon plasma coagulation and oesophageal band ligation.

Trainees will obtain extensive experience in the management of upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

All trainees will have at least 6 month attachments with the various sub-specialty teams:

• The liver team where they will become familiar with the in-patient management of patients with decompensated liver disease in addition to being exposed to general liver out-patient clinics and specialist hepatitis B and C, autoimmune hepatitis and cirrhosis clinics.

• The Inflammatory Bowel Disease team will provide comprehensive training in the management of inflammatory bowel disease ranging from stable out patients to complex individual management issues including biological therapies, timing of surgery, nutrition and pregnancy. This is achieved by a coordinated combination of dedicated outpatient clinics, endoscopy lists and in-patient care to maximize training opportunities.

• The nutrition service where the trainee will obtain experience of the comprehensive service for enteral and parenteral feeding modalities available. There is the opportunity to be involved in the in-patient management of patients with eating disorders in an allied specialist unit.

• GI physiology with the lab performing a full range of breath testing services in addition to pH monitoring, manometry, Bravo studies and capsule endoscopy.

There are excellent integrated surgical, interventional radiology, dietetics and pharmacy services. Trainees will be expected to attend the multi-disciplinary meetings when attached to the appropriate teams.

The North of Scotland covers a large geographical area and offers a wide range of urban and rural life choices. A high quality of life is afford with the cities of Aberdeen and Inverness offering a wide range of cultural and leisure activities.

The surrounding countryside offers many recreational opportunities (climbing, walking, golf, skiing, surfing, sailing to name but a few), which are within easy reach of the main urban centres. There are especially good air links from Aberdeen Airport.

Trainees will have the opportunity to be involved in the ongoing research and audits within the unit, with close links to the University of Aberdeen.

There is a weekly local Gastroenterology teaching session and 2-3 monthly Scottish Gastroenterology teaching sessions.

Trainees are exposed to a number of leadership and management opportunities including rota management.