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Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Programme description

GMC Reference: SES/484

The South East (SE) programme offers an excellent range of training opportunities in all aspects of Obstetrics and Gynaecology across 4 different units.

Trainees rotate through –

  • The Simpson Centre for Reproductive Health at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh (RIE) 6000 deliveries pa
  • St John’s Hospital, Livingston (SJH) 2600 deliveries pa
  • Borders General Hospital, Melrose (BGH) 800 deliveries pa
  • Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy (VIC) 2800 deliveries pa

Clinical experience

ST 1’s are usually split between RIE and SJH for their first year of training. Our ST2’s are attached to either RIE, SJH or VIC, with most of the trainees doing ST2 and ST3 in the same unit, supporting their transition onto the middle grade rota.

ST3-7 Resident Doctors in Training (RDiT ) can rotate through all 4 units, with their placements based on their training needs for that year of training, with ST5-7’s completing at least 2 SITM’s. Educational needs often dictate remaining within a unit for more than 12 months at ST4 and above and this is generally accommodated. The BGH will accommodate RDiT’s at ST3-5 level, with the 3 other units accommodating ST3-7’s.

The region offers opportunities for sub-specialisation in Materno-Fetal Medicine, Gynaecological Oncology and Reproductive Medicine as well as offering the SITM in Endometriosis Care (previously called the Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery ATSM).

General Information

South East Scotland offers the cosmopolitan lifestyle of the beautiful city of Edinburgh. Edinburgh is Scotland's compact, hilly capital. It has a medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town with gardens and neoclassical buildings. Looming over the city is Edinburgh Castle, home to Scotland’s crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny, used in the coronation of Scottish rulers. Arthur’s Seat is an imposing peak in Holyrood Park with sweeping views, and Calton Hill is topped with monuments and memorials.

The city provides excellent leisure, lifestyle and shopping facilities but also provides close and easy access to some of the most beautiful countryside in the world, with superb outdoor sporting opportunities. 

The region is an exciting, busy international place to train and launch your career in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

We look forward to welcoming you to join our team!

 

 

 

Research, audit, teaching and management opportunities

The University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Reproductive Health is a world leader in reproductive health research and provides excellent research opportunities. The team there are committed to cultivating the next generation of leaders - expanding training, mentorship, and global partnerships, with a strong emphasis on diversity and resilience.  This provides many of our RDiT with excellent research opportunities, allowing them to undertake a higher degree. There is also a strong tradition within the region of training in academic medicine, with established links to the University of Edinburgh.

As well as supporting trainees for Out of Programme (OOP) for Research, we have had several doctors in this region undertake OOPE for Scottish Clinical Leadership Fellowship posts to develop leadership skills and contribute to health and care activities and we will continue to support this.

In addition to the teaching opportunities within the clinical attachments, there is a comprehensive Regional Teaching Programme, Regional Journal Club and a National Teaching Programme allowing multiple opportunities for post graduate learning.

 

Where the training is delivered?

  • Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
  • St Johns Hospital, Livingston
  • Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy
  • Borders General Hospital, Melrose

Contacts and useful links

Information
Programme type (Deanery or National): Deanery
Administration office: South-East
Lead Dean / Director: Professor Alan Denison
Responsible Associate Postgraduate Dean or Assistant Director (GP): Dr Claire Alexander
Specialty or Sub-specialty: Specialty
Date of GMC recent approval: Aug 2010
Associated Royal College - Faculty:
 Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Curriculum and associated assessment system: http://www.gmc-uk.org/education/postgraduate/obstetrics_and_gynaecology.asp
Programme administrator: Name: Karina McQuiston
Email: karina.mcquiston@nhs.scot
Programme director(s): Name: Dr Shiona Coutts
Email: shiona.coutts@nhs.scot
Quality of training: Quality Management
How to apply

This page was last updated on: 21.10.2025 at 08.26