Training Opportunities

There are a wide range of training opportunities available for trainees in the inpatient and outpatient settings. A typical day for trainees involves a consultant-led ward round in the morning which allows for bed-side teaching and workbased assessments.

Trainees are encouraged to attend outpatient procedure lists. There are a number of procedures that are carried out including: renal biopsy, haemodialysis lines (temporary Vascath and permanent tunnelled catheters), and peritoneal dialysis catheters.

In the afternoon, trainees have the opportunity to see ward referrals or attend clinics. There are plenty of outpatient clinics to attend led by both consultants and renal nurse specialists. These include, transplant and transplant assessment clinics, general nephrology and CKD clinic. At Ipswich hospital, there are also weekly teaching clinics specifically for IMTs and higher speciality trainees. These enable trainees to review and assess patients in the clinic setting with the support of consultants.

The renal medicine team place an emphasis on high-quality teaching for trainees. Higher specialty trainees have weekly joint teaching across both hospitals which is broadcast online from Colchester Hospital. There is also a weekly renal MDT attended by the renal consultants, junior doctors, renal dieticians and representatives from each of the renal units (haemodialysis and home therapies). In addition, there is a monthly biopsy meeting where histology and patient management plans are discussed.