Our aim is to not only help trainees become good clinicians with specialist interests, skills, and knowledge, but also to be doctors who are keen to lead the NHS in clinical progress, teaching and management.
HEE Wessex has ten posts with opportunities to develop both clinical and non-clinical skills. The four years of training starting at ST3 through to ST6 are specially designed to enable junior doctors achieve a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in Dermatology.
As part of the teaching we provide, trainees get experience of inpatient care of adults and children, daily outpatient general and specialist clinics for urgent and routine referrals, dermatological surgery, day treatment/therapy and patch testing.
There are regular regional teaching sessions for specialty registrars (SpRs) and support for study leave. In addition, Wessex is known for its courses in leadership and management.
Wessex offers excellent sub-specialty exposure including paediatrics, vulval, skin lymphoma, patch testing and complex skin surgery.
During those placements trainees benefit from a methodological approach to training for SpRs rather than pure service provision. There is also the chance to attend local and regional specialty meetings, which are very helpful in preparation for Specialty Certificate Examinations (SCEs).
Wessex has an excellent pass rate for SCE in dermatology and many of our trainees go on to take up consultant posts or have been successful in obtaining post CCT fellowships – particularly in dermatological surgery.
What makes Wessex different?
Trainees are encouraged to manage their own training as much as is appropriate, which means they can ensure that the programme is tailored to their individual needs. They are supported every step of the way with our mentor programme, as well as with supervision from experienced consultants. New trainees are all supported by a senior trainee mentor, and consultants in Wessex are enthusiastic about teaching. Wessex also has a visiting Australian trainee, which provides exposure to our trainees to international dermatology.
Trainees will have the opportunity to lead on projects, gain experience and access to sub-specialty areas. Wessex is renowned for teaching, leadership development, research and management skills. Trainees in Wessex are also offered the opportunity to develop subspecialist interests, with the possibility of facilitating visits to relevant departments in super-specialist centres outside of the deanery.
Our Australian trainee’s experience in Wessex
“Portsmouth was a career-defining moment during my training as a dermatologist which gave me the much needed confidence and exposure to a great variety of clinics and educational experiences. The department offers great support for juniors and the range of clinics is well-rounded and run by very friendly and generous consultants. The nursing team is outstanding and much fun to work with. I highly encourage those looking for a training position in Dermatology to apply to this unique educational centre.”
Is HEE Wessex right for you?
We will expect you to have a passion for clinical medicine – and particularly dermatology!
If you are not afraid of hard work and are determined to succeed, then training with HEE Wessex is for you.