Senior Clinical Fellow In Complex Colorectal Cancer Surgery
Posted 4 days ago by NHS
The closing date is 24 March 2026
We are looking for a committed and dedicated individual to join our team for 12 months. This fellowship offers an opportunity for surgeons who are close to CCT or are post-CCT to gain valuable experience in the management of patients with locally advanced primary and recurrent colon and rectal cancer, advanced and recurrent anal cancer, and gynaecological cancers. We are an experienced team with a geographically large referral network, and receive over 30 referrals per year from other centres (Leicestershire and Rutland, South Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Derbyshire) as well as managing patients with advanced cancers from our region. The successful fellow would train under the supervision and guidance of Miss Kirsten Boyle, Mr Chris Mann and Mr Daniel Couch. We offer beyond TME resections, pelvic exenteration, salvage surgery for anal cancer, distal sacrectomy, planned joint surgery with urology and orthopaedics. We have plastic surgical reconstructive surgeons and spinal surgeons on site.
The fellow will be expected to facilitate the smooth running of the tertiary service, including the triaging of referrals and preparation for MDT discussion. Beyond this, liaison with allied specialities and CNSs is essential to ensure an effective clinic consultations based on the principle of shared decision-making and holistic care.
Main duties of the jobThe colorectal unit comprises 14 consultant colorectal surgeons (12 participate in on call rota) based principally at LRI.
The colorectal unit in UHL offers the following:- Resectional surgery for colorectal cancer including laparoscopic and robotic surgery
- Early rectal cancer service
- Supraregional locally advanced and recurrent colorectal cancer service
- Supraregional anal cancer service
- Inflammatory bowel disease service
- Abdominal wall reconstruction
- Intestinal failure unit with home parenteral nutrition
- Functional bowel/pelvic floor unit in collaboration with urogynaecology
Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years ().
We have four primary goals:
- high-quality care for all
- being a great place to work
- partnerships for impact
- research and education excellence
And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.
Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:
- we are compassionate
- we are proud
- we are inclusive
- we are one team
This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.
Job responsibilitiesThe weekly colorectal and anal cancer MDTs (including surgeons, radiologists, medical and clinical oncologists, pathologists and specialist nurses) allow ample training in the management of colorectal and anal cancer across the whole spectrum of disease. There is a weekly inflammatory bowel disease MDT with Gastroenterology. A weekly radiology meeting supported by specialist GI radiologists provides training in the interpretation of GI imaging. There is a monthly pelvic floor MDT. The colorectal unit is supported by 24-hour diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, interventional GI and vascular radiology, and a 24 hour emergency theatre. General surgery and specialist clinics (colorectal cancer, anal cancer, functional bowel, IBD joint with Gastroenterology) occur regularly. We are supported by a well-established team of clinical nurse specialists, stoma therapists and functional physiotherapists/nurse specialists.
The consultants all work a rotating timetable that is instrumental to the strong team ethos. The team is on-call on alternate working days and alternate weekends with a consultant of the week responsible for the management and ward rounds for the firm every day including weekends. In addition the unit provides ample opportunity for trainees/fellows to be involved in clinical research and/or audit during their placement.
Non-clinical Training and ResponsibilitiesFellows will be expected to work within the current team structure and will provide clinical support to junior medical staff. The unit has a flexible team based approach to patient care that the fellow will be expected to adopt. It is expected that all fellows will keep to date with their mandatory training and attend the weekly firm planning meetings.
Additional Training OpportunitiesThe fellows will be expected to maintain CPD and there are both in-house and regional teaching provided to assist this. Opportunities for research and audit are also available.
Person Specification Training & Qualifications- Full GMC registration with a license to practice.
- Dedicated colorectal trainee within 6 months of CCT or post-CCT
- Emotional intelligence and empathy in dealing with cancer patients. Potential to cope with stressful situations. Good communication skills. The ability to function as a member of a multi-disciplinary clinical team.
- An understanding of and commitment to research and evidence based practice in all aspects of medical care.
- Practical experience of participation in research.
- Commitment to an understanding of the principles of audit and quality improvement.
- Practical experience of participation in clinical audit projects.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS TrustUniversity Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust