Job Description
Fellowship Overview
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust are jointly offering a two-year Clinical Fellowship in Paediatric Colorectal Surgery beginning in October 2026.
This specialist training opportunity allows the successful fellow to spend 12 months at each institution, gaining experience across two leading centres for paediatric surgical care in London.
The programme has approval from the Royal College, reflecting its strong educational framework and structured clinical training.
This fellowship is particularly suitable for:
- Surgeons who have completed CCT in paediatric surgery, or
- International trainees seeking advanced subspecialty training in paediatric colorectal surgery.
- The role offers comprehensive exposure to complex surgical cases, multidisciplinary care, and academic research.
Clinical Responsibilities and Surgical Training
The fellow will actively participate in the surgical management of children with complex colorectal conditions and congenital anomalies.
During the programme, the fellow will develop experience in procedures including:
- Surgical reconstruction for ano-rectal malformations in male and female patients
- Complex reconstructive surgery for cloacal malformations
- Surgical treatment of Hirschsprung’s disease
- Therapeutic and reconstructive interventions for Inflammatory Bowel Disease in children
- Diagnostic and reconstructive care for intestinal dysmotility disorders
- Management of Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction
In addition to operative exposure, the fellow will contribute to specialist multidisciplinary clinics that support children with complex colorectal conditions and long-term bowel dysfunction.
Multidisciplinary Clinical Services
The fellowship provides participation in specialist clinics dedicated to conditions such as:
- Cloacal malformations
- Paediatric inflammatory bowel disease
- Intestinal dysmotility and pseudo-obstruction
These clinics involve collaboration with surgeons, gastroenterologists, specialist nurses, dietitians, psychologists and other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care for children and their families.
Academic and Research Opportunities
This fellowship emphasises both clinical excellence and academic development.
During the two-year programme, the fellow will:
- Lead a quality improvement project aimed at improving patient care pathways
- Review and update clinical information materials for families managing paediatric colorectal conditions
- Collaborate with the specialist nursing team to refine clinical care protocols
- Participate in managing long-term patient cohorts within the colorectal surgery service
Undertake a clinical research study expected to result in:
- Presentation at an international conference
- Submission of a first-author peer-reviewed publication
- These activities provide valuable experience in clinical research, audit and service development.
About the Partner Organisations
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust
Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) is internationally recognised as one of the leading hospitals for children. The hospital delivers highly specialised care for complex paediatric conditions and is a centre of excellence for research, education and innovation.
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital provides a wide range of specialist medical services and works closely with GOSH to deliver advanced paediatric surgical care.
Together, these institutions provide a highly supportive environment for training in complex paediatric surgery.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Both organisations are committed to creating a workplace where every staff member feels respected and valued.
Recruitment decisions are based entirely on merit and suitability for the role, and applications are welcomed from individuals of all backgrounds.
The Trust actively encourages applications from:
- Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities
- Individuals with disabilities or long-term health conditions
- Members of LGBTQ+ communities
- Staff networks within the organisations support diversity, wellbeing and professional collaboration.
Essential Qualifications
Applicants must demonstrate the following:
- MBBS or equivalent medical qualification
- Registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) before the start date
- FRCS in Paediatric Surgery (or equivalent recognised qualification)
- Evidence of English language proficiency such as IELTS, if visa sponsorship is required
Desirable Training
The following qualifications or courses are advantageous:
Training in child protection
- Completion of Advanced Paediatric Life Support (APLS) or equivalent emergency resuscitation training
Required Experience
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Completion of specialist training in paediatric surgery or equivalent international experience
- A clear interest in paediatric colorectal disease
- Prior involvement in clinical research or audit projects
- Additional desirable experience includes participation in quality improvement initiatives and medical teaching activities.
Core Skills and Competencies
Successful candidates will be expected to demonstrate:
- Ability to assess and manage common paediatric surgical conditions
- Clinical judgement when treating acutely unwell children
- Effective collaboration with patients, families and multidisciplinary teams
- Awareness of professional limitations and willingness to seek senior guidance
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently when appropriate
- Presentation and teaching skills are considered beneficial.
Recruitment and Selection
- All applications must be submitted electronically through the recruitment system.
- Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews, and all successful applicants will undergo criminal record checks as part of the pre-employment process.
- Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as the vacancy may close once a sufficient number of applications is received.
Visa Sponsorship and UK Medical Registration
International applicants who require sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker route are welcome to apply.
Useful UK government guidance for international doctors includes:
- Skilled Worker visa for healthcare professionals
- Health and Care Worker visa route
- Registering as a doctor with the General Medical Council
- Department of Health and Social Care – NHS workforce policy
- Disclosure and Barring Service criminal record checks