Job Description
Role Overview
This Clinical Fellow post offers an excellent opportunity for a junior doctor who is considering a career in gastroenterology or a related medical specialty. Based at Musgrove Park Hospital, you will gain valuable experience in a supportive, ward-based environment with strong consultant supervision.
The role focuses primarily on inpatient care, with additional exposure to outpatient clinics and specialist services. Importantly, this position does not include general medical on-call commitments, allowing you to concentrate on specialty development.
What You’ll Be Doing
Inpatient Responsibilities
- Provide day-to-day care for patients on a 21-bed gastroenterology ward
Work closely with a multidisciplinary team including consultants, registrars, and junior doctors
Participate in regular ward rounds (minimum four per week) led by the Consultant Gastroenterologist of the Week (GoW)
Review new admissions and manage acutely unwell patients under supervision
Outpatient & Specialist Experience
- Attend outpatient clinics (face-to-face and telephone-based) across:
Musgrove Park Hospital
Bridgwater Hospital
Wellington Community Hospital
Manage both new and follow-up patients with consultant oversight
Participate in weekly cancer clinics under direct supervision
Teaching & Development
- Attend Foundation Year (F2) teaching sessions and specialty-specific gastroenterology teaching
Engage in audit and quality improvement (QI) projects
Contribute to teaching junior colleagues where appropriate
Working Environment
You will join a well-established and collaborative team consisting of:
- Consultant gastroenterologists (6 on rota)
Specialist registrars (including Severn Deanery trainees)
Foundation doctors and IMT trainees
Specialist nurses
The department is recognised for delivering high-quality clinical care and is actively involved in research and service development.
About the Organisation
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust provides a supportive working environment with a strong focus on staff wellbeing and career development. Benefits include:
- Flexible working arrangements
NHS pension scheme
Generous annual leave
Access to training and career progression opportunities
Blue Light Card discounts
Somerset offers a unique lifestyle, combining peaceful countryside with access to major cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter.
Person Requirements
Essential Qualifications
- MBBS or equivalent medical degree
Full registration and licence to practise with the General Medical Council (GMC)
Desirable
- Advanced Life Support (ALS) certification
Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training
Essential Experience
- Completion of Foundation Training (or equivalent)
Minimum 2 years’ experience working within the NHS
Ability to safely manage clinical responsibilities at SHO level
Desirable
- Experience teaching junior staff
Demonstrated interest in gastroenterology
Additional Criteria
- Evidence of involvement in audit or quality improvement projects
Understanding of clinical governance principles
Compliance and Eligibility
Applicants must meet UK regulatory and legal requirements. Relevant guidance includes:
- GMC Registration & Licensing
Skilled Worker Visa (UKVI)
Criminal Record Checks for Overseas Applicants
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
Working in the NHS (Careers Guidance)
Additional Information
- This role is subject to a DBS check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act
Applications requiring visa sponsorship are welcome, subject to eligibility
Candidates must hold current UK professional registration
The post is ideal for doctors preparing for specialty training applications