Meet the Trainees
Meet some of our Obstetrics and Gynaecology Trainees in the East of England Deanery.
Find out why our trainees enjoy training and living in our deanery.
For a full list of all current East of England O&G Trainee Representatives for each hospital in the East of England Deanery please CLICK HERE.
Nicole Lucioni
ST5 Trainee
From the moment I accepted by training post in O&G in the East of England I have never regretted it.
There are a variety of options of where you would like to work in the region to provide a rounded experience; from the larger teaching hospitals and tertiary centres, to the smaller and more rural general district hospitals. Socially there is plenty to do as well, whether is be popping to the coast to enjoy the brisk English waters and quirky seaside towns, going to see some seal pups, popping to the local city to enjoy a bit of shopping, the endless restaurants catering for all tastes, experiencing a wide variety of sporting options (for me personally Basketball and Athletics are my passion) and so much more!
The east of England deanery is also a great option for families. I myself was born and raised in the region, and now I have been lucky enough to have two children who are happily growing up here too. There are some great nurseries and schools, plus lots of lovely rural places to visit for some fun family days out (Rooar! Dinosaur Park is one of our favourites). I have been really supported with my maternity leave and return to work both times. The deanery now run a return to work course available for all trainees who have has time out of programme for any reason, as well as the offer of two weeks supernumery to provide that extra bit of help and support.
Would I recommend living and working here? In a word...yes!
Snigdha Veeramalla
ST6 Trainee
I am currently an ST6 trainee in Obstetrics and Gynaecology within the East of England Deanery, based at Hinchingbrooke Hospital. One of the key strengths of our deanery is the balanced training experience it offers between District General Hospitals and University Hospitals, providing a broad and diverse range of clinical opportunities. For those concerned about the size of the deanery, careful attention is given to trainees' preferences in ensuring first choice rotations well in advance. Personally, I have been fortunate to always receive my first-choice rotations based on my training and personal needs.
After returning from maternity leave, I benefited from the deanery's excellent SuppoRTT program, which facilitated my smooth transition back to work. I now work Less Than Full Time to balance my career with time for my young child. The deanery has been consistently supportive of my interests in medical education, leadership, and management through bursaries and funded courses. I’ve had the privilege of furthering my professional development by undertaking fellowships, such as in Blended Learning, and by helping coordinate the Deanery’s teaching program.
Through the Deanery Mentorship Programme, I have gained invaluable experience as both a mentee and a mentor, enriching my time in training and providing opportunities to support fellow trainees.
The East of England Deanery is not only an excellent place for clinical training but also stands out for its diversity, friendly atmosphere, and as a wonderful environment for my son to grow up in. I highly recommend this deanery for those seeking both professional development and a welcoming community.
Babu Karavadra
ST2 OOPR Trainee
Rachel Barratt
Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
East of England Trainee
I am Rachel Barratt. I was lucky enough to train in the East of England Deanery.
Excellent planning of training means that trainees are told well in advance which hospitals they will be working in and for the most part trainees are accommodated in their first or second choice trusts meaning few if any house moves over the course of the training programme.
I have been lucky enough to complete my final two years of training at Peterborough City Hospital
PCH has scored consistently highly in the GMC training survey, coming second in the country this year.
It is a department dedicated to the teaching and training of doctors and a rich asset for training within this region.
Having recently completed the training programme and taken up a post as a locum consultant in the region I would thoroughly recommend the East of England Deanery.
Charlotte Dyson
ST6 Trainee
Hi, I’m Charlie, an ST6 trainee on the East of England Obstetrics and Gynaecology rotation.
I have been based at Peterborough City Hospital for the last 2 years, but have also rotated through West Suffolk Hospital and Addenbrooke’s Hospital. I am a 60% LTFT trainee and have been for the last 5 years due to childcare responsibilities. The Eastern Deanery and regional hospitals I have been in work hard to accommodate LTFT trainees; and it is common to be able to complete 2 years in a unit instead of moving on a yearly basis like many of our fulltime colleagues. I have found this really important to maintain continuity of learning and improve skill acquisition given my LTFT status.
The range of hospitals available to rotate to within the deanery is good, and all emphasise varying aspects of O+G, with differing patient populations and thus needs. The units I have worked in have prioritised trainee learning and enabled me to gain the broad experience needed to meet the requirements of the O+G curriculum. There are a large number of supportive consultants, keen to teach and improve trainee experience.
I would highly recommend the Eastern region as an excellent place to undertake O+G training.
Ayshini Samarasinghe
Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
East of England Trainee
My name is Ayshini Samarasinghe and I have been a trainee in the East of England Deanery for the last seven years.
Though the deanery is geographically large, excellent forward planning means that trainees usually get their first or second choice of location. This also provides opportunities to see patients from different socioeconomic backgrounds.
My final years of training were at Peterborough City Hospital, where I have now continued as a locum consultant.
Peterborough has an excellent reputation within the deanery for proving well-rounded and supportive training. PCH stands out within the region for its ultrasound scanning and operative gynaecology teaching.
I would highly recommend EoE Deanery for training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology