In the East of England, opportunities to train in paediatric endocrinology and diabetes are available. The principal centre of training is based in Cambridge, with supporting training centres available throughout the region, including Norwich, Luton, Peterborough and Ipswich.
Cambridge
Tertiary level training in paediatric endocrinology and diabetes is provided and coordinated by the University Department of Paediatrics, based at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Addenbrooke’s Hospital).
Training is supported by a comprehensive package of clinical experience (both inpatient and outpatient), an in-house continuing professional development programme and the clinical academic activities and interests of the department. The training programme has been assessed and approved by the Paediatric endocrinology and diabetes RCPCH CSAC.
Current Approved Training Posts
- University Clinical Lecturer (two posts are assigned to paediatric endocrinology and diabetes)
Trainees are appointed into the Clinical Lecturer posts for 4 years (extendable up to 6 years), and enter into a programme of tertiary level clinical and research training in endocrinology and diabetes. These appointments are made by the University of Cambridge.
- Specialist Registrar (one post)
Specialist registrars who are appointed to the East of England paediatric training scheme and in ST6 or above have an opportunity to train at a secondary level in paediatric endocrinology and diabetes. One trainee is appointed per year through a competitive interview process, and spends one year in Cambridge and another year in Norwich focusing on the subspecialty.
Curriculum of Training
The training curriculum is in accordance with recommendations by the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE). It is designed to ensure that trainees obtain the appropriate level of clinical experience and theoretical knowledge during the three to five years of their training. This involves a specific programme of weekly small group seminars, tutorials and interactive sessions covering physiological and clinical theory, management skills and research methods.
Clinical Training
Clinical experience is obtained through participation in the clinical service.
Paediatric Endocrinology: Both an outpatient and an inpatient paediatric endocrinology service are provided to the immediate Cambridge and Ely area. Tertiary level support is provided to district general hospitals within the East of England region. Referrals are also received nationally for certain conditions (e.g. congenital adrenal hyperplasia and disorders of sex development). Outpatient service includes general endocrine clinics, adolescent transition clinics, joint endocrine-oncology clinics, endocrine-genetics clinics, endocrine-urology-gynaecology clinics and congenital adrenal hyperplasia clinics.
Paediatric Diabetes: Both outpatient and inpatient paediatric diabetes services are provided to the immediate Cambridge and Ely area, and for the management of rare causes of diabetes (e.g. monogenic diabetes) and syndromes of severe insulin resistance. Specialist clinics in insulin pump therapy support and receive regional referrals.
Academic / Research Training
The paediatric endocrinology and diabetes team have an internationally renowned and very active academic and research based focus. The department also hosts the British Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes (BSPED) Clinical Trials Unit.
The principle areas of activity are:
- Hormonal and genetic control of human sex development
- Genetics of Type 1 diabetes
- Pathophysiology of insulin resistance and diabetic complications in children and adolescent with Type 1 diabetes
- Novel therapies for Type 1 diabetes
- Genetic and hormonal determinants of birth size
- Neuroendocinology and traumatic brain injury
Senior Clinical Staff / Trainers |
|
| University of Cambridge | Prof Ieuan Hughes, Honorary Consultant, Endocrinology |
| University of Cambridge | Prof David Dunger, Honorary Consultant, Endocrinology and Diabetes |
| University of Cambridge | Dr Carlo Acerini, Honorary Consultant, Endocrinology and Diabetes |
| MRC-Cambridge | Dr Ken Ong, Honorary Consultant, Endocrinology (1 session per week) |
| Addenbrooke’s Hospital | Dr Nadeem Abdullah, Consultant Paediatrician, Diabetes |
Supporting training centres
Opportunities to train in paediatric endocrinology and diabetes at a secondary level are available within the Deanery. Supporting training centres are based in Norwich, Luton, Peterborough and Ipswich.
There is one paediatric specialist registrar post in endocrinology and diabetes at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH), where two endocrinology clinics per week are run, endocrine investigations are conducted, and a diabetes service for more than 320 children and young people is provided.
There are also opportunities to gain experience in paediatric endocrinology and diabetes during postings to Luton, Peterborough and Ipswich within the East of England paediatric training scheme.
Senior Clinical Staff / Trainers |
|
| Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital | Dr Vipan Datta, Consultant Paediatrician Dr Nandu Thalange, Consultant Paediatrician |
| Luton and Dunstable Hospital | Dr Nisha Nathwani, Consultant Paediatrician |
| Peterborough District Hospital | Dr Vijith Puthi, Consultant Paediatrician |
| Ipswich Hospital | Dr Jackie Buck, Consultant Paediatrician |