Paediatric Surgery Fellowships
This page includes the Paediatric Surgery Fellowships which have been approved under the RCS Senior Clinical Fellowship Scheme.
Applying to be a fellow
If you would like to be a RCS Senior Clinical Fellow, you will need to contact the Supervisor / Lead Consultant of the Fellowship programme you are interested in. Ask the Supervisor / Lead Consultant if or when there is a vacancy for a fellow. They will tell you how to apply, if appropriate. Please go to the appropriate Fellowship programme listed below for more information.
Fellows appointed to RCS Senior Clinical Fellowships will be expected to be ambassadors for the RCS England and meet the requirements of the GMC’s Good Medical Practice.
BAPU Paediatric Urology Fellowships
BAPU BBS Paediatric Urology Fellowship
Based at: Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Bristol Children’s Hospital, and University Hospital Southampton
Surgical Specialty Association approving: BAPU
Approval period: March 2022 - February 2025
Supervisors / Lead Consultants: Liam McCarthy, Consultant Paediatric Urologist and Transplant Surgeon, Birmingham Children’s Hospital; Mark Woodward, Consultant Paediatric Urologist, and Mohamed Shalaby, Consultant Paediatric Urologist, Bristol Children’s Hospital; Stephen Griffin, Consultant Paediatric Urologist, and Ewan Brownlee, Consultant, Southampton University Hospital
Fellowship duration: 24 months
Stated learning outcomes:
- Outcome 1: To be able to manage acutely all emergency cases presenting to paediatric urology, including obstruction and urosepsis
- Outcome 2: To be able to manage infants and children presenting with antenatal hydronephrosis in a routine clinic
- Outcome 3: To be able to manage children with neuropathic bladder and bowel
- Outcome 4: To be able to manage children with congenital bladder outlet obstruction
- Outcome 5: To be able to manage children with incontinence of urine
- Outcome 6: To be able to manage children with renal impairment
- Outcome 7: To be able to manage urolithiasis acutely and in the routine clinic
Clinical competencies to be achieved:
To understand the natural history and complications of the conditions encountered in paediatric urology, the indications and complications of non-operative management and surgical intervention, to be able to participate fully in multi-disciplinary team meetings.
Number of main operations the fellow could expect to be involved in:
Recommended PBA Level / Minimum to complete Fellowship:
- Exploration acute scrotum (torted hydatid; torsion testis): 4 / 4
- Cystourethroscopy; SPC insertion: 4 / 4
- PUV resection: 4 / 4
- Ureteric access; stent insertion: 4 / 4
- Cystoscopy and STING/Deflux injection: 4 / 4
- Ureteroscopy- rigid: 4 / 4
- Ureteroscopy- flexi: 3 / -
- Percutaneous nephrolitomy (PCNL): 3 / -
- Ovarian cystectomy; ovarian detorsion; oophorectomy: 3 / -
- Hypospadias repair: single stage: 4 / 4
- Hypospadias repair: two stage: 4 / 4
- Chordee correction: 4 / 4
- Repair of Megaprepuce: 4 / 4
- Nephrectomy (open or laparoscopic): 4 / 4
- Heminephrectomy (open or laparoscopic): 4 / 4
- Nephrostomy (open/perc): 3 / -
- Pyeloplasty (open or laparoscopic): 4 / 4
- Reimplantation of ureter (open or laparoscopic): 4 / -
- Bladder augmentation (ileocystoplasty): 4 / 4
- Bladder augmentation (ureterocystoplasty): 3 / -
- ACE (open or laparoscopic; caecal flap): 4 / 4
- Mitrofanoff: 4 / 4
- Monti Mitrofanoff: 4 / 3
- Bladder outlet procedure (bladder neck reconstruction; bladder neck sling; artificial sphincter): 3 / -
- Orchidopexy for palpable UDT: 4 / 4
- Surgery for impalpable UDT (open or laparoscopic): 4 / 4
- Laparoscopic gonadal biopsy/excision: 4 / 4
- Peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion/removal: 4 / 4
- Feminising genitoplasty: 1 / -
- Cloaca repair (PSARVUP; urogenital sinus mobilisation): 2 / -
- Bladder exstrophy closure (classic staged/ Kelly etc): 1 / -
- Renal Transplantation: 1 / -
BAPU Manchester and Leeds Paediatric Urology Fellowship
Based at: Manchester Children’s Hospital and Leeds Children’s Hospital
Surgical Specialty Association approving: BAPU
Approval period: Initially approved June 2023 – May 2026
Supervisor / Lead Consultant: David Keene, Consultant Paediatric Urologist [Manchester Children’s Hospital], Alexander Turner, Consultant Paediatric Urologist [Leeds Children’s Hospital]
Fellowship duration: 24 months [12months in each centre]
Stated learning outcomes:
- To be able to manage acutely all emergency cases in presenting to paediatric urology, including obstruction and urosepsis.
- To be able to manage infants and children presenting with antenatal hydronephrosis to routine clinic.
- To be able to manage children with neuropathic bladder and bowel.
- To be able to manage children with congenital bladder outlet obstruction.
- To be able to manage children with incontinence of urine.
- To be able to manage children with renal impairment.
- To be able to manage urolithiasis acutely and in the routine clinic.
Clinical competencies to be achieved:
To understand the natural history and complications of the conditions encountered in paediatric urology, the indications and complications of non-operative management and surgical intervention, to be able to participate fully in multi-disciplinary team meetings.
Number of main operations the fellow could expect to be involved in:
Recommended PBA Level / Minimum to complete Fellowship:
- Exploration acute scrotum (torted hydatid; torsion testis): 4 / 4
- Cystourethroscopy; SPC insertion: 4 / 4
- PUV resection: 4 / 4
- Ureteric access; stent insertion: 4 / 4
- Cystoscopy and STING/Deflux injection: 4 / 4
- Ureteroscopy- rigid: 4 / 4
- Ureteroscopy- flexi: 3 / -
- Percutaneous nephrolitomy (PCNL): 3 / -
- Ovarian cystectomy; ovarian detorsion; oophorectomy: 3 / -
- Hypospadias repair: single stage: 4 / 4
- Hypospadias repair: two-stage: 4 / 4
- Chordee correction: 4 / 4
- Repair of Megaprepuce: 4 / 4
- Nephrectomy (open or laparoscopic): 4 / 4
- Heminephrectomy (open or laparoscopic): 4 / 4
- Nephrostomy (open/perc): 3 / -
- Pyeloplasty (open or laparoscopic): 4 / 4
- Reimplantation of ureter (open or laparoscopic): 4 / -
- Bladder augmentation (ileocystoplasty): 4 / 4
- Bladder augmentation (ureterocystoplasty): 3 / -
- ACE (open or laparoscopic; caecal flap): 4 / 4
- Mitrofanoff: 4 / 4
- Bladder outlet procedure (bladder neck reconstruction; bladder neck sling; artificial sphincter): 3 / -
- Orchidopexy for palpable UDT: 4 / 4
- Surgery for impalpable UDT (open or laparoscopic): 4 / 4
- Laparoscopic gonadal biopsy/excision: 4 / 4
- Peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion/removal: 4 / 4
- Feminising genitoplasty: 1 / -
- Cloaca repair (PSARVUP; urogenital sinus mobilisation): 2 / -
- Bladder exstrophy closure (classic staged/ Kelly etc): 1 / -
- Renal Transplantation: 1 / -
BAPU Nottingham Paediatric Urology Fellowship
Based at: Nottingham Children’s Hospital
Surgical Specialty Association approving: BAPU
Approval period: Initially approved June 2023 – May 2026
Supervisor / Lead Consultant: Manoj Shenoy, Consultant Paediatric Urologist and Alun Williams, Consultant Paediatric Urologist
Fellowship duration: 24 months
Stated learning outcomes:
- To be able to manage acutely all emergency cases in presenting to paediatric urology, including obstruction, urosepsis and postoperative complications.
- To be able to manage routine GP referrals and make management plans (with consultant support).
- To be able to manage infants and children presenting with antenatal hydronephrosis to clinic.
- To be able to manage children with neuropathic bladder and bowel.
- To be able to manage children with congenital bladder outlet obstruction.
- To be able to manage children with incontinence of urine.
- To be able to manage children with renal impairment.
- To be able to manage urolithiasis acutely and in the routine clinic.
Clinical competencies to be achieved:
To understand the natural history and complications of the conditions encountered in paediatric urology, the indications and complications of non-operative management and surgical intervention, to be able to participate fully in multi-disciplinary team meetings.
Number of main operations the fellow could expect to be involved in:
Recommended PBA Level / Minimum to complete Fellowship:
- Exploration acute scrotum (torted hydatid; torsion testis): 4 / 4
- Cystourethroscopy; SPC insertion: 4 / 4
- PUV resection: 4 / 4
- Ureteric access; stent insertion: 4 / 4
- Cystoscopy and STING/Deflux injection: 4 / 4
- Ureteroscopy- rigid: 4 / 4
- Ureteroscopy- flexi: 3 / -
- Percutaneous nephrolitomy (PCNL): 3 / -
- Ovarian cystectomy; ovarian detorsion; oophorectomy: 3 / -
- Hypospadias repair: single stage: 4 / 4
- Hypospadias repair: two-stage: 4 / 4
- Chordee correction: 4 / 4
- Repair of Megaprepuce: 4 / 4
- Nephrectomy (open or laparoscopic): 4 / 4
- Heminephrectomy (open or laparoscopic): 4 / 4
- Nephrostomy (open/perc): 3 / -
- Pyeloplasty (open or laparoscopic): 4 / 4
- Reimplantation of ureter (open or laparoscopic): 4 / -
- Bladder augmentation (ileocystoplasty): 4 / 4
- Bladder augmentation (ureterocystoplasty): 3 / -
- ACE (open or laparoscopic; caecal flap): 4 / 4
- Mitrofanoff: 4 / 4
- Monti Mitrofanoff: 4/3
- Bladder outlet procedure (bladder neck reconstruction; bladder neck sling; artificial sphincter): 3 / -
- Orchidopexy for palpable UDT: 4 / 4
- Surgery for impalpable UDT (open or laparoscopic): 4 / 4
- Laparoscopic gonadal biopsy/excision: 4 / 4
- Peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion/removal: 4 / 4
- Feminising genitoplasty: 1 / -
- Cloaca repair (PSARVUP; urogenital sinus mobilisation): 2 / -
- Bladder exstrophy closure (classic staged/ Kelly etc): 1 / -
- Renal Transplantation: 1 / -
Paediatric General Surgery Fellowships
Chelsea and Westminster Paediatric Colorectal Fellowship, London
Based at: Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust
Surgical Specialty Association approving: BAPS
Approval period: Initially approved April 2016; reapproved March 2020 to May 2023
Supervisor / Lead Consultant: Mr Simon Clarke, Service Director and Educational Lead with Mr Muhammad Choudhry, Consultant Paediatric Surgeon
Fellowship duration: 12-24 months
Stated learning outcomes:
- Competency level 4 in Pull through for Hirschsprungs disease (currently level 3 at CCT level).
- Competency level 4 for posterior sagittal anorectoplasty PSARP (currently level 3 at CCT level).
- Help establish a transitional service for young adults with colorectal disease.
- Experience with pouch surgery for paediatric inflammatory bowel disease patients.
Clinical competencies to be achieved:
- ISCP level 4 competency for pull through for Hirschsprungs disease (CCT currently only requires level 3)
- ISCP level 4 competency for Posterior Sagittal Anorectoplasty PSARP (CCT currently only requires level 3)
- Transitional pathway for colorectal adolescent patients in northwest London
Number of main operations the fellow could expect to be involved in:
- Hirschsprung pull through – 8 per year
- Anorectoplasty – 10 per year
- EUA rectum +/- seton insertion – 20 per year
- Laparoscopic colectomy – 6 per year
additional comments:
- Assisting / observing in pouch surgery – 5, adult colectomies - 15
- Involvement in MDT meetings
Fellows awarded Fellowship Certificate (dates of Fellowship):
- Yew-Wei Tan (Jun 18 - Jul 19)
- Alexander Macdonald (Oct 19 - Dec 20)
- Eva Macharia Coates (May 21- May 22)
- Annita Budzanowski (Dec 22 - Sep 23)
Newcastle and Leeds Paediatric Colorectal Fellowship
Based at: Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary and Leeds General Infirmary
Surgical Specialty Association approving: ACPGBI
Approval period: March 2021 - February 2024
Supervisor / Lead Consultant: Miss Victoria Lane, Consultant Paediatric Surgeon (Newcastle enquiries), with Mr Ian Sugarman, Consultant Paediatric Surgeon (Leeds enquiries)
Fellowship duration: 24 months: 12 months in Newcastle, and 12 months in Leeds
Stated learning outcomes:
- To gain experience in laparoscopic surgery for inflammatory bowel disease, to include bowel resection and colectomy. Fellows would be expected to be competent to perform these procedures under direct supervision, after successful completion of the fellowship (and depending on previous laparoscopic experience).
- To understand the operative procedure for laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy (Ileal pouch anal anastomosis/IPAA) and be able to complete the steps of the procedure under direct consultant supervision.
Clinical competencies to be achieved:
- Level 3,4 in the main operations of the Fellowship
- Total number of cases performed will be around 400-600 procedures per year
- The post is expected to provide experience in Hirschsprung's disease (n=10), Crohn's resection (n=6-10). The post will also provide specialised exposure to specialist clinics such as multidisciplinary Cloaca clinic, pouch clinic, constipation clinic and multidisciplinary inflammatory bowel disease meetings
Number of main operations the fellow could expect to be involved in: see Clinical competencies above
Fellows awarded Fellowship Certificate (dates of Fellowship):
- Alison Campbell (Jul 20 - Jul 22)
- Kelly Hoffman (Jul 20 - Jun 22)
Newcastle Paediatric Surgery Fellowship
Based at: Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle
Surgical Specialty Association approving: BAPS
Approval period: May 2020 - April 2023; reapproved September 2023 - August 2026
Supervisor / Lead Consultant: Mr Alok Godse, Consultant Paediatric Surgeon, with Mr Hany Gabra, Consultant Paediatric Surgeon
Fellowship duration: 12 months
Stated learning outcomes:
- To gain experience in wide variety of general and neonatal surgical conditions including laparoscopic surgery in both, planned and emergency setting.
- To be able to operate/assist in complex Paediatric surgical, urological procedures such as Hirschsprung’s Pull through, Anorectal malformation, Bladder augmentation and more.
- There may be an opportunity to develop subspecialty interest in topics such as, Surgical Oncology, Paediatric Urology, Upper and lower GI surgery.
- To complete a relevant clinical research project with a view to presentation and publication.
- The appointed candidate will have ample opportunities in clinical governance activities ie: audits, teaching etc.
Clinical competencies to be achieved:
- Total number of cases performed by the fellow will be around 300-400 procedures per year.
- The post is expected to provide experience in Hirschsprung's disease pull through (n 5-10), Laparoscopic fundoplication (n 10-20), Laparoscopic splenectomy (n 5), Percutaneous vascular access (n 80-100), Hypospadias procedures (n 20-40), Laparoscopic pyeloplasty (n 5-10), Nephrectomies and heminephrectomies (10-20).
- The post will also provide exposure to specialist clinics such as multidisciplinary Cloaca clinic, pouch clinic, chest wall clinic, multidisciplinary oncology meetings, Spina Bifida clinic, Nephrourology clinic.
- Candidates selected via the ISTP programme will have an ARCP and is expected to maintain a portfolio on ISCP.
Number of main operations the fellow could expect to be involved in: see Clinical competencies above
Fellows awarded Fellowship Certificate (dates of Fellowship):
- Ryo Tamura (Sept 18 - Oct 20)
- Deon Flemmings (Oct 20 - Oct 21)
Paediatric Neurosurgery Fellowships
Yorkshire Paediatric Neurosurgery Fellowship
Based at:Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Surgical Specialty Association approving: SBNS
Approval period:October 2018 - December 2021; reapproved June 2022 - May 2025
Supervisor / Lead Consultant:Mr John Goodden, Consultant Paediatric Neurosurgeon, with Mr Atul Tyagi, Consultant Neurosurgeon
Fellowship duration: 12 months
Stated learning outcomes:
- At the end of the fellowship, the Fellow should have the ability to provide independent surgical neuro-oncology care for the broad range of brain and spinal tumours presenting in Childhood.
- The fellow will be expected to attend and present at International Neuro-Oncology conferences.
- Able to understand the endoscopic management of complex hydrocephalus and arachnoid cysts, and related anatomy.
- Understand the MDT management of patients with spinal dysraphic conditions including the closure of spina bifida and management of tethering from spinal lipoma.
- Understand the MDT management of patients with craniofacial disease.
- Understand the MDT management of patients with spasticity and other movement disorders, including the role of Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy and intrathecal baclofen.
- Have knowledge of the breadth and extent of endoscopic surgery for complex hydrocephalus and arachnoid cysts.
- Have knowledge of the management choices for patients with complex hydrocephalus.
Clinical competencies to be achieved:
- To provide a safe, comprehensive management plan for the investigation, operative management, non-operative management of patients with the full range of paediatric neurosurgery conditions.
- To have a thorough understanding of the possible postoperative paediatric neurosurgery emergencies and their management.
- To have a thorough understanding of the range of interventions available for paediatric neurosurgery - including paediatric neuro-oncology, spinal dysraphism, spasticity surgery, hydrocephalus and craniofacial conditions.
Number of main operations the fellow could expect to be involved in:
Supervisor 2018: “Much of our paediatric neurosurgery operation involves 2 consultants because it is very super-specialist operating. The emphasis would be on the fellow taking a lead role in the surgery, the pre-operative preparation (consent etc) and the post-operative management for these cases … We would expect the fellow to be present for the majority of the paediatric operating cases, with a minimum presence for 2/3 cases - translating to at least 200 paediatric neurosurgery cases during their Fellowship year. Their involvement in surgery would increase throughout the Fellowship with involvement in more complex cases once they have demonstrated suitable levels of competence. By the end of the Fellowship, we would expect the fellow to have been the Lead surgeon for an absolute minimum of:
- Craniotomy & excision of tumour (supratentorial or infratentorial): Total: 20-30; Performed: 5-10
- Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy: Total: 5-10; Performed: 3-5
- Neonatal VP shunt insertion: Total: 15-20; Performed: 5-15
- Neonatal repair of meningomyelocoele: Total: 5-10; Performed: 2-5
- Single Suture procedure for craniosynostosis: Total: 20-25; Performed: 5-10
- Spasticity treatment - Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy & Insertion of Intrathecal baclofen pump: Total: 20-30; Performed: 5-10
- Isabel Tulloch (Aug 19 - Aug 20)
- Ieva Sataite (Aug 20 - Aug 21)
- Rebecca Chave-Cox (Aug 21 - Aug 22)
- Sandra Dias (Aug 22 - Aug 23)
Comments from recent Fellows
Sandra Dias
Yorkshire Paediatric Neurosurgery Fellowship, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, NHS Trust, August 2022 - July 2023.
"The Fellowship for paediatric Neurosurgery was an important step in my career. By undertaking this fellowship I was able to improve my surgical skills in intricate paediatric neurosurgical procedures. I was able to benefit from valuable multidisciplinary collaborations and discussions regarding patient management. This was possible thanks to the high case exposure and the great mentors that taught excellent values. I grew as a person and as a neurosurgeon. Moreover, the fellowship instilled in me a deep appreciation for evidence-based medicine, continuously seeking the latest advancements to improve patient outcomes. Patient management now involves not only surgical precision but also compassionate communication with families, helping them navigate the complexities of pediatric neurosurgery. It’s about tailoring treatment plans to each child’s unique needs and aspirations, with a keen focus on long-term quality of life. My fellowship in Leeds has undeniably elevated my expertise, enabling me to provide exceptional care to pediatric neurosurgery patients and their families."
Eva Macharia Coates
Chelsea and Westminster Paediatric Colorectal Fellowship, Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust, May 2021 - May 2022.
"The Chelsea and Westminster (CW) Paediatric Colorectal Fellowship features a well defined curriculum with targets for operations, knowledge and clinical experience. Supervised and unsupervised operating accelerated procedural confidence. Data and clinical oversight of Hirschsprung's and anorectal cohorts broadened my understanding. Close collaboration with the CW adult inflammatory bowel service enriched both operative and clinic management. Transitioning adolescents to the St Mark's Pelvic Floor service generated MDT exposure and confidence in design of transition pathways. I was privileged to receive operative tutelage from Mr MS Choudhry, and professional mentorship from Mr S Clarke. I was grateful for support and advice from Mr M Haddad, CNS N Geoghegan and Mr a Macdonald, a programme alumnus. RCS sub-specialty was instrumental in securing a substantive consultant position and I highly recommend this programme. "
Deon Flemmings
Newcastle Paediatric Surgery Fellowship, Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle, October 2020 - September 2021
Current post (December 2021): Paediatric Surgeon, Jamaica
"This fellowship has certainly added depth to my training as a paediatric surgeon. As an international fellow, I entered with the focus of minimal access surgery and I have certainly developed laparoscopic skills. In addition, I was able to hone skills in paediatric endoscopy as well as percutaneous vascular access (areas not typically covered by my discipline at home). I have also benefited from high volume exposure in the management of colorectal diseases, as well as exposure to redo procedures. I was also mindful of different perspectives that will certainly now inform best practice as I care for the paediatric cohort in Jamaica, and boosted my confidence to function independently as a young consultant."
Alexander Macdonald
Chelsea and Westminster Paediatric Colorectal Fellowship, London, October 2019 - January 2021
Current post (June 2021): Consultant Paediatric Surgeon (with Colorectal interest) at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
"This fellowship provided a fantastic opportunity to build experience in paediatric and colorectal pelvic reconstruction both at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in the UK and at the Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in the USA. I have been exposed to a significant volume of Hirschsprung’s and Anorectal reconstructions, including revision surgery, and have been able to develop independent operator confidence. I have particularly valued the ability to work with and learn from adult colorectal colleagues, building an experience of transitional care for young adults that has translated into a novel colorectal transition service for our adolescent patients in North West London."
Yew-Wei Tan
Chelsea and Westminster Paediatric Colorectal Fellowship, London, June 2018 - August 2019
Current post (January 2020): locum consultant paediatric surgeon, Evelina Children's Hospital, London
"I am proud to have completed this RCS paediatric colorectal fellowship, which offered high quality post-CCT specialist training in centres of excellence, both in paediatric and adult colorectal practice. During my fellowship, I stepped up to being the junior consultant on-call whilst supported by other departmental consultants. I have gained concentrated operative experience in all index paediatric anorectal and colorectal cases (145) as well as adult coloproctology (66). The fellowship was a significant learning curve for me in the management of inflammatory bowel disease as Chelsea & Westminster and St Mark's have some of the largest paediatric and adult IBD cohort of patients in the country. I also learned to perform perianal fistula surgeries and laparoscopic colectomies for many of these patients. Working with specialist gastroenterologists and colorectal teams on both sites also provided unique development in polyposis, anorectal manometry, and colonoscopy. It was a real privilege learning from a team which pioneered minimal access paediatric surgery in the UK as it meant that I was able to advance my laparoscopic skills within this period. With the help of a Simpson Smith Fellowship, I travelled to the Centre of Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction at the Nationwide Children's Hospital, Ohio, and observed world-class paediatric colorectal practice in a collaborative manner, and learned bowel management and transition care. This exposure has set a high standard for my consultant practice. I cannot thank my mentors enough for supporting me in my clinical, operative and research endeavours in paediatric colorectal surgery, and in my development as a better paediatric surgeon."