Training Fellowship Programmes
Introduction
The Children’s Medical Institute is a tertiary paediatric unit based at the National University Hospital. The university department of paediatrics is part of the CMI, where university teaching staff hold concurrent clinical appointments.
It is a 90-bed inpatient unit, which includes both medical as well as surgical disciplines. Outpatient ambulatory and sub-specialty clinics are run on a daily basis. Various multi-disciplinary clinics are run on a monthly basis. The CMI also has a 24-hour children’s emergency department. There is all round exposure to common paediatric conditions as well as more complex tertiary paediatrics problems. In addition, the National Paediatric Renal Replacement Programme (dialysis and transplant), and Paediatric Liver Transplant Programme are both sited at the CMI, NUH. We also have a successful bone marrow transplant programme.
Training is offered both in general paediatrics, as well as the various paediatric sub-specialties. In addition, each fellow’s training programme can be customized to suit his / her own training requirements.
Duration of Training
It is recommended that the fellowships should be at least 6 -12 months in duration. Shorter or longer postings can be arranged according to the needs of the trainee. This can be discussed with the Department Director of Post-graduate Education, Dr Marion Aw, who will customise each fellow’s training programme, together with the relevant sub-specialty supervisor.
Opportunities for fellowship training equivalent to our local basic or advanced specialty training can also be arranged for the fellow.
Basic Specialist Traning (BST) programme
2-3-year training programme which prepares candidates to pass the conjoint MRCPCH (Part 2)/ MMED exam. This will involve rotations to general paediatrics, intensive care, emergency paediatrics, neonatology and various paediatric subspecialties.
Advance Specialist Training (AST) programme
3-year training programme to equip the trainee for independent general paediatric practice. It involves the following rotations:
| 6 months : | Neonatology |
| 12 months : | Paediatric sub-specialty rotations |
| 18 months : | General paediatrics (including acute paediatrics, ambulatory paediatrics and critical care) |
Format of training
This will include clinical exposure to both in-patient care as well as specialist out-patient clinics in the trainee’s chosen field. Where relevant the trainee will be exposed to multi-disciplinary management of patients, and be expected to work with other medical sub-specialties, surgical disciplines, nurse educators, dieticians and physiotherapists. Hands-on training is recommended. (Singapore Medical Council registration is required) The fellow will be asked to contribute to relevant sub-specialty clinical consults and on-call cover.
The department has an active post-graduate teaching programme which the fellow will have opportunity to participate in. These include teaching rounds, journal clubs, and didactic lectures. In addition, the fellow will be expected to attend his relevant sub-specialty specific clinical rounds and academic activities.
The current department teaching programme:
| Monday | 0800-0900 | PICU round |
| 1230-1330 | Neurology teaching (2nd and 4th week) |
| Tuesday | 0800-0900 | Interns and Residents Teaching Round |
| 1100-1200 | Renal clinical teaching |
| Wednesday | 0800-0900 | Department CME (Clinical case and lecture) |
| 1300-1400 | Post-graduate Trainees Teaching Activity |
| Thursday | 0745-0900 | Radiology Round |
| Friday | 0745-0830 | Hospital Grand Rounds |
| 1300-1400 | MRCPCH Clinical Teaching |
Research Opportunities
Being a university department, a significant number of staff are actively involved in both clinical and lab-based research. Fellows will be given the opportunity to take part in research, and where appropriate may be given projects to perform independently under supervision.
Supervision
Each fellow will be assigned a supervisor. The supervisor will be a consultant in the department, and where relevant in the fellow’s chosen specialty of training. In addition, the fellow’s overall training will also be supervised and monitored by the Department’s Director of Post-Graduate Education who will ensure that each fellow’s training objectives are being met. The fellow is encouraged to keep a log-book or portfolio of all his/ her clinical experience and training activities.
Funding
The trainee is expected to be self-funded. Paid service registrar / fellow posts may be available on a competitive basis, and are subject to service needs and requirements.
For further information or specific questions about the training fellowships offered, please contact the departmental secretary.
