Head and Neck Surgery Fellow

Head and Neck Surgery Fellow Full‑time post for a Head and Neck Fellow is required at the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital site of Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to work with a supportive, dynamic & enthusiastic Head and Neck team to help support cancer services and train in head and neck surgery at Luton & Dunstable Hospital. This subspecialist fellowship programme provides advanced training in head and neck, thyroid surgery, reconstructive microvascular surgery, and robotic‑assisted surgery (TORS). The program is a head and neck department collaboration between ENT and Maxillofacial Surgery, offering exposure to a wide range of complex surgical procedures. This fellowship is exclusively open to candidates with a background in Otolaryngology (ENT). Applicants must have completed postgraduate training in ENT and possess the necessary surgical and clinical competencies to work at a senior middle‑grade level in a Head and Neck Oncology and Reconstructive Surgery unit. Applications are welcome from UK and international ENT candidates who meet the eligibility criteria. While prior NHS experience is desirable, international applicants must ensure they meet the General Medical Council (GMC) registration requirements to be eligible for practice in the UK. Candidates who do not currently hold GMC registration must demonstrate eligibility.Main Duties of the Job

• Head and Neck Cancer Surgery
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  Active involvement in major oncological resections and reconstructive procedures.
• Microvascular Free Flap Surgery
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  Training in flap harvest, microvascular anastomosis, and reconstruction techniques.
• Robotic‑Assisted Surgery
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  Exposure to Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) and robotic‑assisted head and neck procedures, utilizing the da Vinci Xi surgical system.
• Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Participation
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  Engagement in weekly MDT meetings involving ENT, OMFS, Plastics, Oncology, Radiology, and Allied Health Professionals.
• Thyroid and Salivary Gland Surgery
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  High‑volume exposure to endocrine and salivary gland surgery.
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
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  Experience in endoscopic and laser‑based techniques for benign and malignant disease.
• Clinical Teaching & Mentorship
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  Supervising junior doctors, allied health professionals, and medical students.
• Research & Audit
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  Active involvement in robotic surgery outcomes, cancer service development, and quality improvement projects; participation in departmental and Trust matters concerning Clinical Governance and audit.
• On‑call out of hours rota duties.
• Continuing professional development (CPD) responsibilities.

Qualifications

• MBChB, MBBS or other recognised equivalent medical qualification.
• Full registration with the General Medical Council at the time of application.
• FRCS (ORL‑HNS) or equivalent.
• Post CCT/CESR in Otolaryngology or equivalent.
• Sub‑specialty experience (Head & Neck Surgery, Microvascular Surgery, or Robotic Surgery).

Clinical Experience

• Completion of UK Foundation Training or equivalent.
• Minimum of three years full‑time hospital‑based postgraduate training in Otolaryngology.
• Competency in airway management, including emergency tracheostomy and management of head and neck cases.
• Experience in head and neck oncological surgery under consultant supervision.
• Ability to assist major resections, neck dissections, and reconstructive surgery.
• Sub‑specialty Fellowship.
• Ability to operate unsupervised.
• Evidence of acquired skills.
• Independent operating ability for oncological resections, free flap harvest, and microvascular anastomosis.
• Previous experience in robotic‑assisted surgery (TORS) or minimally invasive head and neck procedures.
• Proficiency in microvascular free flap reconstruction.
• Competence in robotic‑assisted surgery (TORS) or other minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Management and Administration

• Ability to organise and manage staff rotas, out‑patient priorities, waiting lists and operating lists.
• Flexible approach to service delivery and committed approach to development.
• Understanding of Clinical Governance, patient safety, and NHS quality improvement principles.
• Committed to share in professional, managerial and teaching responsibilities.
• Experience with audits.
• Experience in…