https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/wards-and-departments/departments/clinical-specialties/neurosurgery-information/neurosurgery-fellowship-and-observership-programmes/
Neurosurgery Fellowship and Observership Programmes
The department prides itself on excellence in education of young paediatric neurosurgeons through its exceptionally successful Fellowship and Observership Programmes.
Over 50 Fellows have graduated from our programme since 1998, with over 85% going on to obtain Consultant and Attending positions as Paediatric Neurosurgeons, both within the UK and internationally.
We undertake around 1200 paediatric neurosurgical operations per annum. The department has access to specialized techniques including:
- robot-assisted stereoEEG implantation
- intraoperative MRI
- integrated endoscopic operating room (Storz OR1)
- VisuaLase thermal interstitial therapy (LITT), minimally invasive craniosynostosis repair (spring-assisted and endoscopic),
- frontofacial surgery with external distraction, intrauterine myelomeningocoele repair
- selective dorsal rhizotomy
- Gamma Knife
- endovascular treatment for aneurysm, AVM, vein of Galen malformation, and others.
We are a UK referral centre for:
- neuro-oncology
- epilepsy
- craniofacial surgery
- intrauterine surgery
- neurovascular conditions
- complex spinal deformity and spasticity.
We recently successfully separated our fourth set of craniopagus twins, which has garnered international publicity.
Information about the Fellowship and Observership Programmes
Fellowship Programme Director
Greg James
About the Fellowship
Fellowships are paid one year positions within the department.
Currently we offer four Fellowships per year, usually starting in the summer (although start dates are negotiable).
Fellows are full members of the neurosurgery team and are expected to operate and assist in theatres, manage on call emergencies, care for ward inpatients and run independent outpatient clinics.
Areas of paediatric neurosurgical practice
Full training and supervision is given across the entire range of paediatric neurosurgical practice, including:
- neuro-oncology (cranial and spinal)
- epilepsy
- craniofacial
- hydrocephalus and endoscopy
- neurovascular
- spinal dysraphism
- spasticity
- trauma.
In addition to clinical training in the operating room and clinic, there is a weekly intramural didactic lecture programme which covers all aspects of paediatric neurosurgery over a one year syllabus.
Academic output
Fellows contribute to the academic output of the department, with a minimum of one international conference presentation and one peer-reviewed publication expected from each fellow during their year.
Neurosurgery resident training
Candidates are expected to have completed, or be about to complete, neurosurgery resident training (UK ST7-8 equivalent).
Applications, appointments and interviews
Appointments are by interview, with advertisements usually going out in December and interviews for short-listed candidates in January.
These positions are highly sought after and competitive and are open to both UK and overseas candidates.
Informal discussions and, ideally, departmental visits are encouraged prior to application.
Expression of interest
Complete the expression of interest: Neurosurgery Fellowship Programme form.
Observership Programme Director
Dulanka Silva
About the Observership
Observerships are unpaid honorary positions to permit exposure to the practice of the Department.
They are tailored to the seniority and interest of the applicant, we receive UK and international observers from all levels from medical student to experienced neurosurgeon.
They may involve observing the generality of practice or may be focussed in a subspecialty area, and can vary in duration from one week up to six months.
Clinical responsibilities
Observers do not have clinical responsibilities but can view surgery and attend meetings and clinics. In addition, there may be opportunities to undertake research or audit projects in the department.
Expression of interest
Complete the expression of interest: Neurosurgery Observership Programme form.
More information about Neurosurgery at GOSH
The Department of Neurosurgery at GOSH is the largest paediatric neurosurgery unit in terms of case volume and academic productivity in the UK, and has an international reputation for excellence.
In 2023, for the second year running, the current- affairs magazine Newsweek included GOSH in its top-three list of the best specialized hospitals for paediatrics in the world. Newsweek ranked GOSH third in the world and number one in Europe. GOSH was also recognised as one of the top 50 hospitals in the world for neurosurgery (including adult and mixed units).
Our academic partner is the Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (part of University College London) and we lead, or contribute to, a number of nationally and internationally funded research programmes. We currently have a number of neurosurgical residents undertaking PhD programmes at GOS-ICH.