2015 programmes

2-YEAR ACADEMIC FOUNDATION PROGRAMMES ATUNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON MEDICAL SCHOOL (UCL)

1. INTRODUCTION

The North Central Thames Foundation School (NCTFS) is a foundation school linkedto the UCL Medical School. NCTFS offers 21 Academic Foundation Programme(AFP) posts comprising different speciality-based academic placements. The 2-yearprogrammes will deliver the full range of competences required of the FoundationProgramme Curriculum. The F2 posts will each include a placement in a centre ofacademic and research excellence.

The F1 posts are based at either Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust orNorth Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust. The F2 posts are based in centralLondon, either at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, RoyalFree London NHS Foundation Trust, or Whittington Health.

All trainees accepted for the 2-year Academic Foundation Programme will have: A 4-month academic placement as one element of their 12-month F2 post

(except for Public Health Medicine at the Whittington Health, where it is for 3months)

A mentor throughout the F2 year (Academic Supervisor) A core programme run throughout the year aimed to develop academic skills Visitor status within the appropriate Division to enable access to UCL on-line

library facilities

2. DETAILS OF TRAINING PROGRAMMES

ProgrammeReference

Programme Theme Based at

1516/UCL/01 Virology (1)Royal Free London NHSFoundation Trust



1516/UCL/04 RheumatologyRoyal Free London NHSFoundation Trust

1516/UCL/05Neurology and Neuroscience(1)

Royal Free London NHSFoundation Trust

1516/UCL/06Neurology and Neuroscience(2)

Royal Free London NHSFoundation Trust

1516/UCL/07 Cellular Pathology (1)Royal Free London NHSFoundation Trust



1516/UCL/10 Nuclear Medicine (1)Royal Free London NHSFoundation Trust

1516/UCL/11 Nuclear Medicine (2)Royal Free London NHSFoundation Trust

1516/UCL/12 Nuclear Medicine (3) Royal Free London NHS

Foundation Trust

1516/UCL/13Primary Care and PopulationHealth (1)

Whittington Health


Whittington Health


Whittington Health

1516/UCL/16 HepatologyRoyal Free London NHSFoundation Trust

1516/UCL/17 Paediatrics

University College LondonHospitals NHS FoundationTrust

1516/UCL/18 Psychiatry

Camden and IslingtonFoundation Trust (linked toUniversity College LondonHospitals NHS FoundationTrust)

1516/UCL/19 Women's Health


1516/UCL/20

ClinicalPharmacology/CardiovascularMedicine


1516/UCL/21 SurgeryRoyal Free London NHSFoundation Trust

3. POSTS

Information regarding specific programmes is provisional and may be subjectto change. Precise details of rotations are subject to service deliveryrequirements of the NHS and subsequent confirmation by employing Trusts.

Programmes 1, 2 & 3 Virology based at Royal Free London NHS FoundationTrustReference: 1516/UCL/01Reference: 1516/UCL/02Reference: 1516/UCL/03

Type of programme

Research/audit/clinical liaison

Brief outline of department

Virology is an exciting and rapidly moving subject which integrates laboratory workwith clinical needs. Trained specialists need both a good working knowledge ofapplied molecular biology and a clear understanding of viral pathogenesis.

Virologists reach out from their laboratory base to interact with clinical colleagues ina wide variety of areas (e.g. organ transplantation, stem cell transplantation, HIV,hepatology, antenatal, infectious diseases, sexually transmitted diseases,occupational health). Randomised controlled clinical trials of antiviral drugs providethe evidence base for or against recommending treatment of a particular infection.

The measurement of viral load directly in patient samples provides an objectiveassessment of response to treatment. Direct sequencing of viral genomes identifiesthe mechanisms of developing resistance to these antiviral drugs.

Recent publications from Academic F2s:

Halliday N, Wilmore S, Griffiths PD, Neuberger J, Thorburn D. Risk of transmissionof H1N1 influenza by solid organ transplantation in the United Kingdom.Transplantation 2012 Mar 15;93(5):551-4.

Lumley S, Patel M, Griffiths PD. The combination of specific IgM antibodies andIgG antibodies of low avidity does not always indicate primary infection withcytomegalovirus. J Med Virol 2014 May;86(5):834-7.

Hyams C, Mabayoje DA, Copping R, Maranao D, Patel M, Labbett W, et al.Serological cross reactivity to CMV and EBV causes problems in the diagnosis ofacute hepatitis E virus infection. J Med Virol 2014 Mar;86(3):478-83.

Structure of academic project/what expected

Trainees will see how viral sequencing can monitor the evolution of resistantstrains and will gain experience of recruiting patients into ongoing randomisedcontrolled trials.

Clinical commitments during academic placement

The trainee will assist the specialist registrar in providing clinical liaison to themajor "customers" served by the diagnostic laboratory. This will provide excellentexperience of how to get the most out of a laboratory which will stand the traininggood stead when he/she returns to the wards.

Departmental academic teaching programme (if applicable)

Topical clinical cases are presented every afternoon to the consultant virologist.One of these cases will be selected and worked up for the trainee to present atMedical Grand Rounds.

Academic Lead:

Paul GriffithsProfessor of [email protected]

Programme 4 Rheumatology based at Royal Free London NHS FoundationTrustReference: 1516/UCL/04

Type of programme

Introduction to Rheumatology research


Rheumatology involves the management of the huge array of musculoskeletaldisorders ranging from painful, but essentially degenerative, conditions such asosteoarthritis, to those such as rheumatoid arthritis and vasculitis which causeserious, long term major inflammation and disability. Its importance is emphasizedby the fact that 20% of all GP consultations are for musculoskeletal complaints andthe UK pays 30,000,000 per week in disability benefits to patients with theseproblems.

UCL Medical School has a strong tradition of emphasising the importance ofRheumatology. Several dynamic 'musculoskeletal' firms cover the topiccomprehensively stressing the importance of clinical observation and capturing thecurrent excitement about the introduction of biological agents designed to blockindividual key molecules known to be intimately involved in the development ofinflammatory arthritis. The Rheumatology units are very interested in pastoral careensuring that their trainees are given the best chance to develop a wide range ofmanagement and research skills.

It is noteworthy that a past President of The Royal College, Professor Dame CarolBlack, (from our own medical school); the Head of the Wellcome Trust, ProfessorMark Walport; a recent winner of Doctor of the Year, Dr John Halsey, and therecently knighted, co-developer of TNF alpha blockade, Professor 'Tiny' Maini areall Rheumatologists.


Options exist to undertake either a laboratory based project examiningmechanisms of disease and/or response to therapy or clinical data review project.


At the Royal Free Hospital Academic F2 Doctors currently attend specialistRheumatology clinics two afternoons a week.


Academic Lead:

Dr Richard StrattonCentre for [email protected]

Programmes 5 & 6 Neurology and Neuroscience based at Royal FreeLondon NHS Foundation TrustReference: 1516/UCL/05Reference: 1516/UCL/06

Type of programme

Clinical and research training in neurology/neuroscience


The trainee is primarily based in the Department of Clinical Neuroscience at theRoyal Free Hospital, dividing their time equally between the clinical Neurologydepartment, which acts as a tertiary centre for several different hospitals with over20 consultant neurologists, and the academic department, headed by ProfSchapira, which is part of the UCL Institute of Neurology(http://www.ucl.ac.uk/ion/departments/clinical).

Previous projects: screening brain-derived DNA for somatic mutations inParkinsons disease, Genetic screening of hereditary spastic paraplegia, Review ofa case series of paediatric Moya-Moya disease.


The trainees will work in a large regional referral centre for neurological disease,and will gain experience in a broad spectrum of acute and chronic neurologicalconditions. They will be exposed to particular sub-speciality aspects of neurology,including Parkinsons disease, neuromuscular disease, and epilepsy, and thecombined clinical and laboratory investigations of neurological diseases. Thisplacement is ideally suited to provide a solid clinical and academic foundation tothose considering a career in neurology, but the experience will also be invaluablefor other specialties. The department has a very active research programme, withParkinsons disease a particular strength, including basic molecular and geneticinvestigation of the underlying aetiology, cellular and animal modelling of disease,and clinical trials of new pharmacological approaches. The trainees will beexpected to participate in a lab-based or clinical research project within thedepartment, and, if no suitable project is identified, appropriate projects across theentire UCL Institute of Neurology can be considered.


2.5 days per week spent on clinical commitments in neurology, including asupervised outpatient clinic which provides an excellent early introduction togeneral neurology outpatient care.


Minimum of 1 hour consultant teaching for neurology trainees per week. Weeklyneurology clinical grand round with live case presentation and discussion. Regularlunchtime seminars on various aspects of neurology and neuroscience. Weeklymedical grand round. Laboratory research meeting / journal club.

Academic Lead:

Dr Christos Proukakis PhD FRCPSenior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant [email protected]

Programmes 7, 8 & 9 Cellular Pathology based at Royal Free London NHSFoundation TrustReference: 1516/UCL/07Reference: 1516/UCL/08Reference: 1516/UCL/09

Type of programme

Research


Cellular Pathology is the basis of most medical theory, research and practice. Thisspecialty comprises histopathology, which gives the diagnosis and other relevantinformation on biopsies and surgical resections; cytopathology, which gives thediagnosis on aspirated and other specimens of lesions; and autopsy pathology,which is still of importance in modern medicine. Many specialties rely onpathologists both in everyday practice and in research. These includegastroenterology and gastrointestinal surgery; hepatology, hepatobiliary surgery,and liver transplantation; nephrology and renal transplantation; urology; neurologyand neurosurgery; dermatology and plastic surgery; breast surgery; gynaecologyand obstetrics; and haematological oncology.


This rotation gives the opportunity for development of a wide range of skillspractised in Cellular Pathology, for participation in the many tutorials given topathologists in training, for helping to teach medical students, and for attendance atvarious clinicopathological meetings, which emphasise the role of the specialty inclinical management. There are also facilities for research on the great variety ofmaterial that is available, in collaboration with pathologists and others, andresearch will be encouraged and supported.


None


Academic Lead:

Dr Paul [email protected]

Programmes 10, 11 & 12 Nuclear Medicine based at Royal Free LondonNHS Foundation TrustReference: 1516/UCL/10Reference: 1516/UCL/11Reference: 1516/UCL/12

Type of programme

Research


The department of nuclear medicine at the Royal Free hospital has the full range ofdiagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine facilities including radionuclide therapy

and PET/CT.

Previous academic projects are varied but include research into imaging andtherapy of neuroendocrine tumours, musculoskeletal hybrid imaging, nuclearcardiology and lung scanning.


The Academic programme in Nuclear Medicine concentrates on functional imagingin the context of investigation of patients, and on research related to the techniquesused and the evidence of clinical effectiveness. There will be particular links toendocrinology, oncology, and the Neuroendocrine Tumour Unit at the Royal FreeCampus.

The trainee will thus gain an understanding of the requirements of research inMolecular Imaging in Humans. A wide range of diagnostic and therapeuticprocedures (including radiological) are available. There will be specific teaching onthe principles and practice of functional imaging and image analysis, and theirapplication both in individual clinical cases and in prospective studies. The traineewill be expected to research issues of utility and selection of nuclear imagingtechniques.

The goal is to give trainees the opportunity to experience and develop researchtechniques using the time and facilities in Nuclear Medicine, and to encourageconsideration of a career in this field. We can facilitate either a unique project or allthree F2s from each year to work on a project that will run throughout the year.Where possible, the individual interests of the trainee will be accommodated.


Varied, however, approximately 30% of the time.


Weekly departmental teaching plus regular audit meetings.

Academic Lead:

Dr Margaret [email protected]

Programmes 13, 14 & 15 Primary Care and Population Health (4 months) based at Whittington HealthReference: 1516/UCL/13Reference: 1516/UCL/14Reference: 1516/UCL/15

Type of programme

Research


The Division of Population Health (DPH) includes major research strengths inprimary care and in clinical epidemiology as applied to coronary heart disease,mental health, e-health, aging, infectious diseases, sexual health and HIV. Thework attracts major funding from the MRC, Department of Health, European Unionand various research charities. Its academic staff includes clinicians,epidemiologists, statisticians, health psychologists and sociologists. It has a majorprogramme of undergraduate teaching, delivering 20% of teaching across all 5years of the undergraduate medical curriculum, and active and growingpostgraduate taught and research degree programmes. The Division has asuccessful history of hosting academic training integrated with clinical roles.


For all trainees a balanced clinical / educational programme can be createdaccording to their particular interests, to interface with a range of clinicalspecialties: e.g. mental health, diabetes in primary care; cardiovascular disease,elderly care, as well as HIV clinical epidemiology, infectious diseases and sexuallytransmitted infections.

During the research component of the attachments each trainee will be attached toa particular research group within the Division, according to interest. Trainees willparticipate as a member of the research group, attending project meetings andundertaking research related tasks, either on important externally funded projects,or on projects under development. Trainees will be exposed to a variety ofresearch methods and have the opportunity for individualised training related to theproject. Research methods training is available in face-to-face course or onlinemodule format. Further opportunities for in-house training are available in medicalstatistics, and other research related training can be arranged depending on thefellows particular interests. Trainees will also be encouraged to take a broaderview of their clinical work, consistent with their academic perspective. There willalso be opportunities to participate in the wide range of educational programmesdelivered by the division and its constituent departments. DPH is an innovativeleader in education with close links to the UCL Academic Centre for MedicalEducation (ACME). Trainees will be able to participate in a range of short courseson generic medical teaching such as TIPS courses, and will enjoy opportunities toteach undergraduate students. Trainees can also benefit from the expertise of anetwork of tutors experienced in training in specific clinical areas many of whomwill already be hosting F2 trainees during their 4-month general practiceattachment.

The academic options offered in this rotation are: Primary Care, ClinicalEpidemiology, Sexual Health.

Primary careTypically there will be a clinical programme during which the F2 Fellow will workunder supervision in one of the teaching practices closely linked with the medicalschool for 2-4 sessions per week, with the remaining sessions being fully protectedfor academic work. The focus of the latter can vary for example in one of thedepartments internationally renowned research groups (Cardiovascularepidemiology, e-Health, Mental Health, Aging, infectious diseases.).

Clinical EpidemiologyThe Division is involved in a very wide range of epidemiological research. Inprimary care epidemiology for example we have access to The Health

Improvement Network database (THIN) containing records of over 5 millionpatients, which is a particular strength enabling use of the epidemiologicalapproach to general practice clinical data. Other major areas of work include theepidemiology of cardio-vascular disease, mental health, HIV and other infections.

For trainees interested mainly in clinical epidemiology, arrangements will be madefor appropriate clinical experience (2-4 sessions) in General Practice or Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM) to ensure trainees gain the acute clinical competenciesrequired for Foundation training.

Sexual Health/InfectionsThe Research Department of Infection and Population Health within DPH combinesstrong groupings in clinical (genito-urinary) medicine, epidemiological andbehavioural research collaborating with a leading NHS clinical HIV/STD clinic atMortimer Market, and the MRCs Clinical Trials Unit. The Centre is at the forefrontof clinical and behavioural trials research, HIV/STI epidemiology and research intoreproductive health. A placement would normally include 2-4 clinical sessions aweek in GUM/HIV medicine at Mortimer Market or General Practice.


Two sessions in either Genito-Urinary Medicine clinic at Mortimer Market, LondonW1, or in Infectious Disease/HIV wards based at Royal Free Hospital/UCL.


Weekly and monthly sessions

Academic Lead:

Dr Mimi BhattacharyyaEducational Supervisor for academic FY2 trainees in Primary Care and [email protected]

Programme 16 Hepatology based at Royal Free London NHS FoundationTrustReference: 1516/UCL/16

Type of programme

Research


Hepatology is a major clinical speciality, and UCL has the largest academicdepartment of Hepatology in the UK. The clinical practice is the investigation andtreatment of all types of liver disease, from the investigation of abnormal liverfunction tests to liver transplantation. The associated clinical and laboratoryscience includes subjects as varied as chronic viral disease, hepatic fibrogenesis,the immunology of liver disease including transplant rejection, the pathophysiologyof liver failure, cellular and molecular biology, hepatocyte transplantation, genetherapy, interventional radiology and biliary endoscopy.


The academic attachment will include an attachment to a specific clinicalscientist/investigator for training, with a defined achievable project intended to leadto a publication or presentation. Clinically orientated laboratories usingphysiological, biochemical, immunological and cellular and molecular techniquesare in current use in well-equipped laboratories. Other studies involve biliaryendoscopy, alcoholic liver disease, hepatic encephalopathy and clinical trials suchas the use of anti-viral agents for chronic hepatitis, new approaches toimmunosuppression, and improvements in the management of acute and acute onchronic liver failure.

Trainees may also have some clinical training relevant to the understanding of andtreatment of severely ill patients, applicable to many other specialities such asintensive care, nephrology and cardiology, and direct involvement will provideimportant training in the F2 competencies. Trainees will be allocated an academicand clinical supervisor who will ensure that the aims of the attachment and of theFoundation Programme are met.


None


Journal club, regular research presentations/guest lectures

Academic Lead:

Prof. Massimo Pinzani, Sheila Sherlock Chair of HepatologyUCL Institute for Liver and Digestive [email protected]

Programme 17 Paediatrics based at University College London HospitalsNHS Foundation TrustReference: 1516/UCL/17

Type of programme

Research


Paediatrics is a challenging and rewarding specialty with major innovationsongoing driven in part by clinician scientists under the auspices of the NIHR childhealth network and other funding bodies. Academic Paediatrics encompasses avast area ranging from the genetics and molecular biology of congenital diseases,through improved understanding and management of prematurity and chronicchildhood conditions to environmental, social and educational influences on thedeveloping child. Our programme will integrate clinical training in Neonates andGeneral Paediatrics at University College London Hospital with formal researchtraining sessions at the Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street;

opportunities for short projects will also be offered at these sites, which have aninternational reputation for excellence in clinical and basic academic research.


Our programme aims to nurture future Academic Paediatricians. Trainees will befully-integrated into our teaching and research programmes, with core training inbasic Paediatrics suitable for the foundation stage and exposure to diverseresearch areas that will enable them to make an informed decision on their futureacademic direction. At least one day per week will be spent on basic researchtraining, with dedicated foundation programme sessions and a choice of additionaltaster modules from higher degree courses. Each trainee will have an academicand clinical supervisor, and regular meetings will be arranged to optimise theirexperience of Academic Paediatrics within the framework of the generalFoundation Programme requirements.


Clinical commitments are small, this is in essence a research placement withexposure to branches of paediatrics arranged by the academic lead, in agreementwith the appointee according to his/her interests.


Institute for Child Health has a huge postgraduate programme and is particularlystrong in statistical courses.

Academic Lead:

Professor A G Sutcliffe MD PhD FRCPCHProfessor of General Paediatrics ICH,UCL, hon consultant paediatrician at UCLHand [email protected] contact via PA Mrs K. Peacock, GAP Unit, ICH,30 Guilford Street, London,02079052190 [email protected]

www.alastairsutcliffe.co.uk

Programme 18 Psychiatry based at Camden and Islington Foundation Trust(linked to University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust)Reference: 1516/UCL/18

Type of programme

Research


The UCL Division of Psychiatry specialises in psychiatric epidemiology, moleculargenetics, palliative care, health services research and randomised trials of complextreatments in primary and mental health care. There is also old age psychiatryresearch. The Head of the Division is Professor Glyn Lewis.


The UCL Division of Psychiatry specialises in psychiatric epidemiology, moleculargenetics, palliative care, health services research and randomised trials of complextreatments in primary and mental health care. There is also old age psychiatryresearch. The Head of the Division is Professor Glyn Lewis


The trainee will learn how to take a history, mental state examination, produce apsychiatric formulation and initial management plan and undertake riskassessments


There will be opportunities to participate in a range of educational programmes inthe academic department and mental health trust.

Academic Lead:

Dr David OsbornReader in [email protected]

Programme 19 Womens Health based at University College LondonHospitals NHS Foundation TrustReference: 1516/UCL/19

Type of programme

This programme aims to provide the post holder with experience of research in aleading research group within Womens Health. Training will be provided inrelevant methodologies. The immediate goal will be to provide an opportunity toacquire novel research data for presentation/publication.


Obstetrics & Gynaecology (O&G) is the core of Womens Health. It provides aunique combination of medical and surgical skills and the care of healthy people(e.g. normal pregnancy or for contraception) and ill patients (e.g. pregnancycomplications, gynaecological cancers). It plays a major part in the prevention ofdisease (e.g. cancers, birth defects) and in promoting the health of futuregenerations.

The Institute for Womens Health (http://www.instituteforwomenshealth.ucl.ac.uk/)links 4 internationally recognised research Departments in Maternal FetalMedicine, Gynae Oncology, Reproductive Health and Neonatology, withcorresponding clinical departments within UCLH. This unique pairing of clinicaland research skills provides a fantastic setting for a junior clinical academic traineeto learn appropriate research skills. The Institute has hosted a regular throughputof academic trainees on the Integrated academic pathway since the scheme wasstarted. As an example, past holders of academic FY2 posts have been involvedin projects addressing the mechanism contributing to preterm labour, gene therapy

for fetal growth restriction, the role of epigenetic regulation in determining fetal sizeat birth as well as a study into the global use of contraception.


Trainees will be allocated to a mentor and be exposed to the research andteaching activities of the department. They will choose a research project and learnresearch methodology, the relationship between research and clinical practice andhow to plan an academic career.


Owing to the relatively short period of time available in the academic block,research activity is the predominant component. The post holder will undertakelimited clinical activity where it is relevant to the research being undertaken e.g.working in a specialist clinic and helping recruit patients.


Applicants will engage in the regular teaching programme available within theInstitute as well as the NHS Trust.

Academic Lead:

Professor Donald PeeblesHead of the Research Department of Maternal Fetal [email protected]

Programme 20 Clinical Pharmacology/Cardiovascular Medicine based atUniversity College London Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustReference: 1516/UCL/20

Type of programme

Research-based attachment in basic or clinical laboratories


The attachment offers high-quality experience and training in clinical academicmedicine in a unit with strengths in the delivery of evidence-based clinical care, aswell as biomedical and translational research. The clinical firm cares for patientspresenting to University College Hospitals (UCLH) with cardiovascular disorders,and there are close links with the specialist services at the Heart hospital.Consultants are involved in evaluating new medicines for inclusion in the hospitalformulary and in the development of drug policy, and use a rigorous evidence-based approach. Research activity is located in close proximity to the hospital atthe Centres for Clinical Pharmacology and Cardiovascular Medicine, UCL, whereactive research groups are engaged in understanding the basis of cardiovasculardisease, supported by the British Heart Foundation, MRC, and Wellcome Trust.

There are well-equipped BHF-funded laboratories with core facilities for cell culture,patch-clamping, FACS analysis, genomics, organ bath pharmacology and clinicalinvestigation. Interests range from the molecular electrophysiology of cardiac and

vascular cells, through the regulation of endothelial function and the basic biologyof endothelial mediators in health and disease, to genetic epidemiology andsystematic reviews of healthcare interventions.


Mentors will support trainees in their clinical and academic development during thisattachment, preparing them for a career as academic physicians.


None


Weekly Grand Round. Weekly seminar series. Regular research in progressmeetings.

Academic Lead:

Professor Aroon [email protected]

Programme 21 Surgery based at Royal Free London NHS Foundation TrustReference: 1516/UCL/21

Type of programme

Research


General Surgery is a major component of medicine and the University Departmentof Surgery at the Royal Free provides a broad range of general and sub-specialtysurgical services including G.I., colorectal, vascular, breast, plastic, hepatobiliaryand transplant surgery.


Trainees would gain exposure to a wide range of clinical skills and hence acquire abasic grounding in the assessment, management and care of elective and acutelyill patients. The Department is also very active in research and the teaching ofundergraduate and postgraduate students.

Our aim is to encourage trainees to build upon the knowledge, skills and attributesdeveloped during their undergraduate training. Trainees will be involved in allareas of departmental activity including teaching and research which wouldhopefully stimulate an interest in academic surgery and medicine.

Trainees will be allocated an academic and clinical supervisor at the outset of theattachment who will ensure the aims of the attachment and of the FoundationProgramme are met.


Dependant on which specialty is chosen, but expected to be minimal.


Academic Lead:

Mr Olagunju OgunbiyiConsultant Colorectal [email protected]

4. THE MEDICAL SCHOOL AND PARTNER TRUSTS

UCL Medical SchoolUCL Medical School is committed to excellence in education and has a strongreputation for teaching informed by cutting-edge research. The School has adistinguished cadre of academic staff who are at the forefront of internationalresearch in medical sciences and clinical medicine.

Staff research activities, directed towards patient-centred outcomes, are supportedby partnerships with NHS trusts. Several world famous clinical and researchinstitutions are closely associated with the Medical School. The school is one of thelargest in the country and is situated in the heart of London at three main campuses;the Bloomsbury campus, the Royal Free campus, and the Whittington campus; allwith clinical facilities, teaching laboratories, lecture theatres and libraries.

UCL Medical School has a distinguished history; it emerged from the amalgamationof Middlesex Hospital, University College Hospital and the Royal Free Hospital.These organisations combine a rich past in the history of science and medicine withadvanced clinical practice. Among past and present staff are Nobel Prize winners(Huxley, Hill and Katz) and numerous Fellows of the Royal Society and the Academyof Medical Sciences.

The North Central Thames Foundation School has academic training programmes inthe following Trusts:

Royal Free London NHS Foundation TrustThe Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust has around 900 beds and sees about700,000 patients a year from all over the world. The Trust employs around 4,600people and has a turnover of about 450m. The services include a major accidentand emergency service, all branches of surgery and medicine, a renal serviceserving the whole of north London, paediatrics, maternity services, care of elderlypeople, an adolescent psychiatric service and one of two high security infectiousdiseases units in the country.

Royal Free is renowned for their specialist services including liver, kidney and bonemarrow transplantation, renal, AIDS/HIV, infectious diseases, plastic surgery,immunology, paediatric gastroenterology, ENT surgery and audiological medicine,amyloidosis and scleroderma. The Trust is a leading cancer centre with a range ofspecialist diagnostic and treatment services in oncology and haematology and amajor neuroscience base with a network extending throughout north London and into

the Home Counties. There are associated internationally recognised research andtraining programmes.

The hospitals and associated medical school conduct medical research, much ofwhich is of international status, and constitute a leading site for the training ofdoctors, nurses, midwives and professions allied to medicine.

The Whittington HeathThe Whittington Health is an acute general teaching hospital situated in Archway, inthe north of Islington. The Trust primarily serves the communities of north Islingtonand west Haringey, a population of approximately 250,000 people. The hospital alsotreats a significant number of patients from Camden, Barnet and Hackney. There are467 beds and over 2,000 staff. The Whittington is one of the teaching hospitals of theUniversity of London. The Trust provides clinical placements for undergraduates andhas a large post-graduate training centre. In addition, it provides training for a widerange of other health professionals including nurses, midwives, radiographers anddieticians.

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustUniversity College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH), situated in theheart of London, is one of the most complex NHS Trusts in the United Kingdom,serving a large and diverse population. UCLH provides academically led acute andspecialist services, both locally and to patients from throughout the United Kingdomand abroad. UCLH balances the provision of highly rated specialist services withproviding acute services to the local populations of Camden, Islington, Westminsterand the City of London.

The Trust has a turnover of 632 million and contracts with more than 150 PrimaryCare Trusts to provide services. They treat over 500,000 outpatients appointmentsand admit 100,000 patients each year. UCLH employs 6,000 staff and is a majorteaching centre offering training for nurses, doctors and other health careprofessionals.

The Trust has an international reputation and a tradition of innovation. Theirexcellence in research and development was recognised in December 2006 when inpartnership with University College London they became one of the countrys fivecomprehensive biomedical research centres. Operational from September 2008,UCL Partners was created, bringing together five of Britain's world renowned medicalresearch centres and hospitals: UCL (University College London); Great OrmondStreet Hospital for Children NHS Trust (GOSH): Moorfields Eye Hospital NHSFoundation Trust; the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust; and, UniversityCollege London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

2015 programmes

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