Jonathan Lee, ST3, MRCS,
Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery,
Warwick Hospital, University Hospitals of South Warwickshire
NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
ENT training has undoubtedly taken a significant hit since the COVID-19 pandemic. Crises, however, often lead to collaboration and innovation. In this section, we hear the voices of our international readership exploring training experiences across different countries, UK fellowships, and innovations in training.
Kicking off the section, Sofia Anastiadou, an ENT Registrar working in the UK, provides valuable insights into Greek and UK hospitals from a registrar’s standpoint. She discusses the distinct pros and cons of these systems, sharing her personal experiences within them. True to form, she concludes on an unwaveringly positive note, celebrating both healthcare systems while advocating for continuous improvement to further enhance patient care.
Continuing with the international theme, ENT consultants and fellows in the UK, Paresh Naik, Purnima Sangwan, and Shama Shishodia, shed light on the practicalities and competitive landscape of ENT training and practice in India. They also share their thought processes behind pursuing fellowships in the UK following their training in India. Finally, they reveal the lesser-known challenges and benefits one may encounter when working in the UK. This section is essential reading for those considering a move to the UK, as well as for individuals from the UK seeking to understand the perspectives of overseas doctors.
The narrative then transitions to innovations in training. Passionate about education, ENT Registrars Emma Watts and Josh Whittaker discuss two programmes introduced in the West Midlands, UK, since the onset of COVID-19 to further learning. Emma presents a comprehensive and persuasive argument on the significance of hybrid (online and in-person) learning, highlighting its reception among current trainers and trainees in the West Midlands. She also provides insights into how hybrid learning may shape future education. Josh’s article delves into the realm of simulation, offering an overview of how simulations can enhance technical and non-technical skills in surgical training and their potential impact on the future of surgical education.
Lastly, we conclude with an engaging conversation between Jeremy Reid, a registrar at the beginning of his specialty training, and Roshna Paul, an experienced professor working in India. This insightful exchange offers a glimpse into the mindset of a seasoned trainer and surgeon, exploring what initially drew her to the specialty, the challenges she has faced, her experiences outside of work, international work opportunities, and even her predictions for the future of ENT.
I hope you enjoy this Trainee Takeover section!
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