Completing this fellowship as an “in-programme” ST6 year provided me with an array of opportunities, both clinical and non-clinical. Becoming part of regular theatre teams, together with building an effective working relationship with both maxillofacial and ENT surgical colleagues, allowed me the opportunity to become fully engaged in the whole perioperative pathway of patients undergoing complex ENT and maxillofacial procedures.

Practically, many of these patients present pathophysiological challenges for anaesthetists, and the procedural aspect, particularly with respect to fibreoptic intubations was something I have subsequently found extremely beneficial. Working out-of-hours in a busy major trauma centre provided a further array of opportunities with respect to practical skills and has, I believe, prepared me well for consultant responsibilities.

From a non-clinical perspective., this post offers the holder a wide variety of opportunities that can be tailored to individual interests. Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust’s Department of Anaesthesia has a well-recognised airway research group, who are extremely accessible and welcoming to new enthusiasts. Through this, I have written research protocols, grant applications and coordinated volunteer studies which have since gone on to full clinical trial. Teaching is another area with a large degree of scope within this fellowship.

A regular teaching programme is often coordinated by the post holder, with novel teaching methods employed and the opportunity to be an invited speaker at regional events. Quality improvement ethos within the department is also strong, with me having presented numerous projects at a regional and national level.

As a result of completing this fellowship, I believe I am a stronger clinician, with an extremely transferable skillset and a broad portfolio of nationally recognised non-clinical work. I would wholeheartedly recommend this fellowship.