Job summary
This is a new and exciting opportunity for a post Primary FRCA candidate with an interest in education and assessment.
The post is for a period of one year initially, renewable by mutual consent. The successful candidate will work flexibly within the Department of Anaesthesia and for the RCOA Exams Department under the supervision of the Chair of the Primary MCQ also based in Peterborough.
The Fellow will have the opportunity to work closely with the RCOA Primary Examiners and RCOA Examinations Department, under local supervision by the Chair of the Primary MCQ Group. You will work closely with the leads of the FRCA Primary Written Core Group providing valuable advice and a trainee perspective on single best answer (SBA) content, design and paper setting.
You will be funded by the RCOA to undertake a 1 year part-time Post Graduate Certificate (PGCert) in Medical Education. If you have already completed a PGCert or PGDip in Medical Education, you may use the funding to continue your studies with the next level of the same course (PGDip or Masters)
Main duties of the job
As the Primary MCQ Examinations Fellow, you will provide on-call cover on the Senior Tier Rota (CT3 and above; 1 in 8) which involves providing support to the theatre, obstetric and critical care on call teams. Further training and supervision will be available as needed and required. Your normal working day shifts will be dedicated to RCOA Primary Examination Fellow duties, which can be performed remotely.
Your Fellowship duties will include tasks relating to development and maintenance of the Primary MCQ, focused around the planned changes to the exam. This will include: finalising the exam blueprint, creation of question resources, SBA question writing and editing (training provided), and advising on/assisting with management of the SBA bank. Other potential projects can be discussed with the Chair, including development of content for affiliate examiners, development of resources for exam candidates, and evaluation/assurance projects related to the Primary MCQ.
About us
We are dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusivity within our workforce and warmly welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, with a particular emphasis on encouraging those from disabled, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, as well as candidates from our local area.
As part of our commitment to supporting our employees we offer a range of benefits including:
1. Generous annual leave entitlement starting at 27 days and increasing to 29 days after five years of service and 33 days after 10 years of service, in addition to the national Bank Holidays (pro-rata for part time staff);
2. Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme:
3. Flexible working opportunities;
4. Enhanced hourly rates for unsociable hours night shifts, weekends, bank holidays;
5. Opportunities for career development and training to help you progress in your role;
6. Wellbeing support and activities to promote a healthy work environment;
7. Access to our in-house physiotherapy service;
8. On-site canteens offering subsidised meals;
9. Subsidised staff parking (currently free);
10. Free Stagecoach Bus Travel to and from work within Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
We strive to create a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees feel valued and empowered to excel in their roles. Join us and become part of a team dedicated to making a positive difference in our community.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The role will involve review of live Primary Exam questions; the successful candidate will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement and will be responsible for ensuring that they maintain the integrity of the dataset.
The RCOA Fellow duties are intended to allow flexible working. Some travel to the College in Red Lion Square, London may be required (approximately 4-5 individual days per year, expenses paid).
The successful candidate will be responsible to the Lead Clinician for Anaesthesia and accountable to the Chief Executive at NWAFT. The successful candidate will be responsible to the Chair of the Primary FRCA Written Exam and accountable to the Director of Education, Training and Examinations at the Royal College of Anaesthetists.
Person Specification
Essential and desirable
Essential
11. MBBS or equivalent
12. Primary FRCA Pass
13. 36 months anaesthesia / ICU experience in UK training post
14. RCOA Stage 1 Training Certificate or Confirmation of Stage 1 Equivalence Certificate
15. Obstetric anaesthesia experience (including on call work)
16. Experience delivering medical education at an undergraduate or postgraduate level
17. Experienced in providing general anaesthesia for a variety of elective specialties
18. Experienced in providing emergency anaesthesia
19. Experienced in providing spinal and epidural anaesthesia
20. Experienced in siting arterial lines and central venous catheters
21. Experienced in using various software packages, including Microsoft Excel, Sharepoint and Teams.
22. Ability to quickly learn to use novel systems
23. Advanced Life Support (OR equivalent)
24. Good written and oral presentation skills
25. Ability to lead a team as the senior resident anaesthetist
26. Commitment to supporting UK anaesthesia education and training
27. Detailed knowledge of the UK anaesthesia training programme and curriculum
Desirable
28. Final FRCA Pass
29. Other qualifications relevant to medical education (including Postgraduate courses, PGCerts, Diplomas or Masters)
30. Experience delivering education to UK Trainee Anaesthetists
31. Experience with single best answer question writing
32. Advanced Paediatric Life Support, Advanced Trauma Life Support (OR equivalent)
33. Interhospital Transfer Training Course
34. Other courses relevant to Education or Assessment
35. Regular contribution to a teaching programme
36. Experience with delivery and design of assessments in medical education