Job overview

Ultrasound Fellow in Acute Medicine

There is a great desire among AMU clinicians for Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) training1. Until recently, this desire has not been met in the Acute Medicine training program in the United Kingdom, until recently when it has been added to the AIM curriculum. The use of POCUS has manifold advantages. Otsuji2 and Stone3 describe the use of Echocardiography in the assessment of patients in shock. The exclusion of hydronephrosis in patients with acute kidney injuries4 or the exclusion of obstructive pyelonephritis5 are equally important for physicians. In elderly patients with abdominal pain and signs of shock, an immediate ultrasound can help to exclude a leaking abdominal aortic aneurysm6. In patients with respiratory failure Ultrasound protocols can help to determinate the underlying diagnosis (i.e. BLUE protocol). 

Unfortunately, medical procedures have been referred to the Radiology department in recent years due to the need for ultrasound guidance. This has greatly reduced the exposure of trainees to procedures and has negatively influenced training9. 

This newly established post will enable a post CMT doctor to achieve FAMUS and FICE accreditation and hence teach the Ultrasound for assessment of acutely unwell patients and procedural skills.

Main duties of the job

The Ultrasound Fellow will have the opportunity to complete FAMUS (Focused Acute Medicine Ultrasound) and FUSIC heart (Focused Ultrasound in Intensive Care) accreditation during a 12-month post. There is scope to also complete FUSIC HD.

FAMUS training focuses on the assessment of acutely unwell patients, covering lung ultrasound, abdominal ultrasound, ruling in DVTs and ultrasound guided peripheral vascular access. FUSIC heart and FUSIC HD will add complimentary emergency cardiac ultrasound for thorough assessment of haemodynamics, exclusion of tamponade and massive right heart strain. Additionally, FAMUS will provide independence in marking pleural and abdominal fluid for invasive procedures.  Such skills would be imperative to the safe practice of a medical trainees assessing acutely unwell patients and performing extended core procedural skills.

For FAMUS accreditation the candidate will need to attend a FAMUS course, complete an online theory module and then start scanning under direct supervision (including 10 thoracic, 10 abdominal and 5 DVT scans). This is followed by a period of mentored scanning and includes 30 thoracic, 30 abdominal and 5 DVT scans. FAMUS accreditation can be achieved in an 8-12 months’ time period.

The successful appointee will be based at East Surrey Hospital and will be part of the Acute Medical team. The successful appointee will be work on Acute Medical Unit and Ambulatory Care Unit and will provide support to their junior colleagues.

Working for our organisation

We are a leading local employer with a diverse workforce of approximately 6,000 staff, dedicated to providing healthcare services to a growing population of around 780,000 individuals.

Our Trust provides both emergency and planned healthcare across East Surrey, North-East West Sussex, and South Croydon – covering towns like Crawley, Horsham, Reigate, and Redhill. Our main hospital, East Surrey in Redhill, offers a full range of acute and specialist services and is also the closest trauma unit to Gatwick Airport. We also provide outpatient, diagnostic, and planned care services at sites including The Earlswood Centre, Caterham Dene Hospital, Oxted Health Centre, Crawley Hospital, and Horsham Hospital.

We are proud to be an inclusive employer, and we work hard to create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. At our Trust, we strive to be the best place to work and receive care. We are dedicated to supporting you in your current role while helping you grow and develop your career. As part of our team, you will have access to excellent training opportunities, flexible working, dedicated support networks, and a strong emphasis on health and wellbeing to ensure a thriving and positive work environment.