Sub-specialty training applications open – here’s what you need to know

Are you thinking about applying to PGHAN in the next recruitment round?

The 2023-24 application process for PGHAN will be structured differently to previous years.

• Application and interview processes will be separate for Gastroenterology and Hepatology programmes. 
• Although Gastroenterology and Hepatology are closely interlinked and have a shared College Specialty Advisory Committee (CSAC), the training programmes and roles are quite different so separate application processes should allow for a clearer application and selection process. 
• Trainees can apply to both vacancies*, if they would like to be considered for both Paediatric Gastroenterology and Paediatric Hepatology posts. 

*Please note that applying to both the Paediatric Gastroenterology and Paediatric Hepatology vacancies will constitute the maximum number of applications that an applicant can make to Paediatric Sub-specialty Recruitment in this round.

In Oriel the vacancy ID for Hepatology is: RCPCHRO/24-25/4318/803/5-R1A.
The vacancy ID for Paediatric Gastroenterology is: RCPCHRO/24-25/4317/803/5-R1A 

Note: Paediatric Allergy and Immunology & Infectious Diseases have been recruiting separately in this way for a number of years for similar reasons.

The vacancy ID for Paediatric Allergy is: RCPCHRO/24-25/4313/804/5-R1A.
The vacancy ID for Paediatric Immunology & Infectious Diseases is: RCPCHRO/24-25/4319/804/5-R1A

What is it like training in Paediatric Hepatology?

The Paediatric Hepatology programme is an exciting training programme, working amongst a motivational team of world-leading experts, encompassing the following aspects: 

• Close integration of medical, surgical, intensive care and allied health pathways and close working with other sub-specialities (renal, immunology, metabolic)
• Diagnosis and management of acute and chronic liver diseases, metabolic liver diseases and liver tumours.
• Pre and post liver transplant management 
• Opportunities to be involved with clinical procedures, including endoscopy for portal hypertension and liver biopsies
• Ongoing management of children with complex liver and intestinal disorders
• Nutritional management of complex liver and intestinal disorders assessment, with experience in enteral and parental nutrition support
• A strong emphasis on clinical and laboratory research 
• A very active bi-weekly varied teaching programme

Paediatric Hepatology is a quaternary speciality, providing high quality clinical care to children with acute and chronic liver diseases, metabolic liver diseases and pre- and post-liver transplant. 

Dr Vandana Jain, CSAC Hepatology Representative

If there are any queries about this new process, or general questions regarding Paediatric Hepatology, please contact Dr Vandana Jain. For queries about Paediatric Gastroenterology please contact the PGHAN CSAC Co-Chairs.

Catch up on the recording of our webinar on the application process

On 18 October 2023 the RCPCH Medical Recruitment team held a webinar on the application process for sub-specialty training, followed by a question and answer session. Do take a moment to listen to the recording of the webinar on our sub-specialty training application page.

It is important that trainees read the Sub-specialty Applicant Guide fully before starting an application; this and other documents are available in the Downloads box at the bottom of the application guidance page. As part of the longlisting process all applicants must submit a Confirmation of Eligibility Form, which needs to be with the deanery by Monday 6 November 2023. 

See all available programmes and sub-specialty application guidance