Paediatric Dermatology and Genetic Skin Diseases

Introduction

The Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust Dermatology Programme is designed to provide international visiting professionals with the opportunity to experience our highly acclaimed paediatric dermatology service as well as internationally recognised services for rare genetic skin diseases, specifically epidermolysis bullosa (EB). The aim is to provide a unique development experience at St John’s Institute of Dermatology which broadens visiting professionals’ clinical education and enables them to learn new skills that can be transferred back to their work place. 

The programme offers an unrivalled opportunity to benefit from world class dermatological knowledge in our national Rare Disease Centre in the heart of London.

Programme aims

The programme is aimed at advanced trainee clinicians, registrars and consultants who wish extend their expertise in specialist dermatology, and who wish to learn more about Guy’ and St Thomas’. 

The programme aims to include:

• Direct experience and exposure of clinics and wards 
• Opportunities to participate in multidisciplinary team working caring for children and adults with complex dermatological problems 
• Diagnostic tests for paediatric and genetic dermatology including specialised EB diagnostics and time in the National Diagnostic EB Laboratory 
• Exposure to a diverse range of specialist dermatological conditions, specifically genodermatoses and paediatric dermatology 
• Experience of the NHS and working in one of the largest teaching hospitals in Central London 
• The opportunity to create networks and links for future learning and development

Format

The dermatology programme is delivered at St John’s Institute of Dermatology within the hospital work place and it includes exposure to paediatric dermatology, EB and genetic dermatology clinics, inpatient ward rounds, internal teaching meetings, and secondary and tertiary care referrals. 

If a visiting professional chooses to apply for an observational programme they will be aligned with a supervisor from within the clinical team. The supervisor will ensure that all of the learning and development needs and expectations are met. 

The programme gives the opportunity for participants to be totally integrated with the day to day service within our dermatology team.

Who can apply

This programme is intended for non U.K. advanced trainee clinicians, registrars and consultants. 

Visitors have the choice of applying for a practical attachment or observership programme. Those wishing to apply for a practical attachment must have GMC registration. You can apply for GMC registration directly through the main GMC website, alternatively The Royal College of Physicians run a medical training initiative which facilitates GMC registration and provides sponsorship for a Tier 5 visa. You can find out more about their Medical Training Initiative by visiting their website.

Programme duration

We are able to offer visiting professional programmes for periods of 3 months up to 6 months. The programme’s duration can be tailored to the specific learning requirements of those visiting the Trust.

Paediatric Dermatology and Genetic Skin Diseases service

St John’s Institute of Dermatology

Our dermatology department, known as St John’s Institute of Dermatology, is the largest clinical dermatology department in the UK and one of the world’s leading centres for patients with skin disease. We are also an internationally recognised centre of research into skin diseases. 

Specialist Services

We treat a wide range of skin diseases, including rare and severe conditions that require specialist treatments. Our specialist services include: 

• adult general dermatology 
• dermatology pathology 
• adult epidermolysis bullosa (EB) 
• adult and paediatric genetic skin diseases 
• paediatric dermatology 
• cutaneous allergy 
• dermatological surgery and laser unit (DSLU) 
• inflammatory skin disease 
• oral dermatology 
• photodermatology 
• skin cancer 
• urticaria 
• women’s dermatology 
• xeroderma pigmentosum (XP)

St John’s Facilities

St John’s Institute of Dermatology comprises numerous outpatient consulting facilities including specialised clinical accommodation for cutaneous allergy, paediatric dermatology, a day treatment centre providing topical day treatments, photopheresis, IV therapy and an ambulatory day unit for topical and phototherapy, dermatology and laser theatres, its own histopathology, microbiology, immunoflouresence, EB and mycology laboratories. 

Its primary role is to support education and training, research and development in all areas of dermatology. These functions are undertaken in both clinical and academic settings, and in particular within specialist departments such as the Paediatric Dermatology Department, the Genetic Skin Disease Group and Geneodermatosis Service, the Department of Cutaneous Photobiology, Dermatological Surgery and Laser Unit, Skin Tumour Unit and Skin Therapy Research Unit.

Paediatric Dermatology Services

Paediatric Dermatology Services are based at St Thomas’ Hospital alongside the Paediatric Allergy Service with whom there are close clinical and research collaborations. Clinics encompass a wide range of secondary as well as tertiary referrals covering common childhood conditions as well as more highly specialised conditions. Mutlidisciplinary subspecialty clinics are held regularly for Vascular Anomalies, Paediatric Hair Disorders, Paediatric Vulval Dermatology, Paediatric Allergy and Dermatology, Paediatric Rheumatology, Adolescent Inflammatory Dermatoses and Skin Genetics. 

Adult Epidermolysis Bullosa Service

St John’s Institute of Dermatology is one of two national centres for the clinical care of adults with EB. The National Diagnostic EB Laboratory is also based at the Trust, allowing us to provide comprehensive EB diagnostics (skin biopsy, genetic testing and prenatal testing) for the UK and beyond. We are also a leading centre for translational and clinical research for EB through the Genetic Skin Disease Group at King’s College London led by Prof John McGrath. Our multidisciplinary EB team includes colleagues from other departments in the Trust, including plastic surgery, specialist nursing, dentistry, interventional radiology, oncology, dietetics, ophthalmology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychotherapy and podiatry. 

Genetic Skin Disease Service

In addition to EB, St John’s Institute of Dermatology provides clinical and diagnostic expertise in a wide range of genetic skin diseases including ichthyoses, ectodermal dysplasias, palmoplantar keratodermas and other disorders of keratinisation. We have close links with the Clinical Genetics Department with whom a bi-monthly multidisciplinary clinic is held for patients with complex multisystem genetic disease, including skin manifestations.

Fees

A course fee per week will be applied; this fee excludes accommodation and travelling expenses. To find out the fee amount please email vpp@gstt.nhs.uk.

Please note

Clinicians are able to offer bursaries or discounted placements on an individual basis. This is at the discretion of the Directorates of GSTT and does not affect the terms and conditions of the Visiting Professional Programme agreements.