Dr Kenneth Oguejiofor
Ken recently completed a core fellowship in clinical oncology.
After completing my foundation training, I was looking for an opportunity to work towards specialty training in an environment that was both challenging and supportive. I chose University Hospital Southampton.
The idea of moving down to Southampton to take up a role in the core fellowship programme was a bit daunting. It meant a new city, a new hospital and a new role, with new expectations.
But as I settled in the city and my new role, I found help around every corner, with seniors willing to answer my numerous questions and provide structured teaching and mentoring. There's a strong culture of teaching and career planning here at UHS, with several careers sessions available to fellows. The core fellowship exposes fellows to the highest quality of medical knowledge and practice. For those who haven’t yet decided on their specialties, rotations through the various specialties allow for informed decision-making on future career plans.
I’ve enjoyed this role and living in Southampton so much that I’ve accepted an ST3 position at the Wessex Deanery to continue my training in clinical oncology. I strongly recommend the core fellowship programme for would-be applicants.
Dr Ornela Tepshi
Ornela is a foundation fellowship doctor.
I am very grateful for my experience in the foundation fellowship programme and for the people I got to work with at UHS.
It's a very well organised programme and it gives you the chance to have the same training opportunities as your deanery colleagues. You get a clinical supervisor for each rotation, and they support you during your placement. You also have the chance to participate in audit and quality improvement projects, and present and teach to other NHS staff members, as well as attending all the foundation programme teaching sessions. These are amazing opportunities that can help you gain all the competencies you need to progress with your career.
UHS is a very good place to work. I always had the feeling that I could talk to someone and that my thoughts were being listened to. The people who manage the foundation fellowship programme are very supportive and understanding, and they’re always willing to help and advise you on how to progress further in your career.
During this experience, my professional confidence grew significantly and I managed to achieve the F2 sign-off, which now allows me to apply for a training post. I am very happy to have been part of this programme and would recommend it to every doctor who is willing to start their career at a junior level in the NHS.