Page last updated on January 13, 2012 10:33 AM
PICS Trainees
Welcome to the trainee section of the website.
We hope that this section has useful information about training in Paediatric Intensive Care. Please contact us (Ben Lakin or Emma Borrows) if you have any suggestions for content that you would like to see added.
Summer Masterclass
The PICS Summer Masterclass will be held at Alder Hey, Liverpool on 28th & 29th June 2012
For details email Ben Lakin
Courses for trainees
We hope that you find the list of courses helpful. Although all details are accurate as possible, please check for individual courses. Please note that this is simply a list of courses available, as identified by PICS trainees - the courses themselves are not endorsed by PICS.
Training - The National Grid
PICU is one of the subspecialties in which training is co-ordintaed at a national level. It is a demanding but rewarding, and highly regarded speciality, and application is highly competitive.
Information on how to apply can be found here
Anaesthesia in PICU Training
Anaesthesia is considered to be vital to PICU training. At least 6 months of dedicated anaesthestics (including on-call commitment) is now required. Additionally, most units encourage trainees to attend theatre sessions to gain additional experience.
How to go get a post in anaesthetics
An anaesthetic post is usually as an ‘out of programme’ experience and most deaneries will only approve this after appointment to the grid. PICUs often have strong links with anaesthetic departments elsewhere, so it is worth exploring with your educational supervisor and programme director whether a post can be found locally. Some departments may want you to be with them for a full year. If you need help obtaining contacts for other hospitals, please email me (ben.lakin@alderhey.nhs.uk)
Allow plenty of time to formally apply for these posts and remember prospective approval is always required from your deanery.
What to expect from your anaesthetic post
For approximately 3 months expect to be fully supervised as a novice SHO. During your post you will gain significant experience in airway management and induction techniques. However, there are often opportunities in areas such as ITU and pain management. It is important to identify learning objectives with your supervisor and it is worthwhile checking at the start about study leave (including budget) arrangements.
Most trainees find their post invaluable and enjoyable, although managing older adults can seem daunting initially. During your time it is worthwhile keeping a logbook and using the e-learning for anaesthesia package to consolidate your experience.