Genito-Urinary Medicine
Welcome to Genitourinary Medicine in the East Midlands
Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) in the East Midlands offers a high-quality, forward-thinking training programme within a region that combines vibrant multicultural cities with affordable housing, outstanding natural beauty and dozens of superb days out.
GUM is an exciting and dynamic Group 1 medical specialty leading to dual accreditation in Genitourinary Medicine and Internal Medicine. The specialty encompasses:
- Diagnosis, management and prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Comprehensive HIV care (outpatient and inpatient)
- Sub-specialist HIV experience such as hepatitis/HIV co-infection and antenatal HIV care
- Contraception, sexual and reproductive health
- Genital dermatology
- Psychosexual medicine and sexual dysfunction
- Safeguarding and sexual assault management
- Experience in outreach services and the care of marginalised groups
- Service development
Trainees develop exceptional communication skills and gain experience working with diverse populations, including young people, LGBTQ+ communities, people seeking asylum, sex workers, and individuals experiencing social disadvantage. Principles of consent, confidentiality and ethical practice underpin all aspects of training.
Structure of training
Genitourinary Medicine is a four-year higher specialty training programme following completion of Internal Medicine training stage 1 (IMS1) and Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP). The programme leads to dual CCT in GUM and Internal Medicine.
Programme overview
- Duration: 4 years
- Dual accreditation: GUM and Internal Medicine
- Internal Medicine requirement: 12 months full-time equivalent across training
- Qualifications:
- Diploma in Genitourinary Medicine (DipGUM)
- Diploma in HIV Medicine (DipHIV)
- Diploma of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (DFSRH)
- Letters of competence in long-acting reversible contraception (optional)
Why choose the East Midlands?
Diverse and Rewarding Clinical Experience
The region includes two main city hospitals which are in Nottingham and Leicester. Alongside the cities the region has many market towns and rural communities. This mix provides exposure to:
- Urban populations with some of the highest rates of sexually transmitted infections outside London
- Large cohorts of patients living with HIV
- Areas of significant health inequality
- Large student communities
- Culturally diverse populations
- Rural sexual health service delivery challenges
Your training will be based in Nottingham or Leicester with the possibility of spending up to a year at the other centre. The cities are geographically close and well linked with public transport meaning you won't have to move home or commute long distances for the duration of your training programme.
Opportunities
As sexual health, and in particular HIV, is a rapidly evolving, exciting field, there are many opportunities for you to gain experience in clinical trials, to attend national and international conferences and to develop specialist interests.
Out Of Programme Experiences are encouraged and we have links with HIV centres in developing countries such as Botswana and Thailand. You'll also have the chance to undertake a research degree (OOPR).
Trainees are actively encouraged to be involved with undergraduate and postgraduate teaching as well as taking on regional and national trainee representative roles.
Work–Life Balance
The East Midlands provides:
- Affordable housing - compared with London and other major regions
- World-class sport - on your doorstep you'll find Silverstone, the National Watersports Centre, Test match cricket, the National Ice Arena, Derby Velodrome and Premier League football
- Great social life - with nine universities, hundreds of great pubs and clubs and Michelin starred restaurants you're never short of a night out
- Arts and culture - the region boasts world-class art galleries and concert venues as well as dedicated dance, music, film and comedy festivals
- The Outdoors – easy access to beautiful spaces such as the Peak District and Rutland Water.
- Great transport links - a superb road and rail network mean that 90% of England's population live within two hours of Nottingham
This makes it an ideal region for trainees seeking professional excellence alongside personal wellbeing.
Who Should Apply?
We are looking for trainees who are:
- Compassionate and non-judgemental communicators
- Motivated to work with diverse and sometimes marginalised populations
- Interested in infectious diseases, public health and health inequalities
- Keen to develop leadership and service innovation skills
Applicants must have completed IMS1 (or equivalent) and hold MRCP prior to entry at ST4.
If you would like further information or to arrange a taster session, please contact the Training Programme Director.
Sophie Flavell – sophieflavell@nhs.net
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