Delegates performing paediatric tracheostomies under consultant supervision.
The Northern ENT ST3 Bootcamp got the training year off to an exciting start for the next generation of ENT registrars. The Bridge Community Church in Leeds hosted delegates for two days (1-2 November 2022), with trainees rotating around five themed stations: Paediatric ENT, Otology, Head and Neck, Rhinology and a simulated ward round.
The Paediatric ENT station addressed the much-feared paediatric airway. Delegates performed paediatric tracheostomies on rabbit cadavers, paediatric bronchoscopy and removal of foreign body and coblation adenotonsillectomy on models. The Otology station covered audiology, dizziness, imaging and operative skills such as insertion of ossicular prostheses and temporal bone drilling.
At the Head and Neck station, delegates performed rigid bronchoscopy and microlaryngoscopy on models - both key procedures for new registrars – and learnt tracheostomy fundamentals. There was a helpful two-week-wait clinic simulation and an informative table by Speech and Language Therapy on voice rehabilitation post-laryngectomy.
At the Rhinology station, delegates covered epistaxis management, nasal packing and paranasal sinus imaging. They practised endoscopic sinus surgery and polypectomy on 3-D printed model heads. The simulated ward round had an excellent mix of scenarios covering both clinical and communication skills through which delegates rotated accompanied by consultant supervisors.
The faculty, led by course-organisers Justin Murphy and James Moor, enthusiastically gave pearls of wisdom in a supportive environment. The faculty-to-delegate ratio approached 1:1, allowing considerable hands-on experience and personalised guidance. The spacious venue permitted delegates to utilise all the equipment and models, many of which were kindly provided by industry sponsors.
There were also talks from AOT, the SAC, Anaesthetics, and a talk about NHS pensions. A sumptuous course dinner was provided, allowing networking with trainers and trainees (pictured with organiser James Moor). The programme ended with prizes for delegates.
Our Bootcamp experience was highly positive – it was well-planned and well-executed, covering many pertinent topics for the brand-new ENT registrar in a supportive environment. Fellow delegates agreed, valuing the one-to-one training, use of simulation, opportunity to explore anatomy outside the standard surgical field and practise difficult consultations. This was the first time the Bootcamp had been held in Leeds – we sincerely hope that this excellent event is held again for future trainees.
Heerani Woodun (left), CT3 Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham, and Natasha Quraishi (right), ENT ST3, Yorkshire and Humber Deanery.
Report on the Southern ENT ST3 Bootcamp 2022.
