St Bartholomew’s ranked second nationally for cardiology training
St Bartholomew’s Hospital has been ranked second in the UK for cardiology training among tertiary centres, according to results announced at the British Cardiovascular Society conference in Manchester.
The national survey, run annually by the British Junior Cardiologists’ Association, gathers feedback from cardiology specialist registrars across the country on areas including teaching quality, study leave, workplace culture, support and overall training experience. Results are divided between district general hospitals and specialist tertiary centres, with only the top three in each category publicly recognised.
This year, Leeds General Infirmary secured first place, with St Bartholomew’s just one point behind in second. St George’s Hospital ranked third.
Professor Arjun K Ghosh, consultant cardiologist at Barts Heart Centre and training programme director at St Bartholomew’s, said the result reflects a significant collective effort.
“These results reflect the strength of our training environment and the extraordinary commitment of both our trainers and trainees,” he said. “To miss the top spot by a single point highlights just how competitive the field is, and we are determined to go one better next year.”
He leads the training programme alongside co-director Dr Roshan Weerackody.
Over the past year, the department has introduced a personalised, anonymous trainee survey to better understand individual experiences and training needs. The initiative has been central to driving improvements in the programme.
“We made a conscious effort to listen,” Professor Ghosh added. “The feedback has helped us make targeted changes and strengthen what we offer.”
Trainee representatives Nalin Natarajan and Yousaf Bhatti have played a key role, working closely with programme leads to raise concerns and identify areas for improvement.
St Bartholomew’s hosts around 50 cardiology specialist registrars at any one time. Strong engagement from both trainees and consultants across wards, clinics and cath labs has been cited as a key factor in the department’s rise up the rankings.
Meanwhile, Dr Stephen Hamshere, consultant cardiologist at St Bartholomew’s (pictured), was awarded the BJCA Best Interventional Cardiology Trainer award, recognising his leadership in simulation-based education and commitment to developing the next generation of cardiologists.
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