THE ADVICE ZONE

I am interested in doing a fellowship in oculoplastics. When is the best time to apply and where?

Authors: Amar Alwitry 

Publication date:  18 Aug 2007

Oculoplastics is a popular specialty and many trainees are interested in taking up fellowships in it. I am not sure what level you are but I will presume that you are a specialist registrar. I would recommend that you try and organise an advanced specialist training opportunity (ASTO). This is a formalised period of training vetted and monitored by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. It is designed to take trainees to consultant level with an interest in a sub-specialty.

Speak to your local programme director and see if you can organise one. If this is not possible, a formal fellowship is best for you. Currently there are many popular fellowships throughout the country. Check the BMJ weekly for vacancies or be proactive and look for a fellowship yourself. Speak to your local oculoplastics specialist and ask if they know of fellowships. Make a list of all the fellowships and start phoning units. Ask to speak to the secretaries of the oculoplastics firms and ask them whether they have a fellowship and how long the current person has been in post.

Approach the oculoplastic consultant in charge and profess your interest in the job. Most consultants will be flattered that you are interested in a fellowship with them even before it becomes vacant. Keep your options open and make approaches to a few people. Once the post becomes available your pre-interest will put you ahead of the crowd and increase your chances of getting the job.

If finances are no problem, you can always set up your own unpaid fellowship. An extra pair of hands is always welcome, as long as you are appropriately qualified, and you could arrange to work for the oculoplastics team on an honorary contract.

In the current NHS economic climate, these jobs are more difficult to come by. Fellows currently in post are struggling to secure consultant jobs and there is some degree of stagnation.With regard to when you should apply, the answer is as soon as you can. There is massive competition and you need to get cracking.

Don't put all your eggs into a fellowship basket as it may not materialise. Be as flexible as you can.

COVER: MIKE SHANNON/FOTOLIA

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Amar Alwitry specialist registrar ophthalmology Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham