Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION OBJECTIVES * Demonstrate a comprehensive airway assessment through history, physical examination (including endoscopic evaluation) and radiological investigation (inclusive of ultrasound and CT neck/thorax) * Appreciate multip JOB DESCRIPTION OBJECTIVES Demonstrate a comprehensive airway assessment through history, physical examination (including endoscopic evaluation) and radiological investigation (inclusive of ultrasound and CT neck/thorax) Appreciate multiple approaches and techniques in airway management, understand the limitations of each and be able to move smoothly from one to another Show technical proficiency in the handling of various airway devices and adjuncts Engage in on-going learning to keep up to date with latest guidelines, algorithms and equipment Facilitate the learning of others through teaching residents, nurses and allied health professionals Communicate effectively with surgeons (for shared airways) and patients (for awake intubations) TRAINING DURATION The duration of the fellowship can vary from a minimum of 6 months to a maximum of 12 months The fellowship may be terminated early if the fellow is found unsuitable for the post by the Program Director or Head of Department. decides to leave for personal reasons. The application for termination must be approved by the Program Director or Head of Department and a one-month notice period must be served. PROGRAM CONTENT Candidates will be expected to familiarize and gain proficiency in a wide variety of airway equipment. Management of patients with difficult airways or undergoing surgeries with shared airways will be stressed. There will be opportunities for collaboration with surgical intensive care unit (SICU) for percutaneous tracheostomy and ear, nose throat (ENT) department for awake nasal endoscopy. Exposure will be provided to a wide variety of basic, intermediate and advanced level techniques in airway management for a range of surgical specialties. CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES Fellows will be assigned to regular ENT Head and neck Oral maxillofacial Cervical spine lists but not exclusively so as to maintain holistic exposure Fellows will be rostered for on-call / night duties periodically Clinic and preoperative assessment of patients will be part of the regular duties Fellows will be expected to maintain and update a regular log book to track their exposure and experience. RESEARCH Opportunities will be available to participate in research activities, publications and presentations in scientific meetings, audits, initiate new projects and formulate care plans / protocols for patient management. ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES Candidates will be expected to participate in the department teaching program, where they will present relevant literature review, case studies and discussions. Opportunities will be made available to teach residents, nurses and allied health professionals. SUPERVISION The Program Director will be overall in-charge of the fellowship program A senior doctor of Associate Consultant grade or above will be assigned to the fellow as direct Supervisor to ensure that the training needs are suitably met. The Supervisor will be responsible for monitoring the training and performance and will provide feedback to the fellow as well as the Program Director. The fellow will be working under the supervision of a senior doctor at all times, during elective and emergency settings ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK At the end of the tenure, competency will be assessed in Difficult airway management guidelines and extubation algorithms Appropriate selection and use of airway devices and adjuncts Airway topicalization, nerve blocks and sedation techniques on background of airway anatomy, pharmacology and respiratory physiology Technical skills in the performance of an awake intubation and surgical airway Use of ultrasound technology in airway management Feedback to the fellows from the Program Director and Supervisor will be conducted at 3 monthly intervals. Fellows can also provide feedback on their training opportunities and needs. Log books will be reviewed simultaneously. JOB REQUIREMENTS Fellows are required to have completed BOTH their basic medical degree AND postgraduate training in Anaesthesia in their home country before applying for the fellowship. This is to ensure basic skills and knowledge before embarking on the subspeciality of airway management. Fellows are required to submit their current curriculum vitae and 2 testimonials with a cover letter stating their reasons to apply for the fellowship. Applications can be made to the Program Director by email to and and cc to .