UCLH Robotics Fellowship

Fellowship format

Making the best, better

Our fellowship is designed for Urologists who have completed their specialist training, having passed their examinations (FRCS or equivalent) who are looking for specialist training in pelvic uro-oncology. Extensive robotic surgery experience is not essential. Those who have not had the opportunity to gain robotic surgery experience will be expected to complete dry and wet lab simulation training and undertake bedside assistance until they are ready to “get on the console”. Most fellows will spend a year with us. Those wishing to learn robotic cystectomy may spend two years with us if they show strong potential.
The fellowship program provides opportunities for dry and wet lab console exposure. Our fellows are responsible for all aspects of the care of the large volume of patients undergoing pelvic robotic surgery, under the supervision of our expert team of consultants. Fellows will gain experience in multidisciplinary team working as well as surgical planning using imaging. They will also gain experience in preparing complex patients for surgery and their post-operative care. Fellows will be involved in clinical care of focal therapy patients as well as core urology. 
Training in robotic prostatectomy and cystectomy are through a modular curriculum. Each fellow is assigned an educational supervisor who mentors them through their fellowship, checking their progress and making sure their needs are being met. We aim to take surgeons with minimal robotic experience to being able to do a robotic radical prostatectomy in a year. Robotic cystectomy training takes longer and usually those undertaking cystectomy training will have demonstrated competence at radical prostatectomy.
Our team at UCLH is research active and leads on several clinical trials including NeuroSAFE PROOF, Trombone, iROC. We also have strong links to basic scientists at University College London (UCL) and Queen Mary College and computer scientists at UCL.
Several features of the care we provide at UCLH are unique. Our surgeons are fully supported by a team of radiologists expert in MRI interpretation to facilitate pre-operative surgical planning as well as a team of expert nurse specialists with 2 surgical nurse practitioners to assist at the bedside. We use a 3 monthly Quality Assurance program during which oncological and functional outcomes are monitored. This, as well as critical analysis of any complications through our M&M meetings provide our fellows with the feedback they need to fine tune their surgical technique.