Fellowship in Irish Primary Care Cancer Research

Job Title: Fellowship in Irish Primary Care Cancer ResearchReporting to: Prof. Patrick Redmond, Associate Professor Base: Dept. of General Practice, Royal College of College of Surgeons in IrelandContract type: 12-month Fixed TermHours per week: 40 hours/ Full time (50% clinical, 50% academic)Annual Leave: 30 days / 6 weeks                      Salary: Confirmed on applicationClosing Date: 5pm on Monday 30th September 2024 About The Irish College of GP’s The Irish College of GP’s (the College) is the postgraduate medical training body (PGTB) responsible for postgraduate education, training and research in the medical specialty of General Practice. The College has a national advisory role in relation to medical standards and engages with the Medical Council, Department of Health and Children, the Health Service Executive and the Health Information & Quality Authority among others. As a membership organisation, the Irish College of GP’s is responsible for providing and supporting the continuous professional development for general practitioners, numbering over 4,000. About RCSI RCSI is a global degree-awarding health sciences institution specialising in medical and health sciences education, surgical training and research.The General Practice Department previously hosted the HRB Centre for Primary Care Research, which was established in 2008. The HRB Centre was the national centre for research in primary care in Ireland, led by RCSI, in collaboration with Trinity College Dublin, Queen’s University Belfast, and the National University of Ireland, Galway. We continue to host two collaborative doctoral award (CDA) PhD programmes in multi-morbidity and medical practice variation (Right Care). The department currently has 11 postgraduate scholars – including nine PhDs, two MDs– working on a diverse range of projects. The Department is responsible for teaching across Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels within RCSI. About the fellowship:This fellowship provides a structured and well-supported programme to establish the fellow as an early career clinical academic GP with a focus on improving early cancer detection through the management of non-specific symptoms (NSS).Project OverviewMany cancers present with non-specific symptoms (NSS) such as unexplained weight loss and fatigue, leading to prolonged diagnostic journeys and delayed diagnoses. Early detection through effective management of NSS in primary care can significantly improve patient outcomes. This fellowship aims to develop and implement a comprehensive NSS Cancer Referral Pathway in primary care. The fellow will engage existing stakeholder networks, and conduct regular stakeholder engagement meetings and consultations. The fellow will conduct a cross-sectional study using general practice records to estimate the prevalence of NSS and analyse referral outcomes. Additionally, the fellow will gather insights from healthcare professionals, patients, and policymakers through semi-structured interviews and focus groups, develop predictive models to assess the impact of the NSS pathway on healthcare resources and patient outcomes, and create a detailed NSS Cancer Referral Pathway based on research findings. This primary care-focused academic and clinical programme seeks to optimise the diagnosis of cancer by researching the epidemiology and risk profiling of the disease in primary care. This research programme will be complemented by a supervised clinical placement, formal research training, and leadership/advocacy experience with voluntary sector collaborators. Key result areas:1.Research Develop and deliver study protocolsDay to day management of the studiesWrite peer review publication, presentations and academic reportsCoordinate fellowship partnerships with the Irish Cancer Society and the National Cancer Control ProgrammePerform such other duties as may be required. 2. Education Contribute to teaching programmes as required across the junior, intermediate and senior cycle programmesParticipate in the administration and development of the DepartmentComply with statutory legislation and University rules and requirements in furtherance of your own and general staff welfare and safetyUndergo programmes of training and development as may be required from time to timeRepresent the best interests of the School/University at all times. 3. Clinical General Practice clinical duties as agreed with local partner practice.Leadership/advocacy activities with voluntary sector collaborators. Qualifications & competencies Medical degree and postgraduate training in general practice/family medicineCandidate has to be within 2 years of completing their CSCSTQualification of MICGP or equivalent, completion of satisfactory training in General Practice  Knowledge & Experience (Essential): Be engaged in active clinical practice in general practice/family medicineExcellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skillsAbility to win the confidence of stakeholders, researchers and research partner representatives.A capacity to work collaboratively as part of a team as well as independently, in a non structured environment. Knowledge & Experience (Desirable):             Master’s/MD/PhD in a relevant disciplineEvidence of peer reviewed publicationsEducational qualifications and previous experience working in an undergraduate or postgraduate general practice department Informal Enquiries can be directed to Prof Patrick Redmond, predmond@rcsi.ie