GP with Special Interest in Genomics

Job summary

We are excited to announce a 2 PA (programmed activity) permanent post for a GP with a specialist interest in familial cancer susceptibility, based within the Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland Clinical Genetics service. The main base for this role is at the Leicester Royal Infirmary, with an additional centre at Northampton General Hospital. The post holder will: - Work closely with the consultant clinical genetics team and the lead genetic counsellor, Ms Vicki Kiesel, to ensure screening is established in accordance with Cancer Genetics Group clinical guidelines. - Provide additional support to individuals with potentially relevant symptoms or challenges, with a focus on reducing the burden of cancer susceptibility within the GP remit. While previous genetics-based qualifications, degrees, or project experience would be beneficial, these are not essential. We appreciate diverse experiences and backgrounds, and support and training will be available to new team members to help them succeed in this role. It would be valuable for the post holder to be aware of family sensitivities, including transgenerational trauma, family dynamics, and confidentiality. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and look forward to hearing from you.

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Main duties of the job

This is a one-day-per-week role for a GP working within the Clinical Genetics service, supporting the safe, coordinated and proactive management of individuals with inherited cancer predisposition syndromes. The post-holder will work as part of the multidisciplinary genetics team to oversee and organise surveillance for cancer predisposition carriers, including individuals with BRCA1, BRCA2, Lynch syndrome, PALB2 and other relevant gene variants.

The role will provide a dedicated clinical interface between genetics, primary care and relevant specialist services, ensuring patients receive appropriate advice, onward referral and follow-up in line with their inherited cancer risk and individual medical circumstances.

About us

Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030).

We have four primary goals:

• high-quality care for all,
• being a great place to work,
• partnerships for impact, and
• research and education excellence

And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.

Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:

• we are compassionate,
• we are proud,
• we are inclusive, and
• we are one team

This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.

About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust:

https://www.uhleicester.nhs.uk

Job responsibilities

v The post holder will support the delivery of safe, effective and coordinated care for individuals identified as having an inherited predisposition to cancer. The post-holder will provide medical input into surveillance planning, risk management and follow-up, with a particular focus on ensuring that patients with cancer predisposition variants are supported to access appropriate screening, specialist review and preventative or risk-reducing interventions.

The role will complement the work of consultant clinical geneticists, genetic counsellors, specialist nurses and administrative teams by providing a GP perspective on whole-person care, co-morbidity, primary care interface issues, prescribing considerations, shared decision-making and coordination across services.

Main responsibilities are:

Oversee and organise surveillance pathways for individuals with inherited cancer predisposition, ensuring appropriate screening is arranged, documented and followed up.

Review patients in clinic to discuss medical management issues related to their genetic risk, including hormone replacement therapy, risk-reducing options, feasibility of colonoscopy and other relevant surveillance or management considerations.

Provide clear, patient-centred explanations of cancer risk, surveillance recommendations and the rationale for onward referral or investigation.

Liaise with primary care, gastroenterology, breast services, gynaecology, oncology and other specialist teams to support coordinated care.

Identify gaps or delays in surveillance and contribute to systems that improve safety, tracking and governance for high-risk patients.

Work within agreed clinical governance processes, escalating complex clinical decisions to consultant clinical geneticists and genetic counsellors as appropriate.

Support service development by contributing to protocols, patient pathways and multidisciplinary discussion around inherited cancer predisposition management.

Person specification

Experience

Essential

• Experience in a primary care environment, with substantial patient contact, with understanding of a multi-disciplinary environment.
• Experience working under pressure, in both stressful and emotional situations

Desirable

• Experience with patient with SEN or MHD, and the subsequent ability to adapt communication styles accordingly

Training and Qualifications

Essential

• Qualified GP with interest in medical genetics

Desirable

• Experience working within Medical Genetics, and the subsequent policies and standards

Communication and relationship skills

Essential

• Problem solver with the ability to process information accurately and in a timely manner.
• Communication skills adaptable to patients/carers and colleagues

Analytical and Judgement skills

Essential

• Confidence in own decision, but knowledge on when to alert other team members

Planning and organisation skills

Essential

• Effective time, workload and resource management
• Experience applying departmental polices and standards

Other requirements specific to the role

Essential

• Committed to continual progression development, taking responsibility of your own records and education