LAT appointments

Dear Colleagues,

I have had clarification from the PIMD that I am able to fill any vacancies on the rotation that will last longer than 3-months with a LAT appointment for vacancies arising from October 2007. Therefore, I am in a position to lift my temporary "embargo" on requests for Out of Programme Experience. However, I still have to adhere to strict guidance from the PIMD on OOPE approval and Recruitment&Selection hence early planning and discussion with myself is requested.

The only fly in the ointment is that currently an OOPE will not count towards training. This is something I should have clarified from the Specialist Advisory Committee by the Joint Trainers&Trainees meeting on 12th June 2007.

There is one definite LAT vacancy on the rotation from 3rd October 2007. I have arranged an appointments panel for this vacancy on 22nd June 2007, although the PIMD may still let me fill this vacancy from the successful candidates at the recent and forthcomming interviews. Any one who thinks they will need a LAT replacement to cover a period of OOPE must let me know by Monday 21st May 2007.

Kindest of regards,
Shaz.

Dr Shaz Wahid
Consultant Diabetologist/Endocrinologist
South Tyneside District Hospital
Harton Lane
South Shields
Tyne & Wear
NE34 0PL

North East and Cumbria Diabetes Research Network: Launch Conference 22 March 2007

The North East and Cumbria Diabetes Research Network
Launch Conference Thursday 22^nd March 2007

Places are likely to be over-subscribed, so please book early. CPD from the Royal College has been applied for. E-mail bookings (click here to email) can ONLY be accepted if all the information asked for on the booking form is supplied (see website).

Contact:
Dr Leonie Walker
Manager
North East and Cumbria Diabetes Research Network
Clinical Research Facility
4th Floor Leazes Wing
Royal Victoria Infirmary
Queen Victoria Road
Newcastle on Tyne
NE1 4LP
Tel: 0191 282 0081
Fax: 0191 246 4668

Keynote Lecture 22 Feb 2007: Andrea Dunaif, Society for Endocrinology Visiting Professor

Society for Endocrinology Visiting Professor: Andrea Dunaif
Date: Thursday 22^nd February 2007
Venue: Clinical Learning Centre, RVI, Newcastle

09:30 Tea, coffee, OJ & biscuits downstairs
10:00 Dr Richard Quinton: Welcome & Introduction
10:10 Dr Anna Jovanovitch: The 2^nd meal effect: a physiologic means of limiting postprandial hyperglycaemia
10:30 Dr Andy James: 1. A case of acromegaly? 2. A case of acanthosis nigricans?
11:10 Dr B Ravikumar: Prevalence of assay interference in women with high serum testosterone levels
11:30 Dr IM Ibrahim: The Pro12Ala variant of PPARγ2 influences insulin sensitivity in healthy subjects
11:50 Dr Ebaa Al-Ozairi: Investigation & management of severe postmenopausal hyperandrogenism
12:10 Cold buffet downstairs
13:00 Prof A Dunaif: Cellular, molecular and genetic mechanisms of insulin resistance in PCOS

Contact: Richard Quinton

Thumbnail biography
Professor Andrea Dunaif, MD
Charles F. Kettering Professor of Medicine
Chief, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Molecular Medicine
NorthWestern University, Chicago, USA

Genetic and molecular basis of Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of both hormonally-related infertility and oligomenorrhea. PCOS is also associated with profound insulin resistance and a ~ 7-fold increased risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus. PCOS, as well as the insulin resistance associated with it, appear to be genetic defects. Moreover, insulin resistance plays a causal role in the abnormalities of ovarian steroidogenesis as well as the anovulation characteristic of PCOS. There are three major research projects currently ongoing. The approaches range from large-scale family studies through intensive patient-oriented research to animal models and cellular and molecular biology. PCOS is the human disease model. This syndrome is characterized by increased androgen biosynthesis and disordered gonadotropin secretion. It is among the most common endocrine disorders of women, the leading cause of hormonally-related infertility and a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Research Topics
Genetic Analysis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Insulin Action and Secretion in PCOS
Fetal Origins of PCOS

The Genetic Basis of PCOS
This research program focuses on identifying the susceptibility genes for PCOS, performing genotype-phenotype analyses and identifying environmental and genetic factors contributing to PCOS familial phenotypes. Studies include family studies with linkage analysis and detailed analyses of reproductive function and insulin action in women with PCOS and their relatives. The approaches include statistical genetics and in vivo studies of insulin action and secretion, as well as pulsatile gonadotropin secretion. One susceptibility gene region has been identified on chromosome 19p13.2 close to the insulin receptor gene. This research is supported by the NIH-NICHD National Cooperative Program for Infertility Research.

Insulin Action and Secretion in PCOS
These studies are focused on identifying the cellular and molecular mechanisms of defects in insulin action and secretion in PCOS. Approaches include detailed in vivo studies of these parameters utilizing techniques such as the euglycemic glucose clamp, frequently sampled intravenous glucose intolerance test with minimal model analysis and graded glucose infusions. Insulin receptor signal transduction is examined in human skeletal muscle biopsies, as well as in human skeletal muscle and adipocyte cultures. Intrinsic defects in insulin receptor signaling have been identified and the mechanisms of these abnormalities are currently under investigation. These studies are supported by an NIH-NICHD-ORWH Specialized Center of Research (SCOR) on Sex and Gender Factors Affecting Women’s Health.

Fetal Origins of PCOS
These studies examine the impact of prenatal androgen exposure on insulin action in rodent, primate and sheep models. Studies include examination of lipolysis and insulin signaling in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue and the molecular mechanism of fetal programming. These studies are supported by an NIH-NICHD-ORWH Specialized Center of Research (SCOR) on Sex and Gender Factors Affecting Women’s Health.

updated 20th February
updated 21st February

Exchange in Endocrinology Expertise

Exchange in Endocrinology Expertise
Novo Nordisk & the Section/Board of Endocrinology of the UEMS

In order to facilitate within Europe the exchange of trainees specialising in Endocrinology and to harmonise and improve the training of the new endocrinologists, the Section/Board of Endocrinology of the UEMS and Novo Nordisk A/S have set up a fellowship program called ‘3E’, the Exchange in Endocrinology Expertise.

The Exchange in Endocrinology Expertise program will support candidates for an assignment in a leading centre in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism in Europe. The task will include both clinical practice and research, leading to publication.

Although on average, the assignment duration is 6 months, the length of the period will be dependent to the requirement of each individual project.

Whenever possible, the assignment should include both clinical practice and research. Publication should be seeked, and if not relevant a report has to be written at the end.
Novo Nordisk would like to present the Section/Board of Endocrinology a list of topic of interest within diabetes that could be a source of inspiration for potential future candidates.

In 2006, the project will pilot up to 6 candidates.

The selection of the candidates will be done by a Committee from the Section/Board of Endocrinology according to well defined criteria of eligibility approved by both organising parties.

The criteria for a candidate to be selected are the following
At least 1 publication in a peer reviewed journal
Recommendation from the head of the department
Language: incompatibility of language should be avoided (the UEMS Committee will evaluate case by case if the knowledge of the receiving centre language is necessary)
Education: minimum of 1 year in the specialty of endocrinology education up to 5 years after end of specialty education
Motivation proven with a specific project proposal including an interesting topic, a proposal of centre and feasibility letter from the receiving centre

In terms of process for application, it is up to the candidate to choose a specific centre within the list of the RQE (Recognition of Quality in Endocrinology) accredited centres by the Board of Endocrinology and to initiate the first contacts to investigate feasibility of the project prior to the submission of the application. The RQE centres are listed on the website of the Section/Board of Endocrinology.

The country of origin might be any of the European Union countries, member of the Section/Board of Endocrinology of the UEMS. However, it will be taken into account that differences can occur in the level of skills from one country to the other.

The centre for the program will be selected from the list of RQE centres that have been accredited by the Board of Endocrinology based on the level of quality of care.

The budget for the fellowship will cover the salary, the travel expenses (one return trip) and potentially research expenses like bench fees.

The communication of the program will, in a first instance, be done through the national delegates of the Section/Board of Endocrinology, who will take the responsibility to spread the information in their own individual countries.

The fellowship applications should be sent to the following address before February 5, 2007 :

Prof. Rolf C. Gaillard
President Section/Board of Endocrinology of UEMS
Service d’endocrinologie,diabétologie et métabolisme
University Hospital (CHUV)
CH-1011 LAUSANNE / Switzerland

Out Of Programme Experience and GMC registration

Dear Colleague,

Some guidance that I have just recieved in relation to the new IMG
regulations (see below). There is some caution to be voiced if you are taking OOPE and
your permit free period expires before your official return onto the
rotation. As ever, you need a Law degree to be absolutely sure!

Regards,
Shaz Wahid

Paul Streets, Chief Executive of PMETB, on the need for GMC registration during OOPE experience overseas:

“It would not be of concern to PMETB if this happened part way through the programme but we would need copies of any assessments/trainers reports, overseas registration details for the relevant period. However, trainees may not be able to reinstate their registration with the GMC on return quite so easily hence it may delay them taking up another post and the PGDeans may have something to say. However, if doctors went overseas in the final part of their programme they would need to return to the UK and have GMC registration before their CCT could be awarded. PMETB cannot award a CCT to anyone without GMC registration as the Order requires us to put their GMC registration number on the face of the certificate.”

Search Google for OOPE