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West Midlands Paediatric
Training Programme Directors (TPDs)
Training Programme Directors:
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Head of School: Dr Alex Philpott
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Deputy head of school: Dr Matt Cawsey
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ST1-4 TPD - Dr Julia Uffindell
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ST5-7 TPD - Dr Sarah Ellis
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Assessments TPD- Dr Sarah Ellis
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Less Than Full Time TPD - Dr Bridget Wilson
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Careers TPD - Dr Ratna Kumar
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Progress + TPD - Dr Anand Kanani
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Progression TPD - Dr Lucy Green
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Differential Attainment TPD - Dr Intikhab Zafarullah (Zaf)
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Trainee Welfare TPD (ST1-8) - Dr Vikranth Venugopalan
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Teaching TPD - Dr Penny Broggio
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Neonatal teaching TPD- Dr Harsha Gowda
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General Simulation TPD - Dr Annabel Copeman
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Neonatal Simulation TPD- Dr Matthew Nash
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Quality Assurance TPD- Dr Sagarika Ray
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Digital Learning TPD- Dr Narasimha Rao
Meet the TPDs!
Click on a TPD to learn more about them...
Dr Alex Philpott - Head of School
Email: alex.philpott@nhs.net
Roles:
Head of School, Neonatal Clinical Lead for KIDSNTS, Consultant Neonatologist
Base Hospital:
Birmingham Women's Hospital (BWC)
Role as Head of School:
Different every day. It's the most fun role I've ever had as I never know what I'm going to be asked next. And when I start to think I know the answers - something else comes up. And I get to work with a fabulous team - both TPDs ,NHS England and PGDiTs
Support:
My role is to ensure that the our PGDiTs get the right support, both clinical and pastoral - and anything else. .I also aim to support College Tutors, Supervisors and TPDs.
Refill Bucket:
A PT session, a tennis lesson or a long run.
Top Netflix Pick:
The Gilmore Girls. I re-watch every few years. If you haven't seen it, I'd recommend it.
Top Holiday Pick:
Jersey. I spent many years scuba diving and stopped when I had children. I managed to convince my 10 and 11 year old and my husband to do a diving course and we spent many happy hours exploring the waters around Jersey. And as it was a heatwave we weren't cold.
Roles:
Head of School, Neonatal Clinical Lead for KIDSNTS, Consultant Neonatologist
Base Hospital:
Birmingham Women's Hospital (BWC)
Role as Head of School:
Different every day. It's the most fun role I've ever had as I never know what I'm going to be asked next. And when I start to think I know the answers - something else comes up. And I get to work with a fabulous team - both TPDs ,NHS England and PGDiTs
Support:
My role is to ensure that the our PGDiTs get the right support, both clinical and pastoral - and anything else. .I also aim to support College Tutors, Supervisors and TPDs.
Refill Bucket:
A PT session, a tennis lesson or a long run.
Top Netflix Pick:
The Gilmore Girls. I re-watch every few years. If you haven't seen it, I'd recommend it.
Top Holiday Pick:
Jersey. I spent many years scuba diving and stopped when I had children. I managed to convince my 10 and 11 year old and my husband to do a diving course and we spent many happy hours exploring the waters around Jersey. And as it was a heatwave we weren't cold.
Dr Matt Cawsey - Deputy Head of School
Email: matt.cawsey@nhs.net
Roles:
Deputy Head of School, Consultant Neonatologist
Base Hospital:
Birmingham Women's Hospital (BWC)
Role as Deputy Head of School:
My role is largely helping and supporting the Head of School and the other TPD’s.
Support:
I am available for any queries that anyone has. I help to run TPD clinics and attend the Trainees Committee as TPD link.
Refill Bucket:
Walking and running (slowly). Talking to my family and friends to help decompress!
Top Netflix Pick:
Only Connect (on iPlayer)
Top Holiday Pick:
My honeymoon in Egypt. Fabulous fun, food, history and was two weeks off together!
Roles:
Deputy Head of School, Consultant Neonatologist
Base Hospital:
Birmingham Women's Hospital (BWC)
Role as Deputy Head of School:
My role is largely helping and supporting the Head of School and the other TPD’s.
Support:
I am available for any queries that anyone has. I help to run TPD clinics and attend the Trainees Committee as TPD link.
Refill Bucket:
Walking and running (slowly). Talking to my family and friends to help decompress!
Top Netflix Pick:
Only Connect (on iPlayer)
Top Holiday Pick:
My honeymoon in Egypt. Fabulous fun, food, history and was two weeks off together!
Dr Julia Uffindell - ST1-4 TPD
Dr Sarah Ellis - ST5-7 TPD and Assessments TPD
Email: sarah.ellis@uhcw.nhs.uk
Roles:
ST5-7 TPD, Assessments TPD, Consultant Neonatologist
Base Hospital:
University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire
Support:
Advice on timing of ARCP / CCT date calculation confusion / placement planning / end of training dilemmas
Refill Bucket:
Coffee and cake (doesn't need to be a busy on call - any excuse for cake and I'm there!!)
Top Netflix Pick:
I wish - 4 children means usually Bluey or MOTD on our TV!!
Top Holiday Pick:
Morzine (French Alps) - Paddle boarding on the lake
Roles:
ST5-7 TPD, Assessments TPD, Consultant Neonatologist
Base Hospital:
University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire
Support:
Advice on timing of ARCP / CCT date calculation confusion / placement planning / end of training dilemmas
Refill Bucket:
Coffee and cake (doesn't need to be a busy on call - any excuse for cake and I'm there!!)
Top Netflix Pick:
I wish - 4 children means usually Bluey or MOTD on our TV!!
Top Holiday Pick:
Morzine (French Alps) - Paddle boarding on the lake
Dr Bridget Wilson - Less Than Full Time (LTFT) TPD
Email: Bridget.wilson2@nhs.net
Roles:
TPD for LTFT Paediatric Trainees, Clinical Lead for Paediatric Emergency Medicine, BWCH Flexible Training Champion.
Base Hospital:
Birmingham Children's Hospital (BCH)
Role as LTFT TPD:
Guidance and support to those already in LTFT training, or thinking about it
Support:
Guidance on rota, pay, working arrangements Implications for training
Refill Bucket:
Glass of wine and relax in the hot tub
Top Netflix Pick:
Money Heist, currently!
Top Holiday Pick:
Difficult! Peru and Galapagos for scenery and wildlife Japan for people and culture Maldives for pure relaxation
Roles:
TPD for LTFT Paediatric Trainees, Clinical Lead for Paediatric Emergency Medicine, BWCH Flexible Training Champion.
Base Hospital:
Birmingham Children's Hospital (BCH)
Role as LTFT TPD:
Guidance and support to those already in LTFT training, or thinking about it
Support:
Guidance on rota, pay, working arrangements Implications for training
Refill Bucket:
Glass of wine and relax in the hot tub
Top Netflix Pick:
Money Heist, currently!
Top Holiday Pick:
Difficult! Peru and Galapagos for scenery and wildlife Japan for people and culture Maldives for pure relaxation
Dr Ratna Kumar - Careers TPD
Email:
ratnakumar@nhs.net
Roles:
Careers TPD, Consultant Paediatric Neurologist
Base Hospital:
Birmingham Children's Hospital (BCH)
Role as Careers TPD:
Anything related to GRID/ SPIN and OOP- What/ When / How/ Who
Support:
My role mostly covers ‘careers’- while the job involves signing OOP forms, interviewing for SPIN placements and coordinating GRID adverts, and the paperwork there of- I can help PGDITs understand what options are available, feasible and realistic- be it what an OOP is or how to write a Grid application- I’m available by email - or a quick phone chat
Refill Bucket:
Family and friends
Top Netflix Pick:
The Good Wife/ How to get away with murder/ Greys Anatomy- any drama really !!
Top Holiday Pick:
The last one- because they only get better !!
ratnakumar@nhs.net
Roles:
Careers TPD, Consultant Paediatric Neurologist
Base Hospital:
Birmingham Children's Hospital (BCH)
Role as Careers TPD:
Anything related to GRID/ SPIN and OOP- What/ When / How/ Who
Support:
My role mostly covers ‘careers’- while the job involves signing OOP forms, interviewing for SPIN placements and coordinating GRID adverts, and the paperwork there of- I can help PGDITs understand what options are available, feasible and realistic- be it what an OOP is or how to write a Grid application- I’m available by email - or a quick phone chat
Refill Bucket:
Family and friends
Top Netflix Pick:
The Good Wife/ How to get away with murder/ Greys Anatomy- any drama really !!
Top Holiday Pick:
The last one- because they only get better !!
Dr Anand Kanani - Progress+ TPD
Email:
anand.kanani@nhs.net
Roles:
Progress+ TPD, Consultant in Paediatric Emergency Medicine
Base Hospital:
Birmingham Children's Hospital (BCH)
Role as Progress+ TPD:
My role involves supporting the implementation of the Progress + curriculum. Please, see the Progress+ videos to learn more!
Support:
Please, feel free to contact me about anything! I am always happy to help! I was a trainee in the region, then applied for Grid and as a Consultant, I have chaired ARCPs so I have a wealth of local experience. In terms of my TPD role, please reach out if you have any questions about the introduction of Progress+ and how this may effect your training or future career plans!
Refill Bucket:
I have restarted playing badminton regularly!
Top Netflix Pick:
I'm not a TV guy but I do enjoy an odd episode of old Ronnie Barker classics!
Top Holiday Pick:
So difficult! I always love looking back at pictures as each holiday is so memorable for individual reasons!
anand.kanani@nhs.net
Roles:
Progress+ TPD, Consultant in Paediatric Emergency Medicine
Base Hospital:
Birmingham Children's Hospital (BCH)
Role as Progress+ TPD:
My role involves supporting the implementation of the Progress + curriculum. Please, see the Progress+ videos to learn more!
Support:
Please, feel free to contact me about anything! I am always happy to help! I was a trainee in the region, then applied for Grid and as a Consultant, I have chaired ARCPs so I have a wealth of local experience. In terms of my TPD role, please reach out if you have any questions about the introduction of Progress+ and how this may effect your training or future career plans!
Refill Bucket:
I have restarted playing badminton regularly!
Top Netflix Pick:
I'm not a TV guy but I do enjoy an odd episode of old Ronnie Barker classics!
Top Holiday Pick:
So difficult! I always love looking back at pictures as each holiday is so memorable for individual reasons!
Dr Lucy Green - Progression TPD
Email:
lucy.green32@nhs.net
Roles:
Progression TPD, Consultant Neonatologist, Lead for Mortality and PMRT, College Tutor
Base Hospital:
Birmingham Women's Hospital (BWH)
Role as Progression TPD:
This is a ‘portfolio’ TPD role with the aim of taking on projects to progress paediatric training within the West Midlands. Initially I was focused on the transition to progress plus. I am currently focusing on scoping the different units across the region to see what good work they are doing and what educational experiences they are able to offer.
Support:
I can provide support on progress plus and support related to progressing through paediatric training.
Refill Bucket:
Those that know me, know that I run (a lot) and am back in training, I like a post on call McDonald’s, and have 3 children and a sausage dog to keep my hands full. Actually the busy weekend on call is what I do to rest!!
Top Netflix Pick:
I’m currently watching all of the motivational documentaries about various athletes….’Mark Cavendish: never enough’ and ‘True spirit’ have been my favourites so far.
Top Holiday Pick:
Tanzania and Zanzibar…I conquered Kilimanjaro and then had 10 days uninterrupted rest and diving on the paradise island of Zanzibar.
lucy.green32@nhs.net
Roles:
Progression TPD, Consultant Neonatologist, Lead for Mortality and PMRT, College Tutor
Base Hospital:
Birmingham Women's Hospital (BWH)
Role as Progression TPD:
This is a ‘portfolio’ TPD role with the aim of taking on projects to progress paediatric training within the West Midlands. Initially I was focused on the transition to progress plus. I am currently focusing on scoping the different units across the region to see what good work they are doing and what educational experiences they are able to offer.
Support:
I can provide support on progress plus and support related to progressing through paediatric training.
Refill Bucket:
Those that know me, know that I run (a lot) and am back in training, I like a post on call McDonald’s, and have 3 children and a sausage dog to keep my hands full. Actually the busy weekend on call is what I do to rest!!
Top Netflix Pick:
I’m currently watching all of the motivational documentaries about various athletes….’Mark Cavendish: never enough’ and ‘True spirit’ have been my favourites so far.
Top Holiday Pick:
Tanzania and Zanzibar…I conquered Kilimanjaro and then had 10 days uninterrupted rest and diving on the paradise island of Zanzibar.
Dr Intikhab Zafarullah (Zaf) - Differential Attainment TPD
Email:
intikhab.zafurallah@nhs.net
Roles:
Differential Attainment TPD, Consultant for Paediatric Intensive Care Medicine
Base Hospital:
Birmingham Children's Hospital (BCH)
Role as Progression TPD:
An innovative role to the HEEWM, first role developed for IMG and Differential Attainment - Although there is much evidence from research conducted by the GMC, I was amazed through a survey I recently conducted and speaking to colleagues and Trainees, the concept of the DA gap was nuevo to many. It is my hope, through this role, we can, together as educators and trainees - work to reduce the DA gap and through open, transparent and sometimes challenging conversation, create an environment where equality for all in training can be a reality - do I sound controversial or over ambitious? I think with us all working together- we can find the result to that question but I hope the answer will help us to bridge the gap in attainment
Support:
I am here to listen to all trainees, regardless of your challenges and if I do not have the answers, I am sure I will be able to point you in the right direction.
Refill Bucket:
I try to maintain a 1/2 fill bucket daily, so that I do not have to end the week with a full bucket. To attain this, I do a bit of gyming, lots of debriefing, for both positive and challenging situations with friends
Top Netflix Pick:
I don't Netflix, but I like to browse those hilarious Instagram videos and share them with a few friends
Top Holiday Pick:
Hmmmm- I love a bit of travel - off the beaten track- a few - Spending a week in the Omo Valleys with the tribes, Climbing to the top of Erta Ale volcano and camping on the edge, travelling out in a small wooden boat to Ibo Island off the coast of Mozambique and heading off into the Massive Sand dunes in Namibia for camping and dune hiking are just a few - see why I don't have a full bucket - I am always thinking of where to next, after I have completed a week of charity work
intikhab.zafurallah@nhs.net
Roles:
Differential Attainment TPD, Consultant for Paediatric Intensive Care Medicine
Base Hospital:
Birmingham Children's Hospital (BCH)
Role as Progression TPD:
An innovative role to the HEEWM, first role developed for IMG and Differential Attainment - Although there is much evidence from research conducted by the GMC, I was amazed through a survey I recently conducted and speaking to colleagues and Trainees, the concept of the DA gap was nuevo to many. It is my hope, through this role, we can, together as educators and trainees - work to reduce the DA gap and through open, transparent and sometimes challenging conversation, create an environment where equality for all in training can be a reality - do I sound controversial or over ambitious? I think with us all working together- we can find the result to that question but I hope the answer will help us to bridge the gap in attainment
Support:
I am here to listen to all trainees, regardless of your challenges and if I do not have the answers, I am sure I will be able to point you in the right direction.
Refill Bucket:
I try to maintain a 1/2 fill bucket daily, so that I do not have to end the week with a full bucket. To attain this, I do a bit of gyming, lots of debriefing, for both positive and challenging situations with friends
Top Netflix Pick:
I don't Netflix, but I like to browse those hilarious Instagram videos and share them with a few friends
Top Holiday Pick:
Hmmmm- I love a bit of travel - off the beaten track- a few - Spending a week in the Omo Valleys with the tribes, Climbing to the top of Erta Ale volcano and camping on the edge, travelling out in a small wooden boat to Ibo Island off the coast of Mozambique and heading off into the Massive Sand dunes in Namibia for camping and dune hiking are just a few - see why I don't have a full bucket - I am always thinking of where to next, after I have completed a week of charity work
Dr Vikranth Venugopalan - Trainee Welfare TPD (ST1-8)
Email:
Vikranth.venugopalan@nhs.net
Roles:
Trainee Welfare TPD (ST1-8), Consultant Neonatologist with expertise in Paediatric Cardiology, College Tutor (Neonates) at SWBH
Base Hospital:
City Hospital, SWBH
Support:
Supporting the welfare and well-being of PGDiTs
Refill Bucket:
Spending time with Family, practicing Yoga and walking
Top Netflix Pick:
-
Top Holiday Pick:
Greece
Vikranth.venugopalan@nhs.net
Roles:
Trainee Welfare TPD (ST1-8), Consultant Neonatologist with expertise in Paediatric Cardiology, College Tutor (Neonates) at SWBH
Base Hospital:
City Hospital, SWBH
Support:
Supporting the welfare and well-being of PGDiTs
Refill Bucket:
Spending time with Family, practicing Yoga and walking
Top Netflix Pick:
-
Top Holiday Pick:
Greece
Dr Penny Brogio - Teaching TPD
Dr Harsha Gowda - Neonatal Teaching TPD
Email: harsha.gowda1@nhs.net
Roles:
Neonatal Teaching TPD, Consultant Neonatologist with interests in Neonatal Cardiology, Haemodynamics, POCUS and Research.
Base Hospital:
Birmingham Heartlands Hospital / UHBH
Role as Neonatal Teaching TPD:
Oversight on neonatal teaching at levels of training. To make sure all aspects of curriculum is covered.
Support:
Happy to support all aspects of neonatal teaching, skills and mentoring. Any part of curriculum the PGSiT need to be covered they can contact me. Happy to provide career guidance for anyone interested in career in neonates or applying for neonatal grid.
Refill Bucket:
Good sleep and me time :)
Top Netflix Pick:
Money Heist
Top Holiday Pick:
Gran Canaria. Nice warm weather in December, beautiful beaches and delicious food.
Roles:
Neonatal Teaching TPD, Consultant Neonatologist with interests in Neonatal Cardiology, Haemodynamics, POCUS and Research.
Base Hospital:
Birmingham Heartlands Hospital / UHBH
Role as Neonatal Teaching TPD:
Oversight on neonatal teaching at levels of training. To make sure all aspects of curriculum is covered.
Support:
Happy to support all aspects of neonatal teaching, skills and mentoring. Any part of curriculum the PGSiT need to be covered they can contact me. Happy to provide career guidance for anyone interested in career in neonates or applying for neonatal grid.
Refill Bucket:
Good sleep and me time :)
Top Netflix Pick:
Money Heist
Top Holiday Pick:
Gran Canaria. Nice warm weather in December, beautiful beaches and delicious food.
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