Welcome to Thames Valley School of Anaesthesia and ICM
Whether you are already an Anaesthetist or Intensivist in Training in Thames Valley, or considering joining us, we hope that you find interesting and useful information as you browse through these pages.
Our ethos is to provide a learning environment which encourages individuals to thrive as they learn, in all areas of their lives; to provide training to the highest possible standard in all the hospitals in the region and make the journey as enjoyable as the CCT goal at the end!
We recognise that everyone brings different strengths and needs to their roles and pride ourselves on recognising and growing these strengths, as well as supporting in any more challenging times.
There is also a complementary Oxford ICM website which you can find here - Oxford Intensive Care Medicine (oxfordicm.co.uk)
Below you will find some introductory information and short biographies of the Local Educators Group who oversee training in our region.
Dr Sara McDouall
Head of School
I was appointed Head of School in September 2023 and feel very privileged to have this role. Prior to this I was TPD and before this, College Tutor. I have been a consultant at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading since 2008, with interests in paediatric anaesthesia and preoperative assessment.
I have a strong interest in wellbeing and was Associate DME for trainee wellbeing for 5 years and have trained as a coach.
I have 2 teenage boys, 2 cats and several chickens plus a rather attention seeking cockerel.
Email: sara.mcdouall@royalberkshire.nhs.uk
Dr Nick Taylor
College Tutor, Horton / OUH
Nick was appointed as Consultant Anaesthetist in Oxford University Hospitals in 2017, and has sub-specialty interests in Obstetric, Paediatric, Daycase and Regional anaesthesia. He was appointed as College Tutor based at the Horton Hospital in 2023, and is committed to delivering a high-quality training experience for Core Trainees and Fellows.
Dr Richard Kaye
College Tutor, Bucks
Anaesthetist with an interest in education, leadership, human factors and the environmental impact of healthcare. Retired from HEMS and prehospital medicine, still runs, swims and rides bikes.
Dr Andrew Skog
College Tutor, RBH
I am the co-college tutor in the RBH Reading predominantly working with stage 1 trainees. In this position I have developed an increasing awareness of differential attainment and have a focus in trying to create an environment where all learners can achieve their potential. Interests within work include regional anaesthesia and always knowing where the next coffee is. When not at work I love anything that allows me to be outside; be it in the garden, crossfit in a forest, on a bike or in the fells walking
Dr Mohjir Baloch
Pain Regional Advisor
I have been a consultant at Frimley for the last 15years and am full time pain. I am an examiner for the FFPMRCA exam and course director for the SUA USS pain interventions course at the Royal College of Physicians. I am the secretary for the British Pain Society Interventions Special Interest Group and lectured nationally and internationally. I developed the post CCT pain fellowship at Frimley Park and am currently training our 8th fellow
Dr Dana Kelly
College Tutor, RBH
I was appointed as one of the RBH College Tutors for the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Feb 2023, having been an Educational Supervisor since I joined the Trust in 2015.
I have a longstanding interest in Medical Education, particularly Simulation-Based Education. I am one of the co-Leads for Simulation in Anaesthetics, and was the RBH Trust Lead for Simulation until Jan 2023.
I undertake a number of roles to support colleague wellbeing- I am one of the RBH TRIM practitioners and act as a SuppoRTT mentor for Thames Valley. In 2020 I completed a PGCErt in Healthcare Education at the University of Reading, and am now honoured to be part of the faculty for the programme.
Clinically, I have an interest in paediatric anaesthesia. I try to to juggle this with looking after my 3 girls and our high needs cat, whilst pursuing my on-going aim of a daily yoga practice!
About Us
The Oxford School of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine organises a structured training programme incorporating the Nuffield Division of Anaesthetics, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust.
The School is recognised by the Royal College of Anaesthetists and provides the whole of training required for eligibility for the award of a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in anaesthesia.
The training programme is co-ordinated by NHS England England Thames Valley.
