Head injury remains a common reason for presentations to the emergency department in the UK and, akin to trauma as a whole, represents a significant cause of death and morbidity in those aged 1 to 40 years of age. Whilst over 1 million patients will present each year, head injury is by no means a
A fascia iliaca block (FIB) is a regional anaesthetic technique where local anaesthetic is deposited beneath the fascia iliaca to block the femoral, lateral femoral cutaneous, and often obturator nerves. It is commonly used for analgesia in hip and proximal femur fractures, particularly neck of femur fractures. Approaches include the landmark (anatomical) technique, which will be
Intercostal chest drains (ICD) are used for therapeutic purposes to remove air and/or fluid from the pleural space (e.g. pneumothorax and haemothorax in trauma cases).  ICD insertion is a complex procedure that should only be carried out by trained practitioners with skilled assistance, and trainees must perform it under supervision until competent. Contraindications Complications Complications include
A central line is a catheter placed into a major central vein, typically the internal jugular, subclavian, or femoral vein, with the tip positioned in the superior or inferior vena cava. Types include central venous catheters, dialysis catheters, tunnelled lines (e.g., Hickman), and ports. Indications Contraindications Absolute contraindications include: Relative contraindications include: Complications Early complications:
Clinical Genetics training in the UK is relatively competitive due to limited training posts and is open to doctors from various specialties. In 2025, there were 84 applications for 15 posts. To succeed, you need the right medical qualifications, relevant clinical experience, and evidence of commitment to genetics. This guide covers what you need to
Genetic/genomic counselling is central to the speciality of Clinical Genetics. Given the complexity of genetic concepts, inheritance patterns, familial risk, and the psychosocial impact of diagnosis, effective counselling is vital for patient care. This article provides an overview of genetic counselling and its application in clinical genetics as a specialism. What is Genetic Counselling?
Recognising when to refer a patient to the Clinical Genetics Service (CGS) is important but not always well understood. This article provides guidance for junior doctors on when and how to refer patients who are suspected to have a genetic condition. Before referring, junior doctors should first check their local Clinical Genetics Service (CGS) website
As a junior doctor, it can be difficult to find time for a detailed family history — especially during a busy clinic or on-call shift. Here’s a quick framework to help you efficiently gather the most relevant information for a genetic family history. Step 1: Open with a Broad, Non-Threatening Question Ease into the conversation
With the relevance of genomics in clinical practice increasing, here are simple explanations of some key genetic terms: Penetrance:The proportion of individuals with a gene variant who actually go on to develop features of the condition. Expressivity:This term describes the range and severity of signs and symptoms that can occur in different people with the
Introduction Clinical genetics is a rapidly evolving medical specialty at the forefront of modern healthcare. With the growing impact of personalised medicine, genomic diagnostics, and targeted therapies, a solid understanding of genomics is essential. This article provides an overview of clinical genetics, outlining the role of clinical geneticists, pathways into the, and its increasing relevance
