A structured, RCOA-recognised CESR programme supporting non-HEE and international doctors toward specialist registration in anaesthesia
The South East London Portfolio Pathway in Anaesthesia (SELPPA) is a collaborative CESR programme established in August 2023 to support non-HEE trained and international doctors in their pathway towards achieving specialist registration in Anaesthesia in the UK.
SELPPA is officially recognised by the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCOA) for delivering Portfolio Pathway training leading to Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR). This recognition ensures our programme meets the highest standards for specialist training in anaesthesia.
Founded by Dr George Mathew (Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust) and Dr Vedahari Prabhakar Ponnaiah (Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust), SELPPA provides a structured training pathway that mirrors the GMC and RCOA requirements for CESR equivalence.
The programme operates across three major NHS institutions in Southeast London, offering comprehensive exposure to all aspects of anaesthetic practice including subspecialties such as cardiothoracics, neuroanaesthesia, paediatrics, obstetrics, and intensive care medicine.
Our programme follows the 2021 CCT in Anaesthetics Curriculum, covering all Stage 2 and Stage 3 modules. Fellows rotate through multiple training sites, gaining experience in:
Fellows build a comprehensive portfolio demonstrating equivalence to CCT training:
SELPPA offers a unique combination of structured training, educational support, and career progression opportunities. Our programme is specifically designed for doctors who have trained outside traditional UK training pathways but are committed to achieving specialist registration through the CESR route. With RCOA recognition and placements across three prestigious NHS trusts, SELPPA provides an exceptional platform for your career development.
Consultant Anaesthetist at Lewisham Hospital since 2009. Founder and Lead of SELPPA, with extensive leadership experience including roles as Governance Lead, Trauma and Orthopaedic Lead, and Clinical Director. Dedicated to supporting non-HEE and international doctors in their progression toward specialist registration.
Consultant Anaesthetist with specialist expertise in difficult airway management and thoracic anaesthesia. Educational Supervisor for over 15 years, Clinical Fellowship Training Lead, Major General SIA Lead, and Primary FRCA Examiner. Co-founded SELPPA in August 2023 with Dr George Mathew.
Consultant Anaesthetist at GSTT since December 2008. Extensive involvement in medical education including Educational Supervisor since 2012, College Tutor (2019-2025), and Training Lead (2021-2025). Instrumental in formalising the Portfolio Pathway programme at GSTT and expanding it into SELPPA.
Grade: ST3+ equivalent Clinical Fellow for a period of 1-4 years
Hours: 40 per week | On-call: 1:8 rota
These posts are for ST3 and above Clinical Fellows who are working towards applying for specialist registration in Anaesthetics via the CESR equivalence route in the southeast London region.
The CESR programme will run over a period of 1 to 4 years, depending on the candidate's needs and the availability of training spaces in participating hospitals. It will include working across three hospitals: Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust (including Evelina Paediatric Hospital), Lewisham General Hospital, and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN).
RCOA Recognition: SELPPA is officially recognised by the Royal College of Anaesthetists for CESR Programme training through the Portfolio Pathway.
Portfolio Pathway to CESR |
Information for Applicants |
CESR Programme Recognition
📄 Official RCOA Document:
Programmes and Sites Recognised for Portfolio Pathway (May 2025)
Leading teaching hospital providing tertiary and specialist care. Over 100 consultant anaesthetists supporting services including cardiothoracic, vascular, airway, ENT/maxillofacial, paediatrics, women's health, renal, cancer, and more. Strong reputation for leadership at national and international level.
Dynamic DGH providing comprehensive anaesthetic services including:
The UK's largest neurological case centre providing 3-month rotation opportunities in:
For further information about this exciting opportunity and to apply, please contact the programme leaders through the contact details provided below in the Contact Information section.
For further information, email: enquiries@selppa.co.uk
For inquiries about SELPPA and the Portfolio Pathway programme, please contact the programme leaders at the respective NHS Trusts: