Job summary
Please note: Unfortunately, we do not offer sponsorship at this time. Therefore, if you require sponsorship, we won't be able to accept your application for this role.
Are you an experienced doctor thinking of a change in career or a doctor who wants to build a career in palliative care?
If so, then the role of Specialty Doctor at Pilgrims may be just the job for you!
Pilgrims Hospice provides expert palliative care to the people of East Kent. We have three in patient units at Ashford, Canterbury and Margate where our three multi-disciplinary community teams are based as well as our therapy centres.
An opportunity has arisen in our medical team and Pilgrims is inviting applications for interested physicians. This would be ideal for experienced doctors thinking of a change in career, doctors with a view to building a career in this speciality or have a wealth of experience within palliative medicine.
We have an active educational programme and as a training unit for specialist and general practice trainees can offer some excellent opportunities to develop skills and gain experience.
The post will be based at Ashford but flexibility on sites can be considered. This post is available from 2nd January 2026, subject to pre-employment checks and is part time 7 sessions a week (3 full days plus 4 sessions a month dedicated to education and research). Requests for full time employment will be considered.
Main duties of the job
- To provide clinical care and medical input to the multidisciplinary team for patients under the care of the Pilgrims Hospice, under the supervision of the named consultant (including hospice inpatients, community patients, outpatients, domiciliary visiting and patients attending Pilgrims Therapy Centre).
- To participate in the teaching, supervision and training of medical trainees and other professional staff working at the Pilgrims Hospice or attending courses run by the Pilgrims Hospices.
- To maintain a full programme of personal CPD in line with current recommendations. Please refer to the Hospice study leave policy
- To participate in annual appraisal and to work to the stated strategic direction and objectives of Pilgrims Hospices in East Kent.
- To undertake administrative tasks in support of the activity of the organisation.
- To be actively involved in an effective system of clinical audit and all other aspects of clinical governance.
- To support research undertaken by Pilgrims. We have a thriving research programme led by our research facilitator.
About us
Our Vision
We recognise that our workforce is integral to the delivery of our Vision and our charitable aims. Pilgrims Hospices continues to create a highly skilled, motivated, engaged and healthy workforce by providing an environment where staff and volunteers feel highly motivated to perform their roles to a consistently high standard.
To achieve our Vision, we use our CODE:
Compassionate We treat everyone with compassion and care
Open We communicate openly, honestly and effectively
Dynamic We are dynamic, improving and developing our service
Empowered We empower people to achieve their outcomes
Other benefits
- Modern, friendly and highly professional working environments
- Opportunities for professional development through a range of extensive learning
- Alignment with NHS pay rates and continuity in membership of the NHS pension scheme
- A sense of achievement in supporting a worthwhile cause
- A sense of wellbeing
- A good work-life balance
- Locations across well-populated areas of east Kent all providing very good road and rail links
- NHS and financial discounts i.e. Blue Light Card
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the Job Description document for more information on what the role of Speciality Doctor entails.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Minimum 2 years experience of Palliative Care
- Possesses range of clinical knowledge, skills & information technology expertise.
- Concerned to maintain & develop this knowledge.
- Displays sound professional judgement
- Sees patients within a holistic context
- Able to manage general medical on call needs of palliative care patients
Desirable
- Hospice experience
Qualifications
Essential
- MBBS or equivalent.
- Full GMC registration.
- Completion of Foundation competencies.
Desirable
- Completion of ST1/CT1 and ST2/CT2 or equivalent experience.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
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Specialty Doctor in Aylesford employer: Pilgrims Hospices
Pilgrims Hospices in Canterbury is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing work environment where compassion and teamwork are at the forefront of our mission. As a Healthcare Assistant, you will not only contribute to delivering high-quality end-of-life care but also benefit from professional development opportunities and a supportive team culture that values your growth and well-being. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of our patients and their families while enjoying the unique advantages of working in a dedicated healthcare setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialty Doctor in Aylesford
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like Pilgrims Hospices often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pilgrims Hospices
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Pilgrims Hospices. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at Pilgrims Hospices.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at Pilgrims Hospices.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at Pilgrims Hospices.
