Dr. Nikhil Nanjappa

Dr. Nikhil Nanjappa

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drnikhilnanjappa@gmail.com

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Portfolio Pathway (CESR) UK support programme for Neurosurgery registration

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Tailored Support for Aspiring Consultants

Overview

The Portfolio Pathway (CESR) in Neurosurgery allows surgeons trained outside the UK to achieve GMC specialist registration by demonstrating equivalence to a UK CCT-trained neurosurgeon. This pathway requires strong evidence of operative competence, management of complex neurological conditions, critical care involvement, and multidisciplinary decision-making.

Who is eligible?

– Neurosurgeons with 5–10+ years of surgical training or consultant-level experience
– Independent operative experience in neurosurgery
– Exposure to emergency and elective neurosurgical cases
– Involvement in teaching, audit, and clinical governance

This model is built for every doctor who wants a structured, achievable route to UK Specialist Registration.

What are the testimonials from previous participants?

Success Stories

This was the best course I have ever attended for CESR. Mr. Nanjappa is a genius and a master of his craft. He explained everything in a clear and concise manner, and gave us invaluable tips and tricks. He also provided us with a lot of resources and support. I feel much more confident and motivated after attending his workshop. I highly recommend this course to anyone who is serious about CESR.

“Mr. Nanjappa is an amazing teacher and mentor. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience in CESR, and he shared it with us generously. He was very approachable and friendly, and answered all our questions patiently. He also gave us honest and constructive feedback on our portfolios and interviews. He made the whole process seem easy and fun. I learned a lot from him and I am very grateful for his guidance.”

“I attended Mr. Nanjappa’s workshop after struggling with my CESR application for months. I was feeling lost and frustrated, and I didn’t know where to start or what to do. But after attending his workshop, everything changed. He showed me the right way to approach CESR, and he gave me a clear plan and direction. He also inspired me with his success story and his passion for general surgery. He is a true role model and a leader in his field. I am so glad I joined his programme.”

Evidence Required

Operative Experience:

– Structured logbook of neurosurgical procedures
– Evidence of progression to independent operating
– Core procedures (craniotomy, tumour surgery, trauma, spinal surgery)

Cranial Neurosurgery:

– Brain tumour surgery
– Intracranial hemorrhage management
– Trauma (TBI, decompressive craniectomy)

Spinal Neurosurgery:

– Degenerative spine disease
– Spinal trauma
– Disc surgery and decompression

Neurocritical Care:

– ICU management of neurosurgical patients
– ICP monitoring
– Ventilation and neurological monitoring

Evidence Required

Clinical Practice:

– Outpatient clinics
– Inpatient and perioperative care
– Emergency neurosurgical decision-making

Multidisciplinary Team (MDT):

– Neuro-oncology MDT participation
– Collaboration with neurology, oncology, ICU teams
– Documentation of clinical decisions

Procedural Skills:

– Ventricular drain insertion
– Lumbar drain
– Advanced neurosurgical techniques

Teaching & Training:

– Teaching junior doctors and trainees
– Structured sessions with feedback

Evidence Required

Audit & Quality Improvement:

– Completed audits (cycle preferred)
– Clinical governance and outcomes monitoring

Additional Details

What makes CESR in Neurosurgery challenging?

– High expectations for operative competence and complexity
– Requirement for both cranial and spinal exposure
– Documentation of high-risk decision-making
– Evidence of ICU and MDT involvement

Common reasons applications fail

– Poorly structured operative logbooks
– Limited evidence of independent operating
– Missing neurocritical care documentation
– Weak audit and governance evidence

Approach

How Dr Nikhil Nanjappa supports you

– Structured portfolio planning aligned with UK neurosurgery standards
– Detailed operative logbook review
– Guidance on documenting complex surgical and ICU cases
– One-to-one mentorship throughout CESR preparation

Timeline

Timeline and strategy

– Initial eligibility assessment
– 3–6 months of structured documentation building
– Final review and submission preparation

Most candidates complete preparation within 6–12 months.

Introducing Your Doctor

About Dr. Nikhil Nanjappa

  • Consultant GI & Colorectal Surgeon
  • UK-trained; among the youngest to complete FRCS & CESR
  • Lead, Department of Gastroenterology & Colorectal Surgery – Avant BKG Hospitals, Mysore
  • Founder of the international Portfolio Pathway Support Programme
  • Has mentored nearly 100 doctors worldwide
  • Deep expertise in curriculum mapping, portfolio structuring & GMC evidence standards
  • Known for delivering honest, practical, highly personalised mentorship
Get in Touch

Contact Dr. Nikhil Nanjappa

Gastro Gynae Clinic

Gokulam, Mysore | Avant BKG Hospitals, Mysore

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Frequently Asked Question's

What is CESR in Neurosurgery?

CESR is a pathway for neurosurgeons to gain UK specialist registration by demonstrating equivalent competencies to UK-trained consultants.

Can I apply without UK experience?

Yes, but your evidence must reflect UK standards of practice.

Do I need both cranial and spinal experience?

Yes, exposure to both areas is important.

Is ICU experience required?

Yes, neurocritical care is a key component.

What procedures must I demonstrate?

Craniotomy, spinal surgery, and emergency neurosurgical procedures are essential.

Is audit required?

Yes, audit and quality improvement are essential.

Can I apply while working overseas?

Yes, many applicants prepare their CESR portfolio outside the UK.