If you’re reading this, the unfortunate truth is that it’s already too late for your last application. But it’s still okay, don’t dwell on it. It’s time to be honest with yourself and focus on what’s next. The good news? It’s not too late for your next application. Yes, your last application didn’t go through […]
Failed To Get A ST3 Or CST NTN? Here Is What To Do Next Read More »
Choosing your medical specialty is easily one of the hardest decisions you’ll ever make after committing to medical school. It is a life-defining moment. My suggested approach is borrowed from the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai. Ikigai is interpreted as finding your reason for being. Here are some simple steps. 1. What Do You Love? Start
Simple steps for choosing your medical specialty Read More »
I’ve distilled the UK surgical skill competency levels into three simple categories based on my personal experience: Level 1–2: The Beginner/ Novice (House Officer/ Junior Registrar)Doesn’t know where to cut, what to cut, or, most importantly, what not to cut. Level 3: The Amateur (Registrar)Has learnt where to cut, what to cut, and crucially, what
ISCP UK Surgical Skill Competency Levels – simplified: Read More »
What is Core Surgical Training? Core Surgical Training (CST) is a two-year programme designed to provide early-stage doctors with essential surgical skills and knowledge. It serves as the initial step into surgical specialty training in the UK. Overseen by the Royal Colleges of Surgery, CST involves a competitive national recruitment process managed by Health Education
Should You Pursue Core Surgical Training? Key Considerations and Alternatives Read More »
Entering specialty training in the UK has become more challenging over the years, as seen in the annually published competition ratios by Health Education England (HEE). For instance, applications for GP training rose from 5,166 in 2019 (with a competition ratio of 1.34:1) to 15,036 in 2024 (3.67:1). But what do these numbers signify, and
Rising Competition in UK Surgical Specialties and How to Maximise Your Chances Read More »
The truth of the matter is that training to become a medical consultant takes many years. Starting from medical school, it typically requires at least 15 years in the best-case scenario (Fig 1), though this is rarely the case. Between life events, identifying your specialist interest, and building a portfolio for your chosen specialty, the
The Fast Track Pathway to CCT as UK Consultant: Parallel or Serial Medical Career Paths Read More »
The portfolio station is the quintessential interview question for any UK clinical job. Performing at your best to score the highest in the portfolio interview station is guaranteed with preparation. While some basic questions are common across all portfolio stations, the key to success lies in crafting responses that reflect your unique personality and experiences.
Ace the Portfolio Interview Station: A Guide to Common Questions Read More »
Communication stations test your ability to handle difficult conversations with patients, their next of kin, or colleagues while working as a trainee in NHS. This scenario shows you how this interview station can play out. Use it as a learning and reflection tool for your own practice. Scenario: The patient, Mr. Button, is a 25-year-old
Pass ST3 Interview Communication Station: Realistic Examples to Learn from Read More »
We will review two clinical management interview sample simulations. One has gone well, and the other has gone sideways. This is meant to help you reflect on your own interview approach, identify what to keep doing, what to avoid and what to improve for your ST3 interview. Vascular Surgery Clinical Management Scenario – Interview done
Pass ST3 Interview Clinical Management Station: Realistic Examples to Learn from… Part 2 Read More »
We will review two clinical management interview sample simulations. One has gone well, and the other has gone sideways. This is meant to help you reflect on your own interview approach, identify what to keep doing, what to avoid and what to improve for your ST3 interview. General Surgery Clinical Management Scenario – Interview gone
