Your blog category
A friend recently asked me how to make the most of their first ST3 placement. It prompted me to reflect on my own journey and consider the advice I’d give myself if I was starting again. Those early weeks can set the tone for your entire training year, getting it right from the start can […]
Your First 30 days as an ST3 Registrar in NHS placement: How to prepare 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 »
I had my first ARCP (Annual Review of Competency Progression) for my ST3 vascular training post in June 2024. This review came 10 months into my training and two months before my next placement. Naturally, I was anxious and eager to receive an outcome 1, which signifies satisfactory progress. Unfortunately, I wasn’t so lucky; instead,
Did I Really Fail My First ARCP? Understanding UK Annual Training Performance Review Read More »
First things first, my previous study strategy needed to be revised if I was to secure a passing grade on the MRCS part B resit. Despite falling by a narrow margin, it still wasn’t a pass, and I knew I required significant improvement. My first attempt was very independent, with minimal conferring. However, recognising the
Failed the MRCS Part B? How I Changed My Strategy and Passed My Resit Read More »
Reflecting on my first attempt at the MRCS Part B exam, I am reminded of a powerful truth – the same tactics that brought me success in the past do not guarantee it in the future. Working hard with the wrong strategy is a guarantee for failed outcomes. I learned this the hard way. My
Learning the Hard Way: Lessons Learned from Failing the MRCS Part B Exam Read More »
I’m thrilled to share insights from our recent publication, “Catalysing global surgery: a meta-research study on factors affecting surgical research collaborations with Africa.” The study was published in BMC Systematic Reviews and is a testament to my passion for enhancing global surgical collaboration, particularly with African institutions. The backdrop of our study is the stark
How can we increase global surgery and collaboration with Africa Read More »
