# The Immigrant Surgeon

> Advice on UK surgical training


## Posts

- [Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Lowering With Evolocumab and Outcomes in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease: Insights From the FOURIER Trial](https://imgsurgeon.com/low-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol-lowering-with-evolocumab-and-outcomes-in-patients-with-peripheral-artery-disease-insights-from-the-fourier-trial/): Authors: Bonaca MP et al.
- [Efficacy and safety of more intensive lowering of LDL cholesterol: a meta-analysis of data from 170,000 participants in 26 randomised trials](https://imgsurgeon.com/efficacy-and-safety-of-more-intensive-lowering-of-ldl-cholesterol-a-meta-analysis-of-data-from-170000-participants-in-26-randomised-trials/): Authors: C Baigent at al, Cholesterol Treatment Trialists’ (CTT) Collaboration 1; Lancet 2010 Nov 13;376(9753):1670-81.
- [Lessons from the First Year as a Vascular Surgery Trainee in UK & a “Failed” ARCP](https://imgsurgeon.com/lessons-from-the-first-year-as-a-vascular-surgery-trainee-in-uk-a-failed-arcp/): Another year and another outcome 51 in my ARCP2 to crown one of my hardest but also fulfilling years as a Surgical Trainee.
- [Your First 30 days as an ST3 Registrar in NHS placement: How to prepare](https://imgsurgeon.com/your-first-30-days-as-an-st3-registrar-in-nhs-placement-how-to-prepare/): A friend recently asked me how to make the most of their first ST3 placement.
- [Failed To Get A ST3 Or CST NTN? Here Is What To Do Next](https://imgsurgeon.com/failed-to-get-a-st3-or-cst-ntn-here-is-what-to-do-next/): 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.
- [Simple steps for choosing your medical specialty](https://imgsurgeon.com/simple-steps-for-choosing-your-medical-specialty/): 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.
- [ISCP UK Surgical Skill Competency Levels - simplified:](https://imgsurgeon.com/iscp-uk-surgical-skill-competency-levels-simplified/): Doesn’t know where to cut, what to cut, or, most importantly, what not to cut.
- [Should You Pursue Core Surgical Training? Key Considerations and Alternatives](https://imgsurgeon.com/should-you-pursue-core-surgical-training-key-considerations-and-alternatives/): What is Core Surgical Training?
- [Rising Competition in UK Surgical Specialties and How to Maximise Your Chances](https://imgsurgeon.com/rising-competition-in-uk-surgical-specialties-and-how-to-maximise-your-chances/): 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).
- [The Fast Track Pathway to CCT as UK Consultant: Parallel or Serial Medical Career Paths](https://imgsurgeon.com/the-fast-track-pathway-to-cct-as-uk-consultant-parallel-or-serial-medical-career-paths/): The truth of the matter is that training to become a medical consultant takes many years.
- [Ace the Portfolio Interview Station: A Guide to Common Questions](https://imgsurgeon.com/ace-the-portfolio-interview-station-a-guide-to-common-questions/): The portfolio station is the quintessential interview question for any UK clinical job.
- [Pass ST3 Interview Communication Station: Realistic Examples to Learn from](https://imgsurgeon.com/pass-st3-interview-communication-station-realistic-examples-to-learn-from/): Communication stations test your ability to handle difficult conversations with patients, their next of kin, or colleagues while working as a trainee in NHS.
- [Pass ST3 Interview Clinical Management Station: Realistic Examples to Learn from… Part 2](https://imgsurgeon.com/failed-st3-interview-clinical-management-station-realistic-examples-to-learn-from-part-2/): We will review two clinical management interview sample simulations. One has gone well, and the other has gone sideways.
- [Failed ST3 Interview Clinical Management Station: Realistic Examples to Learn from… Part 1](https://imgsurgeon.com/failed-st3-clinical-management-interview-station-realistic-examples-to-learn-from-part-1/): We will review two clinical management interview sample simulations. One has gone well, and the other has gone sideways.
- [Pass ST3 Interview Clinical Station: Realistic Examples to Learn from… Part 2](https://imgsurgeon.com/failed-st3-clinical-scenario-interview-station-real-life-examples-to-learn-from-part-2/): We will review 2 clinical scenario interview sample simulations. One has gone well, and the other has gone sideways.
- [Failed ST3 Interview Clinical Station: Realistic Examples to Learn from… Part 1](https://imgsurgeon.com/failed-st3-clinical-scenario-interview-station-realistic-examples-to-learn-from-part-1/): We will review two clinical scenario interview sample simulations. One has gone well, and the other has gone sideways.
- [General & Vascular Surgery ST3 Interview Prep Essentials: Clinical Scenario Station](https://imgsurgeon.com/general-vascular-surgery-st3-interview-prep-essentials-clinical-scenario-station/): The clinical scenario aims to evaluate your aptitude at the level of an ST3 registrar by judging your knowledge and response to a challenging clinical situation that you are likely to encounter on a busy on-call take in the NHS.
- [General & Vascular Surgery ST3 Interview Prep Essentials: All You Must Know](https://imgsurgeon.com/general-vascular-surgery-st3-interview-prep-all-you-must-know/): Building your portfolio, as discussed earlier, is essential to securing an interview. However, it’s only the first part of the recruitment shortlisting process.
- [Did I Really Fail My First ARCP? Understanding UK Annual Training Performance Review](https://imgsurgeon.com/did-i-really-fail-my-first-arcp-understanding-uk-annual-training-performance-review/): I had my first ARCP (Annual Review of Competency Progression) for my ST3 vascular training post in June 2024.
- [7 Powerful Principles and Strategies for Building Your NHS Portfolio](https://imgsurgeon.com/7-powerful-principles-and-strategies-for-building-your-nhs-portfolio/): With increasing competition for training jobs in the NHS, having a robust portfolio is not just a formality but a crucial tool for standing out in your applications and increasing your chances of securing your preferred job.
- [Building an Impressive ST3 Portfolio: Key Areas and Tips](https://imgsurgeon.com/building-an-impressive-st3-portfolio-key-areas-and-tips/): Creating a strong portfolio for your ST3 surgical training application involves proper forward- thinking and planning across several key areas.
- [ST3 Portfolio Building Essentials: Area 9 & 10: Clinician Leadership](https://imgsurgeon.com/st3-portfolio-building-essentials-area-9-10-clinician-leadership/): In summary, Areas 9 and 10 assess your ability to demonstrate leadership as a clinician.
- [ST3 Portfolio Building Essentials: Area 8: Higher degrees](https://imgsurgeon.com/st3-portfolio-building-essentials-area-8-higher-degrees/): This portfolio section evaluates whether you possess higher education degrees from the UK or their equivalents, specifically at the master's level and above.
- [ST3 Portfolio Building Essentials: Area 5 - 7: Research and Audit](https://imgsurgeon.com/st3-portfolio-building-essentials-area-5-7-research-and-audit/): In summary, Areas 5-7 focus on research publication experience, conference presentations, and audits/quality improvement projects, essential for demonstrating your research leadership potential.
- [ST3 Portfolio Building Essentials: Area 4: Demonstrating Surgical Skills](https://imgsurgeon.com/st3-portfolio-building-essentials-area-4-demonstrating-surgical-skills/): Another key portfolio area is the hands-on surgical experience in performing common procedures specific to your specialty.
- [ST3 Portfolio Building Essentials: Area 3: Surgical Specialties - A Diverse Exposure](https://imgsurgeon.com/st3-portfolio-building-essentials-area-3-surgical-specialties-a-diverse-exposure/): The performance assessment area takes into account the breadth and depth of your experience across different surgical disciplines.
- [ST3 Portfolio Building Essentials: Area 2: Specialization and Commitment](https://imgsurgeon.com/st3-portfolio-building-essentials-area-2-specialization-and-commitment-core-competency/): The Portfolio area 2 focuses on the depth of experience and commitment demonstrated by individuals within their area of specialization.
- [ST3 Portfolio Building Essentials: Area 1: Time spent in medicine post-foundation and The Paradox of Overqualification](https://imgsurgeon.com/st3-portfolio-building-essentials-area-1-time-spent-in-medicine-post-foundation-and-the-paradox-of-overqualification/): One crucial area of evaluation for those seeking a surgical training post is the amount of time spent in medicine post-foundation.
- [ST3 Portfolio Building Essentials: Part 1 - Basic Requirements](https://imgsurgeon.com/st3-portfolio-building-essentials-part-1-basic-requirements/): “Never mistake a clear view for a short distance”, Paul Saffo.
- [Failed the MRCS Part B? How I Changed My Strategy and Passed My Resit](https://imgsurgeon.com/failed-the-mrcs-part-b-how-i-changed-my-strategy-and-passed-my-resit/): 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.
- [Learning the Hard Way: Lessons Learned from Failing the MRCS Part B Exam](https://imgsurgeon.com/learning-the-hard-way-lessons-learned-from-failing-the-mrcs-part-b-exam/): 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.
- [How can we increase global surgery and collaboration with Africa](https://imgsurgeon.com/how-can-we-increase-global-surgery-and-collaboration-with-africa/): 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."
- [Fast-Track MRCS Part A prep protocol: Score > 80% in 1 month](https://imgsurgeon.com/fast-track-mrcs-part-a-prep-score-80-in-1-month/): As I look back on my journey towards passing the MRCS, it is now apparent that it began with a serendipitous decision to enrol in an online distance learning MSc in Surgical Sciences at the University of Edinburgh.
- [Boosting ST3 Surgical Training Applications: THE ODDS](https://imgsurgeon.com/boosting-st3-training-application-the-odds/): It’s a well-known fact that it is harder for IMG doctors not only to pass standardized UK medical exams such as the MRCS, but also to get into Higher Specialty training (HST).
- [Roadmap to CCT: How-To Guide for IMGs to Secure a UK Surgical ST3 NTN](https://imgsurgeon.com/how-to-get-st3-ntn/): The journey towards achieving a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in surgery requires a systematic approach.
- [CESR vs CCT: Alternative Surgical Training pathways](https://imgsurgeon.com/cesr-vs-cct/): There are two routes to becoming a consultant specialist in the UK.
- [From IMG to UK Surgeon: Unveiling the Journey](https://imgsurgeon.com/img-to-uk-surgeon/): 'What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.'

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