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 England (HEE). Trainees typically rotate through several surgical sub-specialties in four- to six-month placements, gaining broad exposure before selecting a preferred specialty at ST3. Some specialties, such as Neurosurgery and Cardiothoracic Surgery, offer run-through training from ST1/CT1, allowing trainees to focus on their chosen field from the start.
CST Advantages?
CST offers several benefits, particularly for junior doctors with limited experience:
- Exposure to Multiple Specialties: Rotating through various sub-specialties helps trainees make informed decisions about their future careers.
- Supportive Training Environment: Successful applicants through HEE are placed in hospitals dedicated to providing robust training opportunities to Senior House Officers (SHOs).
- Structured Curriculum: The programme follows a well-defined educational framework, which is not always guaranteed in non-training SHO roles.
- Higher ST3 Success Rate: Statistics show that CST graduates have an 80% success rate for entering Higher Surgical Training at ST3, compared to 20% for those applying directly via the Competency-based Recruitment using a Certificate of Readiness to Enter Higher Surgical Training (CREHST).
So what are the Alternatives?
CST is highly competitive, with a 2024 competition ratio of 5.25 compared to 3.84 in 2020. If you’re not successful in your application or ineligible due to having more than 18 months of surgical experience post-foundation training, there are alternatives:
- SHO Roles: Working as an SHO in a hospital with core trainees provides similar learning opportunities. You will share the same rota and access comparable training experiences.
- Rotational Junior Clinical Fellowships: Some hospitals offer rotational SHO jobs with 6-month placements in different surgical sub-specialities tailored as a CST alternative.
- Academic Pathways: Engaging in research or academic fellowships allows for surgical exposure while building a research portfolio, often with more flexible clinical demands.
- Leveraging Overseas Experience: For more experienced IMG applicants, gaining equivalent competencies in your home country before relocating to the UK can be beneficial. Once your experience matches or exceeds the ST3 level person specification, you can apply directly to ST3 training roles. This stage might actually be less competitive than CST application.
Choosing the Best Option for You?
Choosing the best pathway depends on your circumstances, career goals, and level of experience. While CST is an excellent foundational programme, there are other routes to successfully enter Higher Surgical Training in the UK. Additionally, certain programmes offer run-through training from ST1, so researching your desired specialty’s specific requirements is crucial.
Remember, success is achievable with the right preparation and strategy! Don’t let the competition ratios discourage you. Plan your career pathway early.