Updated principles of selection to surgical training

from ISCP Website

Principles:

1. Selection from F2 will be into surgery (themed and generic programmes) will be denoted by an NTN (S) surgery .
2. Numbers in ST1 will equal numbers required in ST2 onwards across all specialties .
3. In principle, all trainees entering ST1 will gain entry to a specialist programme and an NTN in their defined specialty if they pass all competence assessments satisfactorily and do not change their specialty preference .
4. Gaps that occur in-year will be filled by competitive selection from eligible trainees undertaking time limited training contracts.
5. Trainees can indicate a specialty (i.e. T&O, ENT) preference when applying from F2 to ST1.
6. ST1 will comprise a mixture of themed and generic programmes to meet trainee aspirations where possible.
7. Local selection processes via schools of surgery will attempt to match trainee aspirations to themed programmes.
8. Trainees in themed programmes will be asked to reaffirm their specialty preference at the end of ST2 (ENT - ST1) .
9. Trainees in generic programmes will be asked to identify their specialty at the end of ST1.
10. Trainees who successfully complete competencies in ST1 will move seamlessly into ST2.
11. Successful completion in ST2 will confirm an NTN in a defined specialty e.g. NTN (T&O).
12. A second competitive process may be required to obtain an NTN in the specialty of choice.
13. Current SHOs will need to match their applications to person specifications for posts in ST2 and ST3.
14. The CCT will in the future equate to being able to manage a significant proportion of the elective work within a specialty and the ability to undertake the primary management of emergencies.
15. A test of knowledge may be considered as part of the short listing process for selection (The MRCS part I is recommended to be taken in ST1).
16. A face-to-face interview will be a requirement for the selection process.
17. Selection centers: It is recognised that the evaluation process may be developed to include a series of stations for the objective assessment of professional skills.
18. The Profession will need to design scoring and weighting systems which are standardised across surgical specialties.
Additional notes:
* The MRCS exam will be revised to 2 parts, rather than 3
The preference for arrangement of programmes is:
ST1 – 3 x 4-month placements
ST2 – 2 x6-month placements

Source

ISCP Website