Introduction
The work of a General Surgeon varies widely. It covers surgery involving the gastrointestinal tract from the oesophagus to the anus, organ transplants, breasts, and trauma. Most General Surgeons in the UK subspecialise in one specific area, but they must maintain general skills as they typically participate in the emergency surgical services.
General Surgery is one of the largest surgical specialties in the UK. Fortunately, that means lower levels of competition compared to other surgical specialties, but make no mistake, it is still competitive.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in General Surgery in the UK as an IMG, we’re covering it all in this comprehensive guide.
The steps to work in the UK
These are the general steps for any IMG to work in the UK:
- Determine your long-term goal
- Get registered with the GMC
- Find a suitable job
- Obtain a work visa
- Start work
It is possible to do steps 2 & 3 simultaneously depending on the type of job. It is also possible to interchange steps 2 and 3 by finding a job first, and obtaining GMC registration after you’ve received a job offer as long as the employer agrees to this in advance.
We also have a short course where we explain how it is possible to get into UK training in 2 years time. Enrol now for free.
Determining your long-term goal
Before you can set out on our journey, you really need to determine your long-term goal. This is the step that many IMGs skip and as a result, they end up taking a sad long winding road.
So before you continue reading, pause for a minute to answer this question: what do you want to get out of coming to the UK?
There are 3 main choices when it comes to clinical work:
- Become a recognised UK Consultant General Surgeon
- Whether you want to stay in the UK long-term or migrate elsewhere after, is up to you.
- Work long-term as a General Surgeon in the UK without becoming a recognised Consultant
- Complete a UK General Surgery fellowship/gain UK experience then return home
What is the answer for you?
By answering this question early on, you can save yourself the wasted time and money spent following a pathway that does not lead to your end-goal.
Other options
Of course, there are other options such as pursuing a career in research, medical education, pharmaceuticals, hospital management etc. However, these careers are not covered in this article. This article, and the entire Savvy IMG blog for that matter, deals mainly with clinical careers.
How to reach your long-term goal
The good thing about the UK, is that the pathways are flexible and there are a lot of options. But that is also why it is so confusing.
Here I’ll go through each of the 3 possible long-term goals in more detail.
Goal #1 – Become a recognised UK Consultant General Surgeon
If you want to be recognised as a Consultant General Surgeon in the UK, and be eligible to apply for permanent Consultant posts in the NHS, you need to be on the GMC specialist register.
You can enter the specialist register via 3 possible routes:
These 3 routes differ by how much of the UK General Surgery residency programme (specialty training) you complete.
CCT route
This route involves completing the 2-year UK core surgical training programme (CST)* and the 6-year UK General Surgery higher surgical training programme. Upon completion of the full 8 years of UK training, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in General Surgery.
The CCT route is best for new graduates, those who have not already completed postgraduate training in surgery, or those who are not considered overqualified.
Click image to enlarge
CCT route
This route involves completing the 2-year UK core surgical training programme (CST)* and the 6-year UK General Surgery higher surgical training programme. Upon completion of the full 8 years of UK training, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in General Surgery.
The CCT route is best for new graduates, those who have not already completed postgraduate training in their target specialty, or those who are not considered overqualified.
Click image to enlarge
*If you have more than 18 months experience in any surgical specialty after internship anywhere in the world, then you will be deemed overqualified for Core Surgery CT1 and cannot pursue the CCT route.
In these circumstances, you must pursue either the CESR-CP or CESR routes described below to become a UK Consultant.
Suitable first jobs for this route
Before you can start UK Core Surgical Training, you need 24 months clinical experience. This includes 12 months of internship, and 12 months post-internship. Your experience can be in any specialty as long as you don’t exceed the limits stated above.
If you have not completed internship overseas, then your only option is to join the 2-year UK Foundation Programme as a first job.
If you have already completed internship overseas, the most suitable first jobs for this route include non-training FY2, Standalone FY2, WAST, or any SHO level post in any specialty. Any of these jobs will help you gain the 12-months post-internship experience required before starting CT1 Core Surgery.
Related:
UK internship (Foundation Programme) open to all IMGs for 2020
10 reasons why you should apply to WAST
Standalone FY2: Your chances as an IMG and how to optimise your application
CESR-CP route
If you do not complete UK Core Surgical Training, but enter the General Surgery higher surgical training programme, then you are on the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration Combined Programme (CESR-CP) route.
The usual entry point into training is at ST3 (specialty training year 3), so you would end up completing 6 years of the General Surgery training programme.
The CESR-CP route is best for IMGs who already have some experience or training in surgery and are considered overqualified for Core Surgery.
According to new GMC rules, those on the CESR-CP route who complete at least 5 years of UK training in General Surgery will still be awarded CCT. If you complete less than 5 years of UK training, you will be awarded CESR.
CESR-CP route
If you do not complete UK Core Surgical Training, but enter the General Surgery higher surgical training programme, then you are on the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration Combined Programme (CESR-CP) route.
The usual entry point into training is at ST3 (specialty training year 3), so you would end up completing 6 years of the General Surgery training programme.
The CESR-CP route is best for IMGs who already have some experience or training in surgery and are considered overqualified for Core Surgery.
According to new GMC rules, those on the CESR-CP route who complete at least 5 years of UK training in General Surgery will still be awarded CCT. If you complete less than 5 years of UK training, you will be awarded CESR.
Suitable first jobs for this route
If you are overqualified for Core Surgical Training, then you can start by applying for non-training junior-grade surgical positions such as CT1, SHO, or junior clinical fellow posts. Through these posts, you can work on the requirements needed to apply for ST3.
If you have more than 3 years of experience, you could apply for non-training middle-grade positions such as specialty doctor, senior clinical fellow, and registrar posts. Again, through these posts, you can work on the requirements needed to apply for ST3.
Just a word of caution, if you start your first job at middle-grade level, it is recommended that you arrange an adjustment period of working at a junior level for a short period before stepping up to middle-grade responsibilities.
Related:
CESR route (AKA Article 14)
If you do not complete any part of the official UK General Surgery residency programme, you can still be recognised as a Consultant by providing proof (ie. documentation), that you have the equivalent experience and training.
This experience and training can be from overseas, from the UK, or a combination of the two.
The CESR route is best for those who have completed training and have been practising as a Consultant for at least a few years, or those who have completed residency and do not wish to repeat their training.
CESR stands for Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration.
CESR route (AKA Article 14)
If you do not complete any part of the official UK General Surgery residency programme, you can still be recognised as a Consultant by providing proof (ie. documentation), that you have the equivalent experience and training.
This experience and training can be from overseas, from the UK, or a combination of the two.
The CESR route is best for those who have completed training and have been practising as a Consultant for at least a few years, or those who have completed residency and do not wish to repeat their training.
CESR stands for Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration.
Suitable first jobs for this route
If you have already completed General Surgery training overseas, you can apply for posts such as senior clinical fellow, registrar, and specialty doctor.
If you have worked as a specialist for many years, you can even apply for locum Consultant jobs.
Through these posts, you can work on the documents you need for CESR. It’s critical that you find a department that will support your plans to apply for CESR. I recommend making your goals clear at the job interview.
What documentation do you need to provide for CESR?
The GMC and Joint Committee on Surgical Training (JCST) have specific guidance for the requirements for CESR. You can find the updated list of requirements here:
Related: How to become a UK specialist without entering a UK training programme
Equivalence
In the UK, all 3 routes CCT, CESR-CP and CESR, are seen as equivalent. You will be recognised as a UK Consultant General Surgeon via any of these 3 routes.
But please be aware that this may not be the case overseas. Some countries do not accept CESR as equivalent to CCT, so if you plan to migrate after becoming a UK Consultant, be sure to check with the medical authority of that country first.
Goal #2 – Work long-term as a General Surgeon in the UK without becoming a recognised Consultant
Not all doctors aspire to work as a Consultant, the responsibilities are significant and some doctors find the role unattractive.
If you don’t want to become a Consultant, rest assured that you can still work as a General Surgeon in the UK with decent pay and a good work-life balance.
However, do be aware that you may have less operating time compared to Consultants and trainees. This varies from hospital to hospital.
What positions can you work in?
You can apply to any position you feel you are qualified for according to your previous experience and the job description. Potential job titles include clinical fellow or specialty doctor.
It is also possible to apply for locum consultant jobs. Locum consultant posts do not require you to be on the GMC Specialist Register.
Whatever job you start with, you can always seek promotion with the same employer or apply for more senior positions as you gain more experience.
Related:
What if you want to become a Consultant eventually?
This is possible. Most General Surgeons in this position go through the CESR route.
Goal #3 – Complete fellowship in the UK then return home
Many doctors wish to gain experience and training in the UK in order to better serve their patients back home. If this is something you’re interested in, there are a few ways to do this.
Join a programme that will find a job for you
The main programme available for surgery is the International Surgical Training Programme (ISTP). It is designed for IMGs who have some surgical experience but have not yet completed their full surgical training.
Read more about the programme through these links:
Apply for an established fellowship position
The Senior Clinical Fellowship Scheme is for doctors who have completed their full surgical training and wish to subspecialise further. It is meant to aid the transition from trainee to Consultant.
In order to apply, you need to contact the responsible Consultant to find out if there is a vacancy and request an application form.
The list of General Surgery fellowships can be found here:
Find a job yourself on the NHS jobs website
Jobs on the NHS website will range from junior to senior level. You will need to review the job title and job description to determine whether it is suitable for you and your goals.
The steps for this are pretty simple:
- Visit the NHS Jobs website
- Search “general surgery fellow” or your preferred subspecialty like “transplant surgery fellow”
- Apply to jobs you like and are suitable for
- Once you have been accepted for a job, apply for GMC registration (please note, some jobs require you to have GMC registration before applying.)
Fish for a fellowship
If there is a specific Consultant who you would like to do a fellowship with or a specific centre that you would like to gain experience at and you can’t find a job opening anywhere, it’s worth sending a direct email to inquire about a possible fellowship.
Be sure to include a well-formatted up-to-date CV and a convincing cover letter about why you want to work with them and how you can be an asset to them as a fellow.
GMC registration for short-term training
You still need GMC registration to work in the UK as a doctor, even if you don’t plan to stay here long-term.
To gain GMC registration, you can use any of the methods already mentioned above: PLAB, MRCS, FRCS/JSCFE, RCS GMC Sponsorship, or CESR.
The registration you can gain is permanent and will not be revoked after the fellowship.
Work visas for a UK fellowship
To obtain a visa to work in the UK as a fellow, there are 2 options:
- Tier 5 temporary work visa (maximum 24 months in the UK on this type of visa) – this is done through RCS OR
- Tier 2 standard work visa (no maximum period) – this is done through the hospital you’ll be working at
After completing your fellowship training and gaining UK experience, you simply return home after the job contract ends.
General Surgery residency in the UK
Let’s talk a bit more about the UK General Surgery training programme.
It is 8 years long in total. Throughout the 8 years you will be seeing patients in clinics, managing emergencies overnight and on weekends, attending teaching sessions and conferences, and of course, performing surgery.
In most programmes, you will rotate to a new hospital every 6-12 months throughout all 8 years.
You will be paid a salary while you are training.
Related: How much do doctors in specialty training (residency) earn in the UK?
Programme structure
Specialty training in General Surgery is classified as an “uncoupled” training programme because it consists of 2 applications:
- Core Surgery (2 years), followed by
- General Surgery (6 years)
The training years of Core Surgery are numbered CT1 (Core Training year 1) for the first year, and CT2 (Core Training year 2) for the second year. General Surgery training is numbered ST3 (Specialty Training year 3), and each year the number goes up until the final year ST8. The final 2 years of training are generally spent in a subspecialty.
There are some “run-through” General Surgery training pilot programmes being trialled. Run-through means you only need to apply once. If successful, you will complete the full 8 years without an additional second application for ST3.
Related: How specialty training (residency) works in the UK: A complete beginner’s guide
Exams
The 2 official exams for UK General Surgery training are MRCS and FRCS General Surgery.
- MRCS – This exam has 2 parts, a written test (Part A) and a practical exam (Part B). Doctors must pass both parts before they can apply for ST3 General Surgery.
- Read about MRCS here
- FRCS General Surgery– This is the exit exam. It also has 2 parts, a written test (Section 1), and a practical/oral exam (Section 2). General Surgery residents must pass both parts by the end of ST8. Most trainees tend to take these exams around ST6.
- Read about FRCS General Surgery here
Applying for UK Core Surgery
Core Surgery CT1 - Entry requirements
- Full GMC registration by the time you start ST1
- 24 months clinical experience by the time you start ST1
- This includes 12 months of internship + 12 months after internship.
- F2 competences or CREST (Certificate of Readiness to Enter Specialty Training)
These are the basic requirements. Please see the CT1 Core Surgery person specifications for the full requirements.
Core Surgery CT1 - Restrictions
If you have more than 18 months surgical experience after internship then you will be deemed overqualified for Core Surgery.
Core Surgery CT1 - Competition
Competition is typically expressed as a ratio. This is calculated by the number of applicants divided by the number of available posts.
Eg. If there are 600 posts for Core Surgery, and 1,200 applicants, then the competition ratio is 2.
Here are the competition ratios for Core Surgery CT1 over the past 5 years:
| 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
| Core Surgery | 2.31 | 2.53 | 2.56 | 2.94 | 2.93 |
I would consider a competition ratio of less than 2 as having low to moderate competition, between 2-4 as highly competitive, and a competition ratio of more than 4 as extremely competitive.
Core Surgery CT1 - Application Timeline
Applications open once a year and are submitted through the website Oriel. The exact dates are released each year but the general timeline is as follows:
| November | Applications open |
| January | Interview |
| February | Results are released |
| April | Deadline for final paperwork |
| August | Start of training |
Take note: in the UK residency application process, you make a single application for the whole UK. You do not apply to individual hospitals.
If you want to learn more about how residency applications work in the UK, check out this essential guide: What IMGs need to know about applications to specialty training in the UK
Applying for UK General Surgery Training (residency)
ST3 - Entry requirements
- Validated logbook of surgical procedures
- Portfolio of assessments relevant to the Core Surgery curriculum
- Certificate of Readiness to Enter Higher Surgical Training
- Membership of Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS)
These are the basic requirements. Please see the ST3 General Surgery person specifications for the full requirements.
ST3 - Restrictions
There are currently no strict experience limits for General Surgery however, applicants with less than 48 months experience in General Surgery are preferred. This is listed as part of the desirable criteria. This means, if there are lots of applicants, then applications from those with more than 48 months experience in General Surgery will be rejected.
So if you already have extensive training and experience in General Surgery, just be aware that there is a possibility that you may not get a place in ST3. If this happens, be prepared to go through the CESR route instead.
ST3 - Competition
Competition is typically expressed as a ratio. This is calculated by the number of applicants divided by the number of available posts.
Eg. If there are 220 posts for General Surgery, and 440 applicants, then the competition ratio is 2.
Unfortunately, the competition ratio for ST3 General Surgery over the past 4 years has always been grouped with Vascular Surgery so it doesn’t give you a clear picture of the competition, but at least it’s an idea. In general, it is one of the surgical specialties with lower competition.
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
| General Surgery & Vascular Surgery | 1.68 | 1.48 | 1.54 | 2.16 |
I would consider a competition ratio of less than 2 as having low to moderate competition, between 2-4 as highly competitive, and a competition ratio of more than 4 as extremely competitive.
ST3 - Application Timeline
Applications open once a year and are submitted through the website Oriel. The exact dates are released each year but the general timeline is as follows:
| End of Jan – Mid Feb | Applications open |
| April | Interview |
| 2-3 week later | Results are released |
| August | Start of training |
Take note: in the UK residency application process, you make a single application for the whole UK. You do not apply to individual hospitals.
If you want to learn more about how residency applications work in the UK, check out this essential guide: What IMGs need to know about applications to specialty training in the UK
Further information about applications
- Official website for information about CT1 Core Surgery applications
- Official website for information about ST3 General Surgery applications
- Oriel – Website where you apply including user guide and FAQs
If you have any questions about applying fore Core Surgery please contact the recruitment office.
If you have any questions about applying for ST3 General Surgery, you can use the form here.
Is it difficult to get into UK General Surgery training?
It is difficult to get into surgical training. This is the same all over the world and it’s no different in the UK. But of course, there will always be a place for those who work hard and prepare well.
For Core Surgery, there are approximately 630 vacancies throughout the UK each year and around 1,800 applicants.
At ST3 level, there are around 200 jobs nationwide each year and approximately 400 applicants. General Surgery is one of the less competitive surgical training programmes to enter, but it is still competitive and will require hard work to succeed.
A golden opportunity for IMGs
In the past, surgical careers were almost closed to IMGs unless you found a way to work around the immigration rules. However, as of October 2019, immigration laws changed in a way that meant that UK graduates are no longer prioritised for training posts.
This means that IMGs will be considered equally alongside UK graduates, and the only determining factor of success is the application score.
No doubt it is still difficult, but now the doors are open for IMGs so it’s best to make the most of this golden opportunity while it lasts!
Related: 9 ways the new Shortage Occupation List affects IMGs dreaming of UK specialty training
How do I improve my chances of success?
Although getting into surgical training in the UK is competitive, of course, it’s not impossible. To succeed with your application, you’ll need to maximise your application score.
There are 2 components to the application score:
- Your CV/portfolio
- Your interview performance
Do well in these 2 areas and you will have a decent chance of landing a spot.
Related: 8 tips to succeed when applying for UK specialty training
GMC registration for General Surgeons
So now you’ve decided on your long-term goal, you need to think about how you’re going to gain registration with the General Medical Council (GMC).
The GMC are the medical authority in the UK. To work as a doctor here, you need to be registered with them. There are no exemptions to this no matter how much experience you have or where you come from. Every doctor working in the UK needs GMC registration.
How do you obtain GMC registration?
You’ll first need to create a GMC online account. You can find instructions on how to open an account here.
You’ll then need to submit an application for full registration. These are the requirements for an application:
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, OET or other)
- EPIC verification of your medical degree
- +/- EPIC verification of your FRCS/MRCS certificate (if you have one)
- +/- Internship certificate (if going through the PLAB route)
- +/- Certificate of good standing (if you are registered as a doctor anywhere else in the world)
Read more about the requirements for GMC registration in detail here.
On top of the above requirements, you need to provide proof of your clinical skills and knowledge. There are 5 options to do this for General Surgery.
PLAB
The PLAB exam is set at the level of a doctor who has completed internship. It is most suitable for IMGs who have not yet completed postgraduate training in Psychiatrists, however, it can also be taken by those who are already specialists. In most cases, it is the quickest and least expensive route.
MRCS
The MRCS exams are aimed at doctors who have completed junior surgical residency (usually 1-2 years), although it’s possible to pass MRCS with just internship experience. If you pass MRCS, then you can bypass PLAB.
FRCS/JSCFE
The FRCS and JSCFE exams are aimed at doctors who have completed a full surgical training programme and are ready to be Consultants. This exam will allow you to bypass PLAB.
RCS Sponsorship/MTI
You can gain GMC registration without PLAB, MRCS, FRCS of JSCFE if you can obtain sponsorship through the Royal College of Surgeons.
CESR
If you have already been practising as a specialist for many years, you can try applying for direct recognition as a Consultant via the CESR route. This is a difficult and tedious process that can take years to complete but it’s an options for IMGs without PLAB, MRCS/FRCS, or sponsorship. You can read more about it below under the section “Become a recognised UK Consultant General Surgeon”
Finding a suitable first job
There are 2 main questions to consider when looking for a suitable first job.
- Do you have the right training and experience for the job?
- You will find detailed information about the roles and responsibilities of the job in the job description. Read these carefully to decide whether you are suited for the post.
- Will it lead to your long-term goal?
- There is no point working in a job that will jeopardise your long-term goal.
- Read below to figure out the overall pathway and for tips on what a suitable first job would be in each pathway.
Related: UK doctor titles 101, The best first job in the UK for overseas doctors
You can also identify the most suitable first job by considering which route you are pursuing.
CCT Route
You need to make sure you meet the requirement for 24 months clinical experience in order to apply for surgical training. If you haven’t completed internship overseas, then you need to apply for 2-year UK Foundation Programme starting with FY1.
If you have already completed internship overseas, you can apply for either Standalone FY2 or a non-training job in any specialty.
Just be sure not to exceed the experience limits for your target specialty, otherwise you become ineligible for the CCT route.
CESR-CP Route
Middle grade posts including registrar, specialty doctor, and senior clinical fellow are helpful for this route provided you are given an adjustment period so you can gradually settle into your role.
CESR Route
You can apply for locum consultant or specialty doctor posts in departments that are supportive of your plans to pursue CESR.
Visas and immigration
Most IMGs will need to apply for a work visa. With this type of visa, you can bring your family to the UK as well. Family means spouse and children, it does not include parents, siblings or other relatives.
After 5 years in the UK on a Tier 2 visa, you can apply for permanent residence AKA Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). After one year with ILR, you can apply for British citizenship.
Recommended books
Day-to-day clinical reference
- Oxford Handbook of Clinical Surgery
- Oxford Handbook of Operative Surgery
- The Mont Reid Surgical Handbook
Interview preparation
For both training and non-training jobs
Need more guidance?
All of this may be overwhelming and difficult initially but it doesn’t have to be. Start preparing early so you have time to take things slowly and plan out each step.
Just know that if you’re really struggling, then you don’t have to be alone. We run an online course called IMGs for UK ST1/CT1 Masterclass where we simplify the whole process.
You’ll get a step-by-step video series that you can watch at your own pace, providing you with a clear winning strategy to achieve the highest application score you can and increase your chances of getting a training job.
Visit our IMG Masterclass page for more information.
12 Responses
What are the available post cct (GS) fellowships?
There are many, please see the section above on Fellowships.
If after my medical school and internship, I do MRCS (both parts) without undergoing residency in surgery in my home country, then will I be able to score a seat at st3 level?
Will I get a non training job in surgery for a year ? Then after that job at st3level?
Hi there, no I’m afraid not. Please see this article for more details https://thesavvyimg.co.uk/once-i-hold-full-mrcp-or-mrcs-i-can-skip-core-training-right/
It can get quite confusing so if you are looking for one-to-one guidance for your specific personal circumstances, you might be interested in booking a session to discuss your options. For more details, please visit our page here.
https://calendly.com/drkimberlytan
I look forward to speaking with you!
Kimberly
Does working as a doctor with no specialty and only working as a GP count as experience after internship? Or does it have to be in a specialty?
It doesn’t need to be in a specific specialty however the CREST guidance states the experience after internship needs to be:
a) 12 months full time satisfactory completion in posts approved for the purposes of medical education by the relevant authority or
b) 12 months full time experience at a publicly funded hospital in at least two specialties with acute medical responsibilities
If your experience is only in an outpatient clinic then it’s unlikely to be accepted.
If you are looking for one-to-one guidance for your specific personal circumstances, you might be interested in booking a session to discuss your options. For more details, please visit our page here.
https://calendly.com/drkimberlytan
Best of luck!
Hi Nick,
About to complete my surgical residency in India and have completed my MRCS,
How can I grab a fellowship in the sub speciality of my choice at this step
Could you please guide me what route to take
Hi Vedant! You can get GMC registration with MRCS and apply for jobs. Please see the heading above “Goal #3 – Complete fellowship in the UK then return home” for the different ways to do this. Good luck!
Hello Nick, I am currently undergoing a sponsored MRCS training program in India and I wish to undergo specialty training in General surgery.I have been offered the option of working in the UK via the MTI after the completion of my training here, to familiarize myself with the NHS. My queries are as follows:
1)Can an IMG apply for ST3 level jobs or a surgical specialty training course while working under the MTI provided he acquires the adequate portfolio or is that person allowed only a maximum of 24 months training before returning to his/her home country without the options of further choosing a non training or a training program?
2)Should i apply for a job under the NHS as per my qualification after my MRCS instead of trying via the MTI?
Thank you in advance.
Hi there! 1. I don’t think there are any rules against this, many IMGs have applied for training or non-training jobs while still doing MTI. Just check with your MTI contract. 2. You can try that while applying for MTI, it doesn’t have to be one or the other. Why not try both and see how it goes? All the best!
Hi Nick. I finished ENT residency in the Philippines and would like to do ENT residency all over again in the UK (I don’t mind). Just a few questions:
1. Does this mean I can go for the CESR-CP route? I prefer this route to CESR because I have qualms about the CESR route not being equivalent to CCT.
2. Does my finishing ENT residency in the Philippines translate to better chances of getting accepted into an ENT residency program in the UK?
3. I’d prefer to not take PLAB (forgot all of my general medicine knowledge already lol), is MRCS/FRCS also offered for ENT? Thanks.
Hi there! Thanks for your questions!
1. Yes, you’re overqualified for the CCT route so CESR-CP is only your option for entering training.
2. Not necessarily, your application will be penalised for having a lot of ENT experience already. Out of 100 points in the application score, you will automatically lose 20 points if you have more than 39 months and 7 days ENT experience. But you can try to make up for it in the other aspects of the portfolio and in the interview! You can view last year’s scoring system here https://www.yorksandhumberdeanery.nhs.uk/sites/default/files/otolaryngology_st3_candidate_self-assessment_guidance_2021_v2.pdf
3. You can do MRCS, it’s an entry requirement for ENT ST3 anyway so you’ll hit 2 birds with one stone. It’s the same exam for all surgical specialties.
Hope that helps! Best of luck!