Guideline
New
Surgical Training
ST2 – ST3 Progression
Pathway
November ST2
2016toV6
Progression
ST3
th
(2016_2018)
26
May 2014
Date: To Appear Here
Surgical Training Pathway ST1 – ST8
Introduction
This document outlines the principles and practice of the ST2 to ST3 transition process for those
trainees who commenced Core Surgical Training in 2016.
A key feature of the new surgical training pathway is the principle that career progression is linked to
trainee performance. Performance, in turn, is measured by a robust and comprehensive assessment
process. A critical point for career progression is the transition from ST2 (i.e. end of Core Surgical
Training) to ST3 (start of Specialty Training). This transition from ST2 to ST3 is a competitive process
which is based on a clearly defined marking scheme.
Mark Weighting
A:
B:
600 - Performance in Core Surgical Training
400 - Specialty Interview
This document outlines the principles and practice of the ST2 to ST3 transition process.
A prerequisite for transition to ST3 is passing all parts of the MRCS or MRCS (ENT) examination. This
is an intercollegiate examination which is based on the Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Programme
and tests the knowledge and clinical skills required of trainees at the end of Core Surgical Training.
Trainees must have passed all parts of the MRCS or the *MRCS (ENT) before the date of interview for
ST3 selection.
* MRCS (ENT) is only applicable to Trainees who wish to pursue Otolaryngology as their Specialty in
ST3. MRCS (ENT) is awarded after successful completion of Part A MRCS combined with DO-HNS
Part 2.
All successful applicants must have a CST-Cert before commencing a ST3 post.
The marks for performance in Core Surgical Training are awarded on the basis of the completion of
mandatory work based assessments which take place on a regular, recurrent basis during Core
Surgical Training, along with the eLogbook and Trainee Assessment forms. These take place
a) In the workplace;
b) In RCSI.
For the purpose of selection to ST3 the marks attained during first 18 months of CST will form part
of the metrics that are assessed for ST3 progression along with competitive interview. Please note
Surgical Training Pathway diagram above.
Subject to change under ISPTC review criteria. 003/STP/ISPTC/2016/v6 2016_2018
5
a) Workplace assessments: there are 4 types of workplace assessments:
i. Supervised Structured Assessment of Operative Performance (SSAOP): this is an
assessment of the operative performance of the trainee undertaken by the consultant
trainer. (mandatory requirement)
ii. Structured Clinical Assessment (SCA): this is an assessment of the surgical trainee’s ability
to assess a clinical situation. The assessment may be performed on the ward, in the
outpatient clinic, in the Emergency Department or Intensive Care Unit.
(mandatory requirement)
iii. A logbook score is generated electronically for the logbook activity in each six month period.
(mandatory requirement scored)
iv. Trainer Assessment Reports: a consolidated trainer report is filed at the end of each six
month period by the Hospital based Programme Director for Core Surgical Training.
(scored once all mandatory elements completed)
b) RCSI Assessments: There are 4 RCSI assessments:
i.
MRCS or Do-HNS exam score (Part B)
ii.
Case Based Discussions School for Surgeons, 20 per year
iii.
Technical Skills Assessment: a formal assessment of technical and operative skills is
performed towards the end of ST1 (May) and just over mid-way during ST2 (February).
iv.
Human Factors Assessment: a formal assessment of human factors is performed using an
OSCE format towards the end of ST1 (May) and just over mid-way through ST2 (February).
Specialty ST3 Interview
The specialty interview is an integral part of the selection process for ST3. The interview will follow
a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format. The overall purpose of the interview is to assess the general
suitability of each candidate for progression to Specialty Training. The interview process is
designed to capture elements of suitability which have not previously been assessed in
Performance during Core Surgical Training or in the MRCS or MRCS (ENT) examination. The MMI
format will be used to give a comprehensive assessment of a wider range of general suitability
characteristics.
Subject to change under ISPTC review criteria. 003/STP/ISPTC/2016/v6 2016_2018
5
The specialty interview will take place in the third or fourth week in March of each year (i.e. after the
results of the MRCS examination are announced). The MMI interviews for all of the Surgical
Specialties will be conducted over a 3/4 day period and will be held in conjunction with the
interviews for existing old-pathway trainees.
There are five stations in the interview centre, each focussing on a different theme. A total of 80
marks are awarded for each of the five stations.
Multiple Mini Interview Topics
1. Academic Development
Purpose: The purpose of this station is to assess the candidate’s commitment to maintaining up
to date knowledge and professional competence. (40 pre-scored ,40 Interview)
2. Quality and safety in surgical healthcare
Purpose: The purpose of this station is to assess the candidate’s awareness and commitment
to quality and safety issues in the provision of surgical care.
3. Knowledge of current issues relevant to surgical practice
Purpose: The purpose of this station is to assess the candidate’s knowledge and awareness of
issues (other than surgical knowledge and technical skill) which may impact on delivery of good
surgical care.
4. Decision making in surgery
Purpose: The purpose of this station is to assess the candidate’s ability to utilise knowledge
and skills in making sound clinical judgements for patient management relevant to the specialty
in question.
5. Professionalism and probity in surgical practice
Purpose: The purpose of this station is to assess the candidate’s awareness and commitment
to professional and ethical behaviour in surgical practice.
Each station will be attended by a minimum of two interviewers, at least one of whom is from the
specialty concerned. Each interview lasts for twelve minutes and there is then two minutes for
marking. Each trainee will be required to cover 2-3 topics during the twelve minute interview.
At the end of the specialty interview, the total marks for each candidate are collated & quality
checked (i.e. Performance during Core Surgical Training and Specialty Interview) and the interview
panel then signs off on the final candidates selected for appointment to ST3 in line with number of
posts available as this is a competitive process.
Subject to change under ISPTC review criteria. 003/STP/ISPTC/2016/v6 2016_2018
5
Second Chance Option
Candidates who have reached the minimum appointable standard (600) will be offered an
opportunity to re-apply for ST3. In order to be eligible to re-apply, a candidate must have achieved
A:
A score > = 600 following ST3 Interview but did not obtain a post in that year due to
number of available posts. Please note 600 is the minimum appointable score.
The Specialty Programme Director in consultation with the Specialty Training Committee will
determine candidates who are eligible to re-apply. These decisions must be ratified by the ISPTC
in order to ensure consistency across all specialties.
Eligible candidates will be formally invited to reapply for ST3 via the Surgical Affairs Department of
the RCSI subject to the above
Second Chance option scoring will be made up of the following
a) Original score from their Performance during Core Surgical Training.
b) Post CST experience such as E-logbook, academic achievement, research, Trainee
assessment reports etc.
See Figure 1 Second Chance Option.
CST- Cert
A Core Surgical Training Certificate (CST Cert) is issued to all trainees who have successfully
completed both years of the Core Surgical Training Programme.
Eligibility of a CST - Cert is based on the following
a) Satisfactory completion of 3 six month rotations in CST >= 60%
And
b) MRCS or MRCS (ENT)
Please note a CST Cert does not guarantee automatic progression to ST3.
Subject to change under ISPTC review criteria. 003/STP/ISPTC/2016/v6 2016_2018
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Figure 1 Second Chance Option
R
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C
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Subject to change under ISPTC review criteria.
003/STP/ISPTC/2016/v6 2016_2018
Subject to change under ISPTC review criteria.
003/STP/ISPTC/2016/v6 2016_2018