scholarly journals Curtailment of Higher Surgical Training in the UK: Likely Effects in Otology

2005 ◽  
Vol 98 (6) ◽  
pp. 259-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Ray ◽  
E Hadjihannas ◽  
R M Irving

Higher surgical training in the UK faces a cut of two years. We conducted a questionnaire survey to assess the operative experience of current higher surgical trainees in otological surgery and the likely effect of the proposed reduction from six to four years. 91 (65%) of the 142 higher surgical trainees responded with details of major otological procedures performed (independently or assisting) over one year. In the present six-year scheme a typical trainee performs 72 myringoplasties, 79 mastoidectomies, 7 skull base procedures and 28 other procedures. In the first four years, however, his or her experience is only 39 myringoplasties, 44 mastoidectomies, 4 skull base procedures and 7 others. The large shortfall in experience that might result from shortening of the training programme would need to be met by intensification of the training or institution of accredited otology fellowships. Very similar dilemmas are faced by other surgical specialties.

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. e018526 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy Hoffman ◽  
Fiona Spencer ◽  
Daniel Ezra ◽  
Alexander C Day

ObjectiveTo investigate changes in the patterns of cumulative surgical experience for ophthalmologists in the UK following the introduction of a new national training scheme.DesignRetrospective review of all surgical training records submitted to the UK Royal College of Ophthalmologists by trainees for the award of Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) for the period 2009–2015.SettingSecondary level care, UK.Participants539 trainees achieving CCT over the 7-year study period.InterventionsHigher specialist training or ophthalmology specialist training.Outcome measuresNumber of CCT awards by years and procedures performed for cataract surgery, strabismus, corneal grafts, vitreoretinal (VR) procedures, oculoplastics and glaucoma.ResultsCataract surgical experience showed little change with median number performed/performed supervised (P/PS) 592, IQR: 472–738; mean: 631. Similarly, the median number of strabismus (P/PS 34), corneal grafts (assisted, 9) and VR procedures (assisted, 34) appeared constant. There was a trend towards increasing surgical numbers for oculoplastics (median 116) and glaucoma (57). Overall case numbers for ophthalmic specialist training (OST) trainees (7-year training programme) were higher than higher surgical training (HST) trainees (4.5-year programme) with the exception of squint (P/PS), corneal grafts (P/PS) and VR cases (P/PS).ConclusionsOverall case numbers reported at time of CCT application appear stable or with a marginal trend towards increasing case numbers. HST (4.5-year programme) case numbers do not include those performed before entry to HST, and although case numbers tended to be higher for OST trainees (7-year programme) compared with HST trainees, they were not proportionately so.


Author(s):  
S Shahidi ◽  
M S Osborne ◽  
G M Jama ◽  
S Bola ◽  
J Murphy

Abstract Objective This study aimed to provide an objective means of identifying patterns in academic publication among ENT trainees during their higher surgical training. Method A cross-sectional survey was distributed to ENT higher surgical trainees. Results A total of 153 ENT specialty trainees participated, giving a response rate of 46.5 per cent. Across all years of training, the mean number of first author publications was three and the mean number of non-first author publications was two. For trainees at specialty trainee year 8 level, these figures were nine and five, respectively. Participants with doctoral degrees and those in academic programmes published more papers but the mean difference was only significant for the doctoral subgroup (p < 0.0001). Those with additional undergraduate degrees and those in less than full-time training had an overall lower number of publications. Conclusion Participants in the current survey achieved a higher average number of academic publications than is presently required to successfully complete higher surgical training in ENT. It is hoped that these results act as a guide for trainees planning the research component of their training to ensure that they remain competitive at consultant interview.


2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
D Leiberman ◽  
M Trivedy ◽  
A Kausar

Abstract Introduction The 2020 ST3 recruitment year for Higher Surgical Training (HST) did not have a face-to-face interview due to COVID-19. Candidates were solely scored on portfolio self-assessment alone. We have assessed the impact on Core Surgical Trainee progression into ST3 by comparing the 2020 recruitment year with 2019. Method Total numbers of applicants to ST3 for all 7 surgical sub-specialties that recruit at ST3 level were obtained via Freedom of Information requests from Health Education England (HEE). These were sorted by those who were in CST, had completed CST or had an alternative equivalence certificate. Results Overall applicant numbers were up in 2020, mainly from an increase in applicants with a Certificate of Readiness to Enter Higher Surgical Training. Overall ST3 positions appointed to were down. CST progression rate was down slightly, with an increase in appointees &gt;10 years since graduation. Conclusions The 2020 recruitment year for ST3 HST had a higher number of applicants and lower places available than 2019. The majority of the extra applicants were trainees who have not completed CST in the UK. CST progression rate to HST was down slightly. The lack of face-to-face interview may benefit some candidates graduating &gt;10 years ago.


2009 ◽  
Vol 91 (5) ◽  
pp. 417-419 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam J Brooks ◽  
Arul Ramasamy ◽  
David Hinsley ◽  
Mark Midwinter

INTRODUCTION In the UK, general surgical specialist trainees have limited exposure to general surgical trauma. Previous work has shown that trainees are involved in only two blunt and one penetrating trauma laparotomies per annum. During their training, nearly half of trainees will not be involved in the surgical management of liver injury, 20% will not undertake a trauma splenectomy and only a quarter will see a trauma thoracotomy. Military general surgical trainees require training in, and exposure to, the surgical management of trauma and specifically military wounding patterns that is not available in the UK. The objective of this study was to determine whether operative workload in the sole British surgical unit in Helmand Province, Afghanistan (Operation HERRICK) would provide a training opportunity for military general surgical trainees. PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective theatre log-book review of all surgical cases performed at the Role 2 (Enhanced) treatment facility at Camp Bastion, Helmand Province on Operation HERRICK between October 2006 and October 2007, inclusive. Operative cases were analysed for general surgical trauma, laparotomy, thoracotomy, vascular trauma and specific organ injury management where available. RESULTS A total of 968 operative cases were performed during the study period. General surgical procedures included 51 laparotomies, 17 thoracotomies and 11 vascular repairs. There were a further 70 debridements of general surgical wounds. Specific organ management included five cases of liver packing for trauma, five trauma splenectomies and four nephrectomies. CONCLUSIONS A training opportunity currently exists on Operation HERRICK for military general surgical specialist trainees. If the tempo of the last 12 months is maintained, a 2-month deployment would essentially provide trainees with the equivalent trauma surgery experience to the whole of their surgical training in the UK NHS. Trainees would gain experience in military trauma as well as specific organ injury management.


2005 ◽  
Vol 98 (9) ◽  
pp. 435-435
Author(s):  
Dominic Bray ◽  
Codruta Neumann ◽  
Meredydd Harries

2006 ◽  
Vol 88 (6) ◽  
pp. 206-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
BM Frost ◽  
C Beaton ◽  
AN Hopper ◽  
MR Stephens ◽  
WG Lewis

The European Working Time Directive (EWTD) represents the latest challenge to surgical training in the UK, following Calmanisation and the implementation of the New Deal on junior doctors' hours. Compliance with the EWTD in the UK demands shift working patterns and as such it has received a mixed response from the UK medical profession. While physicians in training are relatively content with the regulations of the EWTD, surgical trainees have voiced concerns regarding the potential impact of an altered working week on their clinical experience and training as well as quality of life.


Author(s):  
BA Rogers ◽  
NJ Little ◽  
MC Solan ◽  
DM Ricketts

Entry into higher surgical training schemes in orthopaedics remains competitive: in the UK there are currently more than six applicants for each available training post. In many countries the application process is similar with candidates submitting written data in the form of a CV or application form. This is used as a basis for longlisting (the selection of all candidates who possess the minimum job criteria), then shortlisting (the ranking of longlisted candidates) and, finally, an interview. At interview the successful candidates are selected.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document