Core surgical training is designed to introduce trainees to a range of areas of surgery and to ensure trainees, who have had varying exposure to surgery in their foundation years, are fully prepared for their ongoing surgical training.

Core surgical training comprises Year 1 and Year 2 (CT1 and CT2) which, for most trainees working full time, will each be completed in one year.  Trainees will move between Year 1 and Year 2 by satisfactorily completing required competencies and assessments.

The arrangements for progression as a core trainee are no different to those for other types of specialty training – that is the system based on the Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP).

The only exception to this is in respect of additional or remedial training.  Given the short period and nature of core training, core trainees will be able to have additional aggregated training time of normally up to six months within the total duration of the training programme, unless exceptionally, this is extended at the discretion of the Head of School for Surgery, but with an absolute maximum of one year additional training time.  This does not include additional time which might be required because of statutory leave such as ill health or maternity leave.

If a trainee fails to comply with the planned additional training, or fail to meet the targets set by the ARCP panel, a trainee may be asked to leave the programme before this additional time has been completed.

Core Surgery Year 1

This year comprises three, four-month placements which will give you a broad exposure to the field of surgery in general.  Trainees normally remain within the same Trust for the entire year.

It is not possible given the generic nature of Year 1 to ensure that each trainee is given a rotation which includes their preferred surgical sub-specialty.  The programmes are designed to provide the core competencies you need to progress to Year 2 and changes to these allocated rotations are only granted under exceptional circumstances.

Matching into Year 2

Midway through Year 1 all trainees are invited to attend a matching interview to determine which sub-specialty theme you are offered for Year 2.

This matching interview follows the same process as the initial entry interview: generally three panels each focusing on a different area of knowledge (clinical, governance and management, and academic).  The panels may also use ISCP to aid their questioning so all trainees need to ensure that their record is accurate and up-to-date.

In addition, all trainees are asked to complete a preference sheet ranking all the possible rotations.  The Core Chairs will then use the final interview ranking, together with the preference sheets, to allocate Year 2 placements.

Core Surgery Year 2

This year comprises two, six-month placements in either one or two Trusts, and the aim is to ensure that trainees spend at least six months in their chosen surgical sub-specialty, thereby enabling them to apply for ST3.

The programmes have been designed to provide the necessary skills and competencies you need, for example the majority of Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgery posts are paired with Plastic Surgery.

Links

• Royal College of Surgeons of England College courses at core level
• Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Project (ISCP) 

London Trusts by Region