Historically high - around 4:1 applicants to posts

2020 - 4.68

2019 - 3.92

2018 - 4.19

2017 - 3.73

Although most applicants are shortlisted for the interviews, a few may not pass the shortlisting process due to errors in their online application form rendering them ineligible for the post

Due to the strict no-travel measures during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, face-to-face interviews have been cancelled. Candidates are ranked based on their self-assessment on the application forms and will be offered National Training Numbers accordingly

This may not be relevant in future years but sets precedence to the ranking process in the event of cancellation of face-to-face interviews

This emphasises the importance of a carefully and accurately completed application form

Based on Plastic Surgery ST3 Person Specification 2023

Qualifications

• MBBS or equivalent medical qualification​

• Successful completion of MRCS by time of interview

Eligibility​

• ​Be eligible for full registration with, and hold a current licence to practise from, the GMC at intended start date

• Have evidence of achievement of foundation competences from a UKFPO-affiliated foundation programme or equivalent, in line with GMC standards / Good Medical Practice; including:

  • make the care or your patient your first concern

  • provide a good standard of practice and care

  • take prompt action if you think that patient safety, dignity or comfort is being compromised

  • protect and promote the health of patients and of the public

  • treat patients as individuals and respect their dignity

  • work in partnership with patients

  • work with colleagues in the ways that best serve patients’ interests

  • be honest and open and act with integrity

  • never discriminate unfairly against patients or colleagues

  • never abuse your patients’ trust in you or the public’s trust in the profession

• ​Evidence of achievement of CT/ST1 competences in core surgery at time of application and CT/ST2 competences in core surgery by time of appointmentiv, acceptable evidence includes satisfactory ARCP outcome of completion of Core Surgical Training programme or Certificate of Readiness to Enter Higher Surgical Training

• Be eligible to work in the UK​

Fitness to practice​

• ​Is up to date and fit to practise safely and is aware of own training needs

​Language skills:

• ​Applicants must have demonstrable skills in written and spoken English, adequate to enable effective communication about medical topics with patients and colleagues as assessed by the General Medical Council

​Health:

• ​Applicants must meet professional health requirements (in line with GMC standards / Good Medical Practice)

​Career progression: Applicants must:

• Be able to provide complete details of their employment history

• Have evidence that their career progression is consistent with their personal circumstances

• Have evidence that their present level of achievement and performance is commensurate with the totality of their period of training

• Have satisfactorily completed an approved Core Surgical Training programme or equivalent by start of post

• Have completed the relevant competencies in Plastic Surgery as described in the Core Surgical Training curriculum

• Applicants must have notified the Training Programme Director of the specialty training programme they are currently training in if applying to continue training in the same specialty in another region

• Applicants must not have previously relinquished or been released / removed from a training programme in this specialty, except if they have received an ARCP outcome 1 or under exceptional circumstances

• Not already hold, nor be eligible to hold, a CCT/CESR in the specialty they are applying for and/or must not currently be eligible for the specialist register for the specialty to which they are applying

• For those wishing to be considered for Locum Appointment for Training posts (where available): no more than 24 months experience in LAT posts in the specialty by intended start date

​Application completion:

• ​ALL sections of application form completed FULLY according to written guidelines

Based on Plastic Surgery ST3 Person Specification 2023

Clinical Skills - Clinical Knowledge & Expertise

• Essential criteria​

  • ​Capacity to apply sound clinical knowledge and judgement to problems

  • Ability to prioritise clinical need

  • Demonstrates appropriate technical and clinical competence and evidence of the development of diagnostic skills and clinical judgement

  • Validated logbook documentation of surgical exposure to date

• Desirable criteria​

  • ​A minimum of 6 months experience in Plastic Surgery

  • Shows aptitude for practical skills, e.g. handeye coordination, dexterity, visuospatial awareness

  • Attendance at relevant courses e.g. ATLS, Basic Surgical Skills or equivalent, CCrlSP

​Academic Skills​

• Essential criteria

  • ​Research and audit skills:

    • Demonstrates understanding of the basic principles of audit, clinical risk management and evidence-based practice

    • Understanding of basic research principles, methodology and ethics, with a potential to contribute to research

    • Evidence of participation in audit

  • Teaching

    • Evidence of contributing to teaching and learning of others

• Desirable criteria​​

  • ​Research and audit skills:

    • Evidence of relevant academic and research achievements, e.g. degrees, prizes, awards, distinctions, publications, presentations, other achievements

    • Evidence of participation in risk management and/or clinical/laboratory research

​Personal Skills​​

• Essential criteria​

  • ​Communication skills:

    • Capacity to communicate effectively and sensitively with others

    • Able to discuss treatment options with patients in a way they can understand

  • Problem solving and decision making:

    • Capacity to think beyond the obvious, with analytical and flexible mind

    • Capacity to bring a range of approaches to problem solving

    • Demonstrates effective judgement and decisionmaking skills

  • Managing others and team involvement:

    • Capacity to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team

    • Demonstrate leadership, when appropriate

    • Capacity to establish good working relationships with others

  • Organisation and planning:

    • Capacity to manage time and prioritise workload, balance urgent and important demands, follow instructions

    • Understands importance and impact of information systems

  • Vigilance and situational awareness:

    • Capacity to monitor and anticipate situations that may change rapidly

  • Coping with pressure and managing uncertainty:

    • Capacity to operate effectively under pressure and remain objective in highly emotive/pressurised situations

    • Awareness of own limitations and when to ask for help

  • Values:

    • ​Understands, respects and demonstrates the values of the NHS Constitution (e.g. everyone counts; improving lives; commitment to quality of care; respect and dignity; working together for patients; compassion)

• Desirable criteria: None​​

​Probity – Professional Integrity​

• Essential criteria​

  • ​Takes responsibility for own actions

  • Demonstrates respect for the rights of all

  • Demonstrates awareness of ethical principles, safety, confidentiality and consent

  • Awareness of importance of being the patients’ advocate, clinical governance and the responsibilities of an NHS employee

• ​Desirable criteria: None​​

​Commitment to Specialty – Learning & Personal Development​

• Essential criteria​

  • ​Shows realistic insight into Plastic Surgery and the personal demands of a commitment to surgery

  • Demonstrates knowledge of training programme and commitment to own development

  • Shows critical and enquiring approach to knowledge acquisition, commitment to selfdirected learning and a reflective/analytical approach to practice

• Desirable criteria

  • ​Achievements relevant to plastic surgery, including elective or other experience

  • Attendance at, or participation in, national and international meetings relevant to plastic surgery​​​​

Registration is via Oriel

Start application within the application dates

Advert appears - 5pm 15 November 2023

Applications open - 10am 16 November 2023

Applications close - 4pm 7 December 2023

Evidence upload portal opens - 26 January 2024

Evidence upload portal closes - 12 February 2024

Self-assessment verification window - 26 – 27 February 2024

Appeal window for candidates - 29 February – 4 March 2024

Preferences open date - 12 March 2024

Invites to interview - 21 March 2024

Preferences close date - 29 March 2024

Interview dates - 8 – 9 April 2024

Initial offers released - 5pm 18 April 2024

Hold deadline - 1pm 23 April 2024

Upgrade deadline - 4pm 24 April 2024

HEE Plastic Surgery ST3

Fitness to Practise supplementary guidance

Documentation Required for Interviews

Illustrated Guide- Requests for Adjustments and GIS

Plastic Surgery - ST3 Person Specifications

2023 Plastic Surgery - Supplementary Applicant Handbook