Neurosurgery specialty training in the UK: What you need to know to be shortlisted for an interview

Abstract

Neurosurgery is one of the most competitive specialties in the UK. In 2019, securing an ST1 post in neurosurgery corresponds to competition ration of 6.54 whereas a CST1 post 2.93. Further, at ST3 level, neurosurgery is the most competitive. In addition, the number of neurosurgical training posts are likely to be reduced in the coming years. A number of very specific shortlisting criteria, aiming to filter and select the best candidates for interview exist. In the context of the high competition ratios and the specific shortlisting criteria, developing an interest in the neurosciences early on will allow individuals more time to meet the necessary standards for neurosurgery. Here, we aim to outline the shortlisting criteria and offer advice on how to achieve maximum scores, increasing the likelihood to be shortlisted for an interview.

Hosting an Educational Careers Day Within the Virtual Paradigm: The Neurology and Neurosurgery Interest Group Experience

“…Moreover, the one-to-one aspect gave a more personal feeling to the day and facilitated networking between students and clinicians. Creating future relationships is a vital aspect of improving access to neurosurgery -- and indeed other specialties -- for prospective students [ 16 - 17 ].…”

Becoming a neurosurgeon in the United Kingdom: A road map for medical students and early career doctors

“…Most only gain research experience during their final year project [ 11 ]. Active participation in research projects which will be peer-reviewed and published would help to gain the necessary points to increase the chances of being shortlisted for interviews [ 12 ]. Furthermore, these research projects can be presented at regional and international meetings either orally or with the use of posters at conferences and they can be published in PubMed-indexed journals.…”

“…At a post-graduate level, getting prizes and awards is laudable as they often require extra effort and planning. At undergraduate and postgraduate levels, getting awards will score maximum points [ 12 ].…”

The Neurology and Neurosurgery Interest Group (NANSIG)—ten years of cultivating interest in clinical neurosciences

“…Neurology and Neurosurgery are some of the most competitive specialties in the United Kingdom (UK) [ 37 ], and competition is only likely to stiffen with the implementation of the national neurosurgical workforce plans [ 39 ]. This poses a conundrum for medical students, junior trainees and international applicants: how can they best prepare themselves to optimise their chances of becoming a UK neurosurgeon?…”

“…Alongside these collaborative studies, NANSIG has also published many articles discussing a range of topics including (i) women in neurosurgery and advocacy [ 6 , 28 , 33 ], (ii) medical education [ 26 ], (iii) neurosurgical training in the UK [ 29 , 37 ], and (iv) neurosurgical skills development [ 20 , 23 ]. Together, these have accumulated over 26,500 views and 84 citations to date.…”