If you have just started your ST2 surgical placements for this year it won’t be long before you begin considering your options for next year and we would like to update you on how this process was managed in March this year.

In light of COV-19 Higher Specialist Training successfully moved the selection process for ST3, 3 weeks earlier than advertised. With the support of all the surgical specialties the team managed the delivery of 7 interview panels across 3 days to ensure candidate appointments to Specialist Training Programmes were competed on time and under the normal process to ensure transparency to all candidates. In total the process was supported by 90 panel members and Chairs. A total of 62 candidates where interviewed and 42 appointed to Specialist Training programmes for July 2020.  Without the collaborative working by with the respective trainers, Surgical Affairs staff and Chairs (RCSI Council members), who willingly engaged in the process understanding the urgency required to ensure its success.

For the 2021 intake, interviews will take place week commencing 15^th March 2021, we will be adhering to guidelines in place at that time and will adapt our processes as necessary, you will be updated prior to recruitment.