For the 2024–2025 selection cycle, we returned to in‑person interviews, held over two days in late February at RCSI. Feedback from candidates and interviewers alike has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the value of face‑to‑face engagement in the selection process.

OSCE’s

In late January & early February 140 trainees were examined in their year two combined Operative Surgical Skills and Human Factors in Patient Safety OSCE by approx. 72 examiners across the third and fifth floors in the National Surgical Skills Centre at 26 York Street. 

Progression to ST2

Current ST1 trainees (98) will progress to their chosen specialty in year two in July, 93% of trainees have been appointed to their first choice specialty. All trainees will have an induction, either online or in person, with their ST2 Specialty Programme Director prior to commencing in post.

Surgical Bootcamp

Planning is underway for the revamped Surgical Bootcamp 2026 (three face to face days coupled with interactive online sessions) which will run across four iterations from Monday 15 June to Wednesday 8 July with 100 new Core Surgical Trainees who are due to start in their assigned rotations on Monday 13 July 2026. 

CST Induction

The incoming Core Surgical Trainees will also have their comprehensive CST Induction, led by the CST Chair Mr Dara Kavanagh and Prof Kevin Barry, the National Director of the Surgical Training Programmes in the week prior to commencing on the programme. This annual induction also includes talks from our Health and Wellbeing officer, Ms Sinead Dixon, and on our online resources with our Lead Technology Officer, Mr Donncha Ryan.