ST3 entry in Obstetrics and Gynaecology has been a competitive route to specialty training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in the UK. Since the prior work experience of most IMGs rules out most of the IMGs from being able to apply through the ST1 route, they all apply through the ST3 route. Over the years, this has been the reason for it being an IMG – predominant route. Only very few locally bread candidates apply through this route, especially the ones that once gave up Obstetrics and Gynaecology and now re – realised the love for it!
Competitive nature of entry through the ST3 level means several candidates taking repeat attempts and experiencing difficulties remaining motivated. What is key to avoiding falling in this trap is targeted interview preparation. Efforts all along the year in building various aspects of the CV help only getting till the shortlisting stage and invitation for interview. However, the key difference in being able to secure an NTN and not being able to do so, is the interview preparation.
Preparing for the ST3 interview involves mastering key strategies which the high achievers over the past years have mastered to be able to secure a rank! Unlike the interview for the first job in the NHS, this involves understanding of the intricacies of the various aspects of work in the NHS. It involves realistic insight into the training pathway and the RCOG training matrix.
However, many candidates do make it till here. What remains a shortfall is the ability to catch up with the current affairs relevant to the RCOG and NHS at the time of the interview. This needs careful preparation.
Last but not the least, giving a structure to the answers framed is key to differentiation by the interviewers between the candidates who make it and those who don’t. Giving randomly framed answers in the order that the thoughts strike the mind, give the interviewers a peek into the clumsiness of the mind under the interview stress. To structure the answers needs guidance, careful preparation and practice.
Unfortunately, unlike other specialties, Obstetrics and Gynaecology lacked the interview preparation material which was updated and reflected the most current affairs to help prepare for the interview. Imbibemed.org with its Theory module covers this lacuna faced by the interview aspirants over the years and provides a relevant preparation resource which has updates from the current affairs.
To help you in the interview practice, there are a few other resources which can be of help to you:-
- WhatsApp groups – With interest in medical education, there are a few groups on Whatsapp which conduct few sessions which guide for the preparation.
Pros – Free resource
Cons – Only few sessions that don’t cover the whole syllabus.
- Courses in various deaneries – for example Wales deanery conducts a course for its team members aspiring for ST3 posts.
- Other than the free resource, there are some paid courses which would be of help.
ImbibeMed ST3 interview preparation courses
Pros – Two formats – theory module and live session. Theory module provides the reading material. Live session allows mock interview practice. Covers the whole syllabus for the interview.
Cons – Does not allow one – to – one practice at present. Aims to establish one – to – one feedback sessions in future.
The key difference between free and paid resources is that nearly the entire syllabus is covered at the paid courses.
Hope you enjoy your preparation for the interview and secure a National Training Number!
Best wishes!
