Foundation Doctors

Specialty applications and interviews

In these pages we highlight the key resources to support you in your application and interviews covering

• Revalidation
• Specialty Recruitment Process
• MSRA (Medical Speciality Recruitment Assessment)
• Interview
• Further Links

 

Overview of Specialty Recruitment Process - https://medical.hee.nhs.uk/medical-training-recruitment/medical-specialty-training/overview-of-specialty-training/overview-of-specialty-training

 

Interviews and Selection Processes - https://medical.hee.nhs.uk/medical-training-recruitment/medical-specialty-training/overview-of-specialty-training/interviews-and-selection-process  

 

 

Revalidation

 

• https://www.hee.nhs.uk/our-work/foundation-medical-training/beyond-foundation
• In order to continue practising as a doctor, you will need to keep your GMC registration and licence to practise.
• If you’re going straight into a training programme (GP or specialty) you can find all you need to know on those webpages.
• If you’re one of the many Foundation Doctors who are not going straight into a training programme, then the information below is very important!
• As a doctor, you are responsible for ensuring that you do everything needed to revalidate and maintain your licence to practise medicine.

 

 

MRSA

 

The Multiple Specialty Recruitment Assessment (MSRA) is used by many different specialties as part of core training applications. It is a computer-based assessment, and the score will contribute to partly or wholly for shortlisting candidates. The MRSA is important as a key part of the application process as it will contribute to a candidate’s final score determining the allocation of an offer.

 

MRSA – Contribution of MSRA to various Speciality Programmes   https://mindthebleep.com/msra/#Contribution_of_the_MSRA_to_various_Specialty_Programmes

 

• https://london.hee.nhs.uk/careers-unit/doctors/academicclinical-programmes
• MCQBank and Passmed for clinical questions - https://www.mcqbank.co.uk/ ; https://www.passmed.uk/
• MCQBank and official SJT papers for Professional Dilemma questions https://medical.hee.nhs.uk/medical-training-recruitment/medical-specialty-training/general-practice-gp/how-to-apply-for-gp-specialty-training/what_x0027_s-in-the-msra/professional-dilemmas-paper
• Most people advise approx. 3 months for revision alongside your job
• Quantity > quality (indepth knowledge not as important as breadth)
• Lots of other experiences / advice published online e.g.
  
  • https://mindthebleep.com/msra/#:~:text=A%20recommended%20balance%20would%20be,pressure%20of%20the%20actual%20exam
  • https://medibuddy.co.uk/msra/msra-complete-guide/
• Portfolio
  
  • Do you need a portfolio? If so, download the marking scheme and make a manageable plan to work through the points (can get a lot done in a year if you plan well and approach those in the field for some guidance along the way)
  • Don’t be put off by points you can’t get e.g. didn’t get the points that can only be awarded at undergraduate level because you’re only now choosing to pursue the specialty; can’t get a publication in time for the application; don’t have another degree etc. Focus on getting all the feasible points, can often still do very well.

Interview

• Plan ahead - what does the interview involve & how much time will you need to prepare?
• Practice with a variety of people, including those more senior, family, those who are also applying and in the same position as you, some parts can prepare for alone e.g. improving knowledge
  • Practice with scenarios you haven’t preprepared (let someone else choose the scenario or question) so it better emulates real interview
  • If online- practice over Teams, practice eye contact, body language, pace
• The below FAQs will hopefully be helpful in answering any questions you have. If you still have further questions, please ask someone at your employing organisation about who can help you with arranging the appraisal you need.

 

Preparing for Interviews

https://medical.hee.nhs.uk/medical-training-recruitment/medical-specialty-training/self-assessment-and-interviews/preparing-for-self-assessment-and-interview/online-interview-and-self-assessment-applicant-guidance

 

Interviews and Selection Processes - https://medical.hee.nhs.uk/medical-training-recruitment/medical-specialty-training/overview-of-specialty-training/interviews-and-selection-process  

 

 

 

Speciality Recruitment - person specification/ competition ratios

NHS Health careers - key information by speciality area

BMJ Specialty Guides – ‘complete guides’ – on a range of specialties

BMA Speciality Explorer  - online questionnaire linking specialities to your preferences

ACF  - National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) - key ACF information

F3/Gap Resources  - a variety of links including working abroad, further study & fellowships

Alternatives to Medicine  non-clinical career options

Oriel  - speciality recruitment platform

IMT Recruitment

GP Recruitment

PGDME Portal

This London Deanery portal gives specific links and FAQs on both speciality and recruitment queries:

• PGMDE Recruitment
• PGMDE Speciality training

Careers Guidance Appointments

• Professional Support Unit offers impartial and confidential 1-2-1 appointments with  careers consultants

• these can focus thinking about your opportunties, decisions or preparing for interviews

• follow  Careers Application Form

[Please note we will not be able to give advice and guidance on the Oriel application process during 1-2-1 appointments- Please refer to the resources listed below]