Interview Application
As a surgical subspecialty Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgery is highly competitive and therefore there is the need to perform well during the interview to secure a national training number. Competition ratios have varied greatly over the last couple of years as this is dependent on the number of available jobs in relation to applicants.
The interviews are used to assess candidates to ensure that they are safe and able to perform at the level expected of a day one Orthopaedic Registrar. This is assessed across 4 stations (Commitment to Specialty, Communication, Prioritisation, and Clinical Scenarios). The focus is on the applicants ability to effectively communicate, demonstrate their clinical knowledge and management of common Orthopaedic conditions.
To give yourself the best chance of obtaining a NTN (national training number) optimal preparation is key. It is important to treat the interview like an exam, with tailored revision several months before the interview. Candidates who dedicate their time to their individual preparation and actively engage in practice with other candidates taking part in the interview tend to perform better on average.
Interview Structure
The ST3 National Recruitment for 2024 brought some changes to the interview process compared to prior years.
The process continues to be delivered as an online multi-station interview which lasts approximately 1 hour and is delivered across four individual 10 minute stations. The interview is specifically designed using the criteria found in the 2024 Person Specification in order to adequately assess candidates.
During the interview, candidates can expect 3 assessors involved in each of the 4 stations with an occasional additional person for quality assurance. One of these interviewers will be posing the question to the candidate while the other two interviewers will examine them.
Commitment to Specialty Station
This station was formerly the Portfolio station. Candidates will be asked by the interviewers about their career and experiences. Candidates will be assessed across the highlighted domains of career motivation, learning and development, leadership and team involvement, organising and planning, and communication (information giving).
Clinical Station
This has been a staple of Orthopaedic interviews for many years. Candidates can expect two clinical scenarios (5 minutes each) in which various aspects of clinical knowledge can be assessed. This station may involve interpreting radiographs, demonstrating relevant anatomy, management of the posed scenario, etc. Candidates will be scored on their technical knowledge, problem solving and decision making, situational awareness, communication (information gathering/information giving).
Prioritisation Station
This station requires to candidates to appropriately assess clinical priority with real-life examples. This can be delivered in multiple formats and may include (but is not limited to) reviewing unwell patients to organising a theatre list. Candidates will be assessed based on organisation and planning, communication (information gathering/information giving), judgement under pressure, and situational awareness.
Communication Station
This is the newest addition to the interview process delivered online. This station focuses on a candidates ability to effectively and appropriately communicate in the scenario provided. Candidates will be assessed on their technical knowledge, situational awareness, judgement under pressure, communication (information gathering/information giving)