OBGYN Training In The UK: What It Is And How To Apply

Recruitment process:

Recruitment into OBGYN training across the whole of the UK is carried out through a nationally coordinated process.

All applications are managed through the ORIEL website and information regarding the number of posts and application process is released once the application window is open.

Usually, there is only one recruitment round every year – with training jobs starting in August, sometimes there is a retake if any seats left from 1^st round (uncommon).
You can start at as ST1 or ST3 in training program.

They have 200-300 seats for ST1 level and 20-30 seats for ST3 level, so your competition ratio is higher for ST3 level. But there are different requirements and criteria for both levels.
It is important to note that you can start as Trust grade or non-Training doctor at any level, and process is same like any other NHS job with GMC registration..

Eligibility criteria to start as ST1:

Along with a basic medical qualification (eg MBBS, MbChB), you must also have the following in order to be eligible to apply:

1. Full GMC registration with a license to practice before starting the training program

2. Must be eligible to work in the UK

3. Must have evidence of having met UK foundation competencies (either through completion of UK foundation year program or through evidence of signed the latest CREST form)

4. 24 months or less experience in Obstetrics and Gynecology (not including Foundation

modules) by time of intended start date.

Note: MRCOG part1 exam is not mandatory to apply for ST1. For ST3 requirement please check on oriel site.

Training Structure:
OBGYN training program is run through program. Once you get into ST1, you do not need to re-apply at ST3 or higher level. (This may change in future).
It is a 7-year program, you have ST1-2 as basic level, ST3-5 intermediate level, ST6-7 complex training level.
At basic level, you are working as a SHO, at intermediate level as junior registrar and complex level as senior registrar.
You can go LTFT or out of training program for educational reasons, research etc.

Application stages:

Stage 1: Application period

Candidates can submit their applications through the ORIEL website. The eligibility requirements must be met before you apply. It usually opens in August September time and deadlines are in December.

Stage 2: Multi Specialty Recruitment Assessment (MSRA)
It is also called as Longlisting, You are invited for MSRA exams if you have fulfilled application submission criteria. It does not guarantee you have secured a job yet.
So, you start preparing for your exam way before you are invited to sit for exam.
This is a computer-based assessment which consists of two types of question papers:

a) Clinical questions (75-minute paper)

b) Professional dilemma questions (95-minute paper)

The total duration of the assessment is just under 3 hours (175 minutes, including break). A 5-minute break occurs between papers (countdown appears on screen). The Professional Dilemma Paper usually happens first and is shortly followed by the Clinical Questions paper.

The Professional dilemma paper (SJT) consists of 50 Situational Judgement Test questions in 95 minutes –

The Clinical problem-solving paper (CPS) consists of 97 clinical questions in 75 minutes – this paper starts 2 minutes after completion of the SJT paper.

You must achieve the cut off score in MSRA to reach the next stage.
You need to pass both parts of exams separately (Part a & b).
Now there are 2 possibilities , If you score very high , they might let you bypass next step (interview) and you get a job offer , or they invite you for interview and cumulative score from MSRA (likely 25% of MSRA scores) and interview scores (rest of it) will make a rank number for you.

Stage 3: Portfolio and interview

This step is called shortlisting , if you got interview invite, it is just about understanding specialty and communication.

There are 2 parts of Interview, 1. Clinical Prioritization 2. Self-Assessment

In clinical Prioritization part, you will be given 5-6 scenarios from day-to-day clinical life and as junior doctor how will you prioritize them and your clinical understanding of situation. You will be given set time like 6 minutes to do the talking. you would not be interrupted or given any feedback in live interview.

Self-Assessment is 2nd part of your interview, it will be roughly 5-10 minutes. It is basically about your experience and commitment to specialty related questions. There will be two consultants as interview panel. They did not ask for any Physical portfolio previously. You must score at least 50% to pass this station.

Stage 4: Results

All three parts mentioned above – MSRA, portfolio and interview score contribute equally to your final score.

Results are announced through ORIEL and via email. Upgrade options can continue for the next few weeks.