Cracking the General Surgical Interviews for ST3

ST3 interviews are extremely competitive and achieving the highest possible score is essential in securing the surgical training post of choice. The key to success in these interviews is through diligent preparation. This book outlines the structure and format of the ST3 general surgical interviews, with chapters dedicated to each component area that is assessed on the day. Written in an engaging style, it provides an essential resource for the interviews, with all of the required material in one book, a bonus for many readers with time constraints imposed by a demanding work schedule. It is aimed at instilling prospective surgeons with the tools and confidence needed to succeed at the ST3 general surgical interview. Success in these structured interviews will lead to the award of a ‘national training number’. Cover 1 Half Title 2 Title 4 Copyright 5 Contents 6 Foreword 10 Preface 12 About the Authors 14 Acknowledgments 16 Format of the Interview 18 Chapter 1 Portfolio Station 22 The Person Specification 22 The Portfolio 23 The Format of the Portfolio Station 24 Adjustments to Points 27 Portfolio Presentation 27 Changes Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic 28 A Note on Probity 28 The Mark Sheet 28 Portfolio Station—Example Questions 28 Answering Questions about Your Background and Motivation 30 Competency-Based Questions 30 Hot Topics and Themes 31 Audit 31 Research 33 Clinical Governance 34 Evidence-Based Medicine 34 Teaching 35 Teamwork and Communication 35 Leadership 36 Some of the Challenges Facing the Surgeon Today 36 Chapter 2 Clinical Station 38 About This Station 38 How to Tackle This Station 38 Managing the Scenario of the “Unwell Patient on the Ward” or “Unwell Patient in A&E” 39 Clinical Scenarios 39 Managing the Scenario of a “Trauma Call” 47 Clinical Scenarios 48 Managing the Scenario of a “Patient in Clinic” 57 Clinical Scenarios 57 Chapter 3 Clinical Management Station 66 About This Station 66 How to Tackle This Station 66 Clinical Management Scenarios 67 Prioritization and Communication 76 How to Tackle This Station 76 Prioritization Scenarios 77 Chapter 4 Academic Station 80 Evidence-Based Medicine 80 Levels of Evidence 81 Study Designs 81 Systematic Review 81 Meta-Analysis 81 Randomized Control Trials 81 Observational Study 82 Study Reporting Guidelines 82 Critical Appraisal of Research 83 Chapter 5 Technical Skills Station 86 Chapter 6 Ethics Station 94 Capacity 94 Conflict of Opinion 95 Consent 95 Who Should Seek Consent 96 Written Consent 96 Steps in Obtaining Informed Consent 97 Material Risk—Montgomery Test 97 An Adult Patient Who Lacks Capacity (Non-competent Adult) 98 Consent in an Underage Patient (0–18 Years) 98 Gillick Competency 98 Caring for Patients Who Refuse Blood Transfusions (Jehovah’s Witness) 99 Emergency Management of a JW Patient 99 Emergency Treatment of JW Children 100 Duty of Candour 100 Ethics Scenario 101 Chapter 7 Interview Technique and Tips 104 Preparation Is Key 104 Familiarize Yourself with Person Specification and Competencies Expected 104 Write Down Some of Your Answers 104 Practice Your Answers 104 Follow All Pre-Interview Instructions and Be Punctual 104 Dress for Success 105 Body Language 105 Delivery of Your Answers 105 Build Rapport with the Interviewer 105 Video Interviews during the COVID-19 Pandemic 105 Bibliography 108 Index 110 Getting,into,higher,surgical,training;,Gaining,a,national,training,number,in,general,surgery,and,vascular,surgery;,A,guide,to,starting,specialist,general,surgical,training Getting into higher surgical training,Gaining a national training number in general surgery and vascular surgery,A guide to starting specialist general surgical training