Person specification and entry criteria for Obstetrics and Gynaecology ST3 2024 recruitment

Applies to: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Important: Accuracy

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this page. The information presented is accurate at the time of publication.

Essential entry criteria

Qualifications

Applicants must have:

  • MBBS or equivalent medical qualification
  • successful completion of Part 1 MRCOG by offer datei

When is this evaluated?ii

  • Application form

 

The 'published deadline’ refers to a deadline date set in each recruitment round; Round 1 (26/03/2024) Round 2 (18/04/2024) Round 3 (22/10/2024).   

ii  ‘When is this evaluated’ is indicative but may be carried out at any time throughout the selection process.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • be eligible for full registration with, and hold a current licence to practiseiii from, the GMC at intended start dateiv 
  • have evidence of achievement of ST1 and ST2 competences in this specialty by time of appointment. Acceptable evidence includes ARCP certificates or the Alternative Certificate of ST1 and ST2 obstetrics and gynaecology competences by deadline for applications
  • be eligible to work in the UK

When is this evaluated?

  • Application form
  • Interview/selection centrev

 

iii  The GMC introduced the licence to practise in 2009. Any doctor wishing to practise in the UK after this date must be both registered with and hold a licence to practise from the GMC at time of appointment.

iv  ‘Intended start date’ refers to the date at which the post commences, not (necessarily) the time an offer is accepted.

v  ‘Selection centre’ refers to a process, not a place. It involves a number of selection activities which may be delivered within the unit of application.

Fitness to practise

Applicant is up to date and fit to practise safely and is aware of own training needs.

When is this evaluated?

  • Application form
  • References
Language skills

Applicants must have demonstrable skills in written and spoken English, adequate to enable effective communication about medical topics with patients and colleagues as assessed by the General Medical Council.

When is this evaluated?

  • Application form
  • Interview/selection centre

 

vi Applicants are advised to visit the GMC website which gives details of evidence accepted for registration.

Health

Applicants must meet professional health requirements (in line with GMC standards/Good Medical Practice).

When is this evaluated?

  • Application form
  • Pre-employment health screening
Career progression

Applicants must:

  • be able to provide complete details of their employment history
  • have evidence that their career progression is consistent with their personal circumstances
  • have evidence that their present level of achievement and performance is commensurate with the totality of their period of training
  • have at least 24 months’ experiencevii in obstetrics and gynaecologyviii (not including Foundation modules) by time of intended start date
  • have notified the Training Programme Director of the specialty training programme they are currently training in if applying to continue training in the same specialty in another regionix 
  • not have previously relinquished or been released or removed from an obstetrics and gynaecology training programme, except under exceptional circumstancesx 
  • not already hold, nor be eligible to hold, a CCT/CESR; and must not currently be eligible for the specialist register for the specialty to which they are applying
  • for those wishing to be considered for Locum Appointment for Training (LAT) posts (where available): no more than 24 months' experience in LAT posts in the specialty by intended start date

When is this evaluated?

  • Application form
  • Interview/selection centre

 

vii  Any time periods specified in this person specification refer to full-time-equivalent.

viii  All experience in posts at any level in this specialty count, irrespective of the country in which the experience is gained.

ix  The Support for Application to another region form, signed by the Training Programme Director of their current specialty training programme confirming satisfactory progress must be submitted to the recruitment office at time of application.

x  Applications will only be considered if applicants provide a Support for Reapplication to a Specialty Training Programme form, signed by both the Training Programme Director or Head of School and the Postgraduate Dean in the local office or Deanery that the training took place. Extraordinary circumstances may be defined as a demonstrated change in circumstances, which can be shown on the ability to train at that time and may include severe personal illness or family caring responsibility incompatible with continuing to train. Completed forms must be submitted at the time of application. No other evidence will be accepted.

Application completion

All sections of application form completed fully according to written guidelines.

When is this evaluated?

  • Application form

Selection criteria

Qualifications

Essential

Applicants must have:

  • MBBS or equivalent medical qualification
  • successful completion of Part 1 MRCOG by offer date

Desirable

  • BSc, BA or equivalent (not including intercalated BSc or ‘Honorary’ MA).
  • MSc involving time taken out from standard 5-year undergraduate medical curriculum.
  • Other relevant degrees or diplomas.
  • MD or PhD (Note: will only be considered if awarded for defending a thesis. This equates to undertaking 2 to 3 years full-time equivalent spent in research with minimal daytime clinical activity).
  • Less than 60 months’ experience in Obstetrics and Gynaecology ST level (not including foundation modules).
  • Has passed MRCOG Part 1 within last 5 years.
  • Has passed MRCOG Part 2 within last 5 years.

When is this evaluated?

  • Application form
  • Interview/selection centre
Clinical skills – clinical experience and knowledge

Essential

  • Evidence of competence in basic and advanced life support as described in the present Foundation Programme curriculum.  Local offices/Deaneries will have to be satisfied that the relevant competences will be achieved in advance of the commencement of the post.
  • Demonstrate the competencies and capabilities equivalent to those gained through completion of Practical Skills course in Obstetrics and Gynaecology by time of appointment.

Desirable

  • Completion of formal obstetric skills/drills training course by time of appointment.
  • Relevant experience in other specialties which would complement a career in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
  • Extracurricular activities and achievements relevant to Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

When is this evaluated?

  • Application form
  • Interview/selection centre
  • References
Academic skills

Essential

Research, audit and quality improvement skills
  • Demonstrates understanding of the basic principles of research.
  • Experience of active involvement in quality improvement measures (clear description, outcomes and appropriate experience for level of application).  This can include audit, guideline development, implementation of health policy, improved team working, leadership etc.

Desirable

Research, audit and quality improvement skills
  • Evidence of academic prizes and honours at postgraduate level.
  • Research experience.
  • Evidence of relevant peer-reviewed papers and other publications (such as book chapter, book editor, case report – not abstracts or letters).
  • Presentations (oral or poster) at international, national or regional meetings – not local meetings).
Teaching
  • Teaching achievement (including attendance at teaching courses and so on).

When is this evaluated?

  • Application form
  • Interview/selection centre
Personal skills

Essential

Communication skills
  • Capacity to communicate effectively.
Problem solving and decision making
  • Demonstrates problem solving, decision making and situational awareness.
Empathy and sensitivity
  • Capacity to take in others’ perspectives and treat others with understanding.
Managing others and team involvement
  • Contribution to teamwork (particularly within Obstetrics and Gynaecology or medicine).
  • Relevant contribution to management within Obstetrics and Gynaecology (rotas, committees etc.).
Organisation and planning
  • Capacity to achieve a balance between urgent and important demands.
  • IT skills.
Coping with pressure and managing uncertainty
  • Capacity to manage acute situations under pressure.
  • Demonstrates initiative and resilience to cope with changing circumstances.
Values
  • Understands, respects and demonstrates the values of the NHS (such as everyone counts, improving lives, commitment to quality of care, respect and dignity, working together for patients, compassion).

When is this evaluated?

  • Application form
  • Interview/selection centre
  • References
Probity – professional integrity

Essential

  • Demonstrates probity (as outlined by the GMC) 

When is this evaluated?

  • Application form
  • Interview/selection centre
  • References
Commitment to specialty – learning and personal development

Essential

  • Demonstrates a realistic insight into a career in Obstetrics and Gynaecology as practiced in the UK.
  • Clearly demonstrates drive and initiative.
  • Awareness of own training needs.
  • Commitment to personal and professional development, including capacity for reflective practice and learning.
  • Sound reasons for applying to this particular post.

When is this evaluted?

  • Application form
  • Interview/selection centre
  • References