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1. Q: Can I progress to ST3 if I have not passed the generic exam in ST2?
   A: No. Progression through training depends upon satisfactory completion of assessments at each stage. The exam is an important component of assessment during ST2.
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2. Q: Where can I find evidence of the validity of the new WPBAs such as mini-CEX, DOPS, PATs and PBAs?
   A: Mini-CEX, DOPS and PAT are primarily foundation tools that will be carried over into Higher Surgical Training but their use will diminish as HST progresses. PBAs have been developed specifically for Higher Surgical Training and have been extensively piloted in Orthopaedics which is where they originated. Some information on PBA development and validity can be found in a paper published last September (JBJS ref). In addition there is a more extensive reliability study being conducted in Autumn 2006 which will study the use of the instruments in both General Surgery and Orthopaedics.
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3. Q: What happens if I am deemed to be unsatisfactory in a work placed based assessment (WPBA)?
   A: The trainee should have the opportunity to retake the WPBA as soon as the trainee and their trainer agree that sufficient further training has taken place. If the trainee continues to be unsatisfactory in WPBAs the programme director and RITA panel will decide, on the basis of all the evidence in the trainees portfolio, if the trainee can receive further remedial training or if they should be removed from the training programme.
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4. Q: What do I do if I disagree with the outcome of a WPBA?
   A: The outcome should be discussed with the trainer and if necessary the programme director. With the agreement of the programme director the trainee should be permitted to take the WPBA once again with different assessors.
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5. Q: What do I do if I believe the training in a particular attachment to be sub-standard?
   A: The problem should first be discussed with the programme director or chair of the local training committee. If this is impractical or unsatisfactory then the trainee should contact the SAC link person for their training region. The trainee should consider collecting supportive evidence such as logbook data, corroboration from other trainees and request that the SAC review previous trainee assessments of the post in question. Local Deaneries have their own appeals processes and these should be available in last recourse.
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6. Q: Have the rules for taking time out of training for research or personal reasons changed?
   A: No. Trainees will still be entitled to request time out of programme. They will need to seek approval, as before, from the programme director, postgraduate dean and SAC.
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7. Q: What happens if I do not pass the Intercollegiate Specialty Exam in ST7 or 8?
   A: A trainee will not be able to obtain a CCT without successfully passing the intercollegiate specialty exam. Trainees will need to remain in training until they are successful or in very rare circumstances opt not to complete their training if they are unable to pass the exam
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8. Q: Can I complete my training in less than 8 years if I achieve my competencies more rapidly?
   A: Completion of training will be defined by the issue of a CCT. This can be issued when the trainee can demonstrate to the SAC that they have satisfactorily attained all the competencies defined in this curriculum. It may, therefore, be possible for a few trainees to obtain a CCT in less than eight years.
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