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1. Q: Who do I speak to about changing specialty in mid-training?
   A: Go immediately to your Posgraduate Dean.
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2. Q: Will experience gained in undergraduate electives/attachments be considered in selection for run-through training?
   A: Yes. Any extra-curricular experience gained as a student or postgraduate which helps the applicant to fulfill the entry requirements defined in this curriculum will be advantageous. This might include evidence of electives or special study modules where relevant skills, knowledge or attitudes have been enhanced.
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3. Q: Will I be disadvantaged in the selection process if I have not worked in T&O during Foundation 1 & 2?
   A: No. The content of your Foundation programme will not be considered. However, evidence of extra-curricular activity relevant to the entry requirements defined in this curriculum may be considered.
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4. Q: Will experience gained in “time limited” training posts be counted towards future selection and progression for run-through training?
   A: Fixed term or time limited training posts without provisional National Training Numbers will count once subsequently selected, but cannot confer advantage over newly entering F2s even during transition In transition those with experience beyond the level of F2 will compete for entry with similar people and not against F2s. If trainees in time-limited training posts ensure that they continue to compile portfolios demonstrating the acquisition of the skills, knowledge and attitudes defined in this curriculum then this experience can contribute to CCT after selection.
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5. Q: What methods of appeal do I have if I believe my experience has not been fairly recognised towards selection or run-through training?
   A: Selection into run through training will take into account your Undergraduate experience or portfolio and anything in Foundation other than the posts as explained in 1. Appeals mechanisms are likely to be at Deanery level or if Deaneries combine in selection processes then a collaborative appeals mechanism will be developed. We do not have a full answer to this question at this time.
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6. Q: How much importance will be attached to published research and higher degrees for selection into run-through training in T&O?
   A: Research may be advantageous where it can be shown to have enhanced the relevant attributes of the applicant as set out in this curriculum. For example a completed project would help to demonstrate commitment. However, research alone will not fulfill all of the entry requirements defined in this curriculum.
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7. Q: Can I sit the MRCS before being selected for run-through training and would this be advantageous in the selection process?
   A: The final shape of the MRCS is still to be determined, but is likely to be a test of knowledge in the surgical sciences plus, at some time, a test in knowledge relevant to your chosen branch of surgery. These assessments will only take place after selection and before the end of ST2. Possibly some will sit the general test of knowledge if they choose in F2 but this will confer no advantage and must not detract from the outcomes expected of you from the Foundation Programme.
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8. Q: What would happen if I wanted to change specialties after I have entered run-through training?
   A: A trainee is entitled to apply for entry into another specialty at any stage of the training programme depending on the availability of training posts. Whether the trainee is successful will depend on their ability to fulfill the entry requirements of the desired specialty. If successful, the trainee’s portfolio will be used to decide the level at which they can enter the desired training programme. Education credits gained in the first specialty will be carried forward to the new speciality but not all credits will necessarily “count” unless they are of direct value to future training. It is likely some time so far will be lost in such a transfer.
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