Obstetrics & Gynaecology FAQs
What does your specialty involve?
How do I get into your specialty?
How do I make myself competitive at Foundation and/or Core Training to get into your specialty?
What personal attributes do I need for your specialty?
How competitive is it to get a training post?
How long is the training after FY2 to CCT?
What postgraduate examinations will I need to work for during training?
Do I need to pass any postgraduate examinations at Core level to get into "run-through"?
Is your specialty stressful?
What are the best and worst aspects of your specialty?
I would like to have a family - is that possible while training in this specialty?
Is there any chance of Less Than Full Time Training in your specialty?
Is full time research mandatory duting training?
Are the hours anti-social?
What tips can you give on starting and advancing in your specialty?
What are the chances of a Consultant post after CCT?
What is the dropout rate during training?
Can I spend some of my time training abroad?
Can I work part time or job share as a Consultant?
Where can I get the best information about your specialty and the training programme locally and nationally?
What does your specialty involve?
O & G is a mixture medicine and surgery with generally fit and healthy women and their families. It is particularly suited to those who enjoy a practical hands-on style of working. In O & G at all levels of training we work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
How do I get into your specialty?
O & G is one of the “run through” specialties i.e. after Foundation programme doctors apply to ST1 and provided they are successful in their yearly ARCP’s they progress to CCT after completing ST7.
How do I make myself competitive at Foundation and/or core training to get into your specialty?
During Foundation it is particularly important to develop the skills required particularly those related to communication and empathy, manual dexterity as well as participating in projects or audits that may show your interest and enthusiasm.
What personal attributes do I need for your specialty?
Good communication skills, empathy, an ability to listen and good problem solving and decision-making skills. An ability to think on one’s feet but also to deal with stress is essential.
How competitive is it to get a training post?
Last year we had c.250 applications for ST1. Of this about 75 were long-listed and 30 were short-listed for interview.
How long is the training after FY2 to CCT?
O & G is 7 years in length providing all ARCPs are successful
What postgraduate exams will I need to work for during training?
To progress from ST2 to ST3 you must pass MRCOG Part 1 a multiple choice exam and to progress from ST5 to ST6 MRCOG Part 2 must be passed – this is both a theoretical and clinical exam.
Do I need to pass any PG examinations at core level to get into “run through”?
See above
Is your specialty stressful?
It can be.
What are the best and worst aspects of your specialty?
The best aspect is the variety and the fact that most of our patients are fit and healthy and you are dealing with them and their families at a very happy time of their lives. The worst aspect is having to deal with complaints, litigation and perinatal deaths.
I would like to have a family – is that possible while training in this specialty?
Yes – trainees have worked flexibly in O & G for approximately 20 years.
Is there any chance of “less than full time training” in your specialty?
Yes we presently have 4 LFTT in O & G
Is full time research mandatory during training?
No – but those with an interest in research are supported in their applications for funding and ethics approval.
Are the hours antisocial?
Yes – this is unlikely to change and in some units even consultants have to live in on-call.
What tips can you give on starting and advancing in your specialty?
To Start off -Showing some interest in Womens health issues through projects as a medical student or when on elective,
To Advance – Making the most of all the training opportunities available through courses, audits, presentations and practical skills learnt whilst on the job.
What are the chances of a consultant post after CCT?
With workforce planning it is intended that training posts should match consultant numbers and with more trusts having to ensure RCOG guidelines, there maybe an expansion over the next few years to achieve the appropriate hours of consultant labour ward cover.
What is the dropout rate?
To date this has been very low.
Can I spend some of my time training abroad?
Yes – the training committee and RCOG have always supported trainees who have wished to train for a specific period abroad or to achieve a competency not available in the UK.
Can I work part-time or job-share as a Consultant?
Yes and presently there are a number of such posts held in NI.