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Core Surgical Training

Introduction

Welcome to Core Surgical Training (CST) in Wales. Themed rotations have been designed to provide the requirements to progress from CST into chosen Higher Specialty Training (HST).

 

Training in Wales

CST in Wales offers a very favourable career start in surgery. Rotations have been recently re-configured on a regional basis to minimise commute time, improve work life balance, and optimise GMC based satisfaction outcomes.

Themed rotations are offered in General Surgery, Burns & Plastic surgery, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Urology, and Oral and Maxillofacial (OMFS), and all are designed to maximise success at HST application. HEIW trainers are fully engaged and MRCS pass and progression rates from to Higher Surgical trainees are among the UK’s best.

Outside of work, Wales is an enviable place to rest and unwind. The unique geography allows easy access to both coast and countryside, with some of the best UK hiking, mountain biking, and surfing opportunities.  Moreover, many trainees choose to remain in Wales for HST and Consultant posts, enjoying a near perfect work life balance.

 

Hear from our current trainees:

“Core training programmes were particularly attractive as they offered a generous period with your themed specialty, as well as shorter rotations that complimented well. The warm working environment strongly promotes opportunities for developing surgical skills with support from tutors who passionately deliver the highest standards of training.  Wales offers such a breadth of experience. I felt prepared for a career in surgery and I was delighted to stay here for higher specialty training”. Dr Harvey Rich, ST4 Plastic Surgery.

“Core training in Wales is a fantastic programme. The friendly and supportive atmosphere is driven by the tutors and surgical trainers across multiple specialities. Throughout my time their steadfast commitment to training provided continuous opportunities for trainees to develop the skills to become great surgeons, both inside and out of theatre. My time in the programme and the support I received has been invaluable. It helped to prepare me when I applied for national selection, for which I gladly chose to continue in Wales as my first choice for specialty training”. Dr Zoe Li, ST4, Plastic Surgery.