962 COVID-19 And ST3 National Selection in Surgery: What Happens to Core Surgical Trainees When We Remove the Face-to-Face Interview?

The 2020 ST3 recruitment year for Higher Surgical Training (HST) did not have a face-to-face interview due to COVID-19. Candidates were solely scored on portfolio self-assessment alone. We have assessed the impact on Core Surgical Trainee progression into ST3 by comparing the 2020 recruitment year with 2019. Method Total numbers of applicants to ST3 for all 7 surgical sub-specialties that recruit at ST3 level were obtained via Freedom of Information requests from Health Education England (HEE). These were sorted by those who were in CST, had completed CST or had an alternative equivalence certificate. Results Overall applicant numbers were up in 2020, mainly from an increase in applicants with a Certificate of Readiness to Enter Higher Surgical Training. Overall ST3 positions appointed to were down. CST progression rate was down slightly, with an increase in appointees >10 years since graduation. Conclusions The 2020 recruitment year for ST3 HST had a higher number of applicants and lower places available than 2019. The majority of the extra applicants were trainees who have not completed CST in the UK. CST progression rate to HST was down slightly. The lack of face-to-face interview may benefit some candidates graduating >10 years ago.