IST FAQs

How can I apply for a training post in the IST pilot?
Applications for both traditional core surgical training (CST) and the IST posts will be made through Oriel. Applications will open on Thursday 7 November 2019 at 10:00 and close on Thursday 28 November 2019 at 16:00. IST run through and uncoupled posts will be listed alongside uncoupled CST posts, and applicants must rank those posts they would accept if offered. IST posts will be clearly indicated, allowing applicants to rank only IST posts, only non-IST posts, or a combination. Offers will be made on the basis of ranked preferences and scores achieved at interview.
For more information on Oriel and the application process, go to https://www.oriel.nhs.uk/Web/FAQs
Which specialties are participating in the pilot?
How may pilot training posts will be available?
Will recruitment to the IST pilot be more competitive than recruitment to uncoupled core posts?
I want to apply to train in uncoupled core and general surgery, urology, vascular surgery or trauma and orthopaedic surgery – will this still be possible?
Will the IST pilot lead to a reduction in the number of uncoupled specialty posts?
Should I apply for an IST pilot post, an uncoupled core IST-compliant post or a non-IST uncoupled core post?
Can I apply an IST pilot post even if I have not yet decided on which specialty I will choose?
The IST pilot will offer run through training in general surgery, urology, vascular surgery and trauma and orthopaedics in a number of sites in England, Scotland and Wales in 2020. In addition to this, all uncoupled core surgical training posts in Scotland will be included in the pilot. Uncoupled IST placements in Scotland will take place in pilot site health boards that have made the environmental changes included in the IST model.
There will be further IST-compliant uncoupled core surgical training posts in other regions. These placements however, are not run through in structure. Please see the IST Trainee Prospectus for further details.
Can I transfer to another specialty after joining the pilot?
Where will the IST pilot take place?
When will the IST pilot take place?
How will training in the IST pilot differ from uncoupled non-pilot training?
Run through training in the IST pilot will follow the same curricula as uncoupled core/higher specialty surgical training outside the pilot. The end point of training (CCT) will therefore be the same, but the experience of training will be enhanced in the pilot, and the duration of training may be shortened if competencies are achieved at a higher rate. However, many IST training enhancements are expected to also benefit non-pilot trainees in IST pilot sites.
Please note that in Scotland, all core surgical training posts will be part of the pilot in 2020. 10 posts will be offered as IST run through posts in general surgery, 3 in urology, 1 in vascular surgery, and all other remaining core surgical training posts in Scotland, 39 in total, will be uncoupled IST placements. Please see the IST Trainee Prospectus for further details.
I would like to apply for run through vascular surgery - will I be able to complete rotations in surgical specialties other than vascular surgery as part of my core-level training in IST?
Yes. In ST1, trainees will complete 12 months in general surgery training.
In ST2, trainees will complete 6-12 months of vascular surgery (with vascular surgery on-call only) and 6 months of either plastic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, general surgery, or ITU.
For details about the training programmes to be offered in Scotland, please see the IST Trainee ProspectusI would like to apply for run through vascular surgery - will I be able to complete rotations in surgical specialties other than vascular surgery as part of my core-level training in IST?
Yes. In ST1, trainees will complete 12 months in general surgery training.
In ST2, trainees will complete 6-12 months of vascular surgery (with vascular surgery on-call only) and 6 months of either plastic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, general surgery, or ITU.
For details about the training programmes to be offered in Scotland, please see the IST Trainee ProspectusI would like to apply for run through vascular surgery - Will I be able to complete rotations in surgical specialties other than vascular surgery as part of my core-level training in IST?
Yes. In ST1, trainees will complete 12 months in general surgery training.
In ST2, trainees will complete 6-12 months of vascular surgery (with vascular surgery on-call only) and 6 months of either plastic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, general surgery, or ITU.
For details about the training programmes to be offered in Scotland, please see the IST Trainee Prospectus.