The evolution of British neurosurgical selection and training over the past decade

Abstract

Selection of junior doctors into the British neurosurgical training program and subsequent speciality training have undergone several key changes over the past decade. Shift patterns in the era of the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) have had a major impact on surgical training. We discuss the national selection process, formalization of surgical simulation training and the need to encompass generic professional capabilities within the neurosurgical curriculum in order to create the “well-rounded surgeon”. Future directions including hybrid cerebrovascular training, training in stereotactic radiosurgery, and dedicated training opportunities in spinal surgery.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Mr. Amar Saxena, who coordinates the ST3 boot camp, for the information he provided on this course.

Disclosure statement

Mr. Peter Whitfield is currently Chairman of the SAC in neurosurgery. He has previously held the post of Secretary to the National Neurosurgery Selection Board. Miss Gráinne McKenna is the national trainee representative for the Neurosurgery SAC.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Alexander Alamri

Alexander Alamri, MBBS, BSc. PGCCE, MRCS, is a North Thames neurosurgical trainee. He was previously an anatomy demonstrator at King’s College, University of London where he also gained the postgraduate certificate in medical education. He is currently the North Thames neurosurgery trainees representative.

Aswin Chari

Aswin Chari, MA, BMBCh, MRCS, is a North Thames academic neurosurgical trainee. He is a past-chair of the British Neurosurgical Trainee Research Collaborative. He held a teaching appointment as Bye Fellow at Downing College, University of Cambridge and has examined in the final examinations at Barts and The London Medical School.

Gráinne McKenna

Gráinne McKenna, MA (Cantab), MB BChir FRCS(SN), is an ST8 neurosurgical trainee in North Thames who was recruited through the national selection process in 2009. She is the national trainee representative for the Neurosurgery SAC and is currently undertaking an MSc in Medical Education with UCL and The Royal College of Physicians.

Ian Kamaly-Asl

Ian Kamaly-Asl, MD, MBChB, FRCS (SN), is a Consultant Paediatric Neurosurgeon, Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Manchester and is Chairman of the British Paediatric Neurosurgery Group.

Peter C. Whitfield

Peter C. Whitfield, BM (Distinction) PhD FRCS Eng. FRCS (SN), Consultant Neurosurgeon and Personal and Professional Development lead at Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry is also Chairman of the SAC in Neurosurgery and Chairman of the Board of Examiners for the Fellowship of the European Board of Neurological Surgery. He is former Secretary to the Neurosurgery National Selection Board.