The ST3 Orthopaedic application features a selection of self-assessment questions that contribute to the overall mark for the portfolio station. Today’s Wednesday Blog looks at the self-assessment questions and what is required.

The 2013 online application opened in February and was accessed using the intrepid:pathway system that you may be familiar with from Core Surgical applications.

The final page of the online application featured a series of self-assessment questions and free-text questions. This was designed to help selectors quickly quantify categories of the person specification such as operative experience, orthopaedic experience, teaching, leadership, audits, publications and teamwork.

The answers were scored and made up half of your overall score for the Portfolio Station (the remaining score decided by your answers at interview).

Self-Assessment

The self-assessment questions were direct questions with answers selected via drop down box. 11 questions covered the following topics, representing sections of the ST3 Orthopaedic person specification:

◎ T&O Experience
◎ Related Experience
◎ Operative Experience
◎ Publications
◎ Presentations
◎ Audits
◎ Higher Degrees
◎ Leadership Experience
◎ Teaching Experience

The exact wording and order of questions can be found in our Self-Assessment page. The Intrepid:Pathway screen can be seen below.

Free Text Questions

Together with the self-assessment questions there was space to reference all publications, presentations and audits and 5 free text questions with set word limits.

Give details of outstanding achievements outside the field of medicine. (100 words)

What experience do you have of delivering teaching? Have you undertaken a teaching skills course or a formal qualification in teaching? (200 words)

Describe how you believe you meet the person specification for the Programme you are applying for. Include the particular skills and attributes that make you suitable for a career in this specialty. (200 words)

Please provide evidence of activities and achievements which demonstrate your commitment to a career in this specialty and/or have led to the development of skills relevant to a career in this specialty. (200 words)

Please provide evidence of activities and achievements which demonstrate your skills in management, leadership, teamwork, communication, relevant to a career in this specialty. (200 words)

These required specific examples linking achievements to criteria of the person specification. It is worth spending time writing the best answers possible as an extra mark can make a huge difference when it comes to your final score at interview.

With the application opening in the New Year for 2014 applications there is still plenty of time to add points to your application and think about how your CV can be improved.



Next week’s Wednesday Blog begins our series of ST3 Orthopaedic Core Knowledge Topics...