National Selection and Recruitment in Urology: 2009

Abstract

In 2009, recruitment into higher urological training changed dramatically to a process of national selection. This article describes the process used, presents feedback from the assessors and candidates involved, and discusses possible improvements for future rounds.

National Recruitment in Urology 2010: An Update

“…While the introduction of national recruitment for urology in 2009, reported in this journal in the previous issue [1], met with approval from those involved, including candidates and selectors, concerns have remained in some parts of the country regarding a lack of local involvement in the national process. This concern led to a reappraisal of the options by the SAC in Urology at its recent meeting in November 2009 which was attended by Derek Fawcett representing BAUS, by Nancy Redfern the Lead Dean for Urology and by Steve Buggle, representing the Medical Programme Board (MPB) of Medical Education England (MEE).…”

“…The background to the discussion was the introduction of national recruitment into urology in 2009. The process has been previously described [1], but involved nationally applicable person specifications, a common application form and a single selection centre model using 6 ''tables'' which assessed various aspects of the candidates' knowledge and skills. The feedback from both candidates and assessors was supportive, and when the issue was subsequently debated by both the SAC and by BAUS Council in April and May 2009, there was overwhelming support for a similar process in 2010.…”

How to Implement a Simulation-Based Education Programme: Lessons from the UK Urology Simulation Boot Camp

“…Urology experience is variable in the 2-year core surgical training programme and 2-year foundation training which UK-based trainees undergo prior to entering Higher Specialty Training (HST) in urology or another surgical subspecialty [ 2 , 3 ]. As a result, trainees starting HST in urology do not always have the adequate urological experience to equip them to be competent to the level of a day-1 urology registrar.…”