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Building a competitive application: exploring the entry routes and educational choices of otolaryngology higher surgical trainees in the UK

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 September 2023

Sachin Tushar Patel Open the ORCID record for Sachin Tushar Patel [Opens in a new window] ,
Keli Dusu ,
Zohaib Siddiqui  and
Syed Irtiza Ali Shah
Sachin Tushar Patel*
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Infirmary Square, Leicester, UK
Keli Dusu
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, East Surrey Hospital, Canada Avenue, Redhill, UK
Zohaib Siddiqui
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Frimley Park Hospital, Portsmouth Road, Frimley, Camberley, UK
Syed Irtiza Ali Shah
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Tunbridge Wells Hospital, Tonbridge Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Tunbridge Wells, UK
*
Corresponding author: Sachin Tushar Patel; Email: [email protected]
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Abstract

Background

This cross-sectional study investigates the educational background and entry routes of otolaryngology higher surgical trainees in the UK.

Method

A survey was disseminated to trainees through training programme directors and 60 responses were received.

Results

Most trainees decided to pursue otolaryngology early in their training, with 50 per cent making the decision four or more years before applying for a higher surgical traineeship. Similarly, 68.3 per cent of trainees undertook otolaryngology-themed core surgical training, while two-thirds had an otolaryngology rotation during their foundation training. Most trainees (86.7 per cent) were accepted into core surgical training on their first attempt, and 71.7 per cent gained entry to higher surgical training on their first attempt.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the importance of early exposure to otolaryngology and the pursuit of themed core surgical training programmes for building a competitive application. However, unsuccessful first attempts at core surgical training or higher surgical training should not discourage candidates from pursuing a career in otolaryngology.

Keywords

Otolaryngologyacademic successeducationjob application
Type
Main Article
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 138 , Issue 3 , March 2024 , pp. 238 - 241
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2023. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of J.L.O. (1984) LIMITED

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Footnotes

*

Equal first authors

Sachin Tushar Patel takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

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