O&G Interview Format

The Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) ST1 interview format has changed over the last few years. Historically deaneries would interview their own candidates locally, modifying the stations to fit with their preferences. Now there is a national selection system (which is standard for other competitive run-through specialties like ophthalmology and radiology).

For the jobs starting in 2019 the interviews were in the following format:

The Interview Stations

There are THREE stations, each lasting approximately 15 minutes. You will be assessed and scored at each station by at least two Consultants. There is likely to be a layperson present too; it is their job to ensure that the interview process is conducted fairly for all candidates. You can prepare for the interview using our interview question bank here.

1. Structured Interview Station

Quick fire round of questions. It is important that you practise your answers for the common questions that are likely to arise.
Use this station to outline to the examiners your key selling points, your positive attributes and why they should employ you.
You are likely to be asked questions that demonstrate your achievements (teaching/research/academic/quality improvement) as well as key attributes such as communication and team working.

2. Communication Station

This is your chance to shine.
Scenarios are often not O&G related. The communication station is there to test your non-clinical skills, which include: active listening; empathy; sensitivity and communication skills.
Practising scenarios will help you in the interview. As long as you remain calm and listen to the actor, then you should do well.
There may be two parts to the station: Part A assessing communication directly and Part B assessing reflection, probity and values.

3. Clinical Station

This station reflects real-life working. The content will not always be specific to O&G as the scenarios are intended to assess knowledge at FY2 level and not that of a specialty trainee.
Scenarios are there to assess: problem solving; decision making; managing others; organisation as well as clinical knowledge and patient safety.
You are often given the scenario to read before you enter the room and have some time to structure your thoughts.

For worked examples of all 3 stations use our interview question bank here.

Further Information

Where are the interviews held?

Currently in Manchester, Etihad Stadium.

Do I need to provide a portfolio?

This is no longer required and was removed prior to the 2016/2017 recruitment. This means that candidates need to interview well. Practise is everything.

Do I need to sit the Part 1 MRCOG during my foundation training?

Passing the Part 1 MRCOG exam is not required for specialty application and it does not give you any extra points. It could, however, be used to demonstrate commitment to specialty.

Is there anything else I need to do?

New to the recruitment process in 2017 is the Specialty Recruitment Assessment (SRA). The SRA is a written situational judgement test that is used in GP and radiology selection processes.

Time is always short in interviews. The key is to try and plan what you would ideally like to get across to the examiners during each station. Hopefully you have found this post useful. You can also use our O&G ST1 Interview Question Bank to prepare for each individual station.