Hi, I’m Sam and I recently finished FY2 (foundation year 1). I applied to ST1 (specialty training 1) last year and I'm sharing the information I wish I had known before some frantic researching! If you have any further questions, I’m more than happy for you to message me (see contact details below). Just to note, everything below is correct at the time of writing.
The application and the 'white space' questions
The main resources I used to prepare for the application came from the RCPCH website itself. Don't underestimate their guidance on applying at ST1!
While the guidance is free to access, I also recommend becoming an RCPCH Foundation Doctor member – this is free during your foundation years, and you get updates on conferences, new research and other teaching opportunities the RCPCH provides.
Your application is through Oriel – and whilst it may be an incredibly frustrating platform at times – it does make it all quite self-explanatory. There are no longer any exam requirements for paediatric ST1 applications, nor are points given for membership exams.
The mainstay of the application is a series of ‘white space' questions, which cover multiple topics from academic achievements (audits, research), to transferable clinical skills/qualities (leadership, teaching) to your motivation for paediatrics. Something important to remember if you did not have a foundation paediatric job is that there are many applicable skills you will have gained that are transferable to paediatrics. Interpersonal skills such as teamwork and compassion are just as sought after, if not more. Looking at the ‘person specification’ (which you can download from the guidance page) will also help detail which qualities assessors are looking for, and you can see what applies to you.
Note! From this year, the white space questions require no more more than 75 words in any domain. Applicants will need to evidence their examples using a combination of drop-down options and short descriptions. Content and use of transferable skills are still relevant and a full explanation of shortlisting can be found on the RCPCH webpages.
This is likely the most time-consuming element of the application process. It is not worth rushing so do read the shortlisting guidance and carefully select the examples that will give you the best possible score in each section.
The interview
The guidance on applying at ST1 is really a bible of sorts, especially for the interview stage. It outlines what you will be asked, so you can start prepping early.
I recommend practicing your answers with a friend as a ‘mock interview’. This will help with your timings and allow your answers to feel conversational. There are different subscription platforms with ‘example questions’, but it is by no means necessary to fork out a large sum for these. The RCPCH signposts what they are looking for in the four interview domains. Two stations are OSCE style – one communication and one clinical reasoning.
There is no need to be worried that the clinical reasoning will be out of depth. Examples I have seen are all topics covered in medical school or can be worked through with knowledge expected at FY2.
When it comes to the more personal answers, remember to take inspiration from your application form and just speak from the heart about your drive for paediatrics. That is what will shine through.
The round up!
That essentially covers the application process. A timeline of key dates will be published, and you can expect final decisions around April.
The preferencing window can be a stressful period, so give yourself enough time to rank. Preferencing is done differently to the foundation – you rank all jobs in the country from the get-go (no ranking deaneries first). You do not need to rank them all, and you are recommended to not rank areas where you would not accept a job. Focus on areas where you can see yourself for the foreseeable future, given training is run-through. And, think about the jobs on offer, especially if you have a sub-specialty in mind.
All that is left to say is good luck! As I said at the beginning, if you have any questions, feel free to ask, but the main thing is to show what background you have that displays your aptitude for paediatrics and your genuine motivation for the speciality.
Dr Samar Al-Shamaa is based in the KSS deanery. If you have any questions, Sam is happy to be contacted via Instagram on , or email the RCPCH team on medical.recruitment@rcpch.ac.uk.