Core Surgical Training Interview Course

Boost your chances of success at the 2025 National Selection with our comprehensive CST interview course

4.8

Created by Francis Ugwu and Leo Grundle

Key Features

Over 200 Questions
50+ Essential Topics
2025 Interview Updates

What's Covered

The CST interview process is becoming increasingly competitive, with thousands of candidates vying for a limited number of spots each year. Enhance your chances of success with our comprehensive CST interview course, created by experienced consultants and top-performing trainees. This quality-assured course combines essential knowledge, expert advice, and interview techniques to help you secure your CST position and preferred rotation.

Our course features four in-depth modules covering everything you need for the CST interview: emergency and trauma stations, outpatient scenarios, leadership and management, ethics, key communication skills, and strategies to distinguish yourself from the competition. Most importantly, the course focuses on answer frameworks, enabling you to excel in any station you encounter.

Our course, updated for the 2025 interview, offers more topics and material than any other provider. Sign up now for immediate access until May 2025, and for even more practice, combine the course with our popular CST Mock Interview below.

Suitable For

All doctors with an upcoming CST interview or candidates wishing to prepare well in advance of the CST National Selection process.

What You'll Learn

Course Content

Last updated July 2024

Overview & General Strategy

Introduction
How The Interview Is Structured
How To Prepare For The Interview
Key Knowledge & Reading
Communication
Interview Practice
Common Issues & Pitfalls
CST Interview Score Sheet

Clinical Stations

Introduction
Overview, Strategy & Tips
How The Station Is Structured
How To Approach Clinical Scenarios
Question Domains
Dealing With Follow Up Questions
ATLS Approach – ‘CABCDE’
CCrISP Approach – ‘ABCDE’
Frameworks
Sepsis – Definitions & Assessment
Wound Classification & SSIs
WHO Surgical Safety Checklist
Haemorrhage & Transfusion
Emergency Thoracotomy
Massive Haemothorax
Crush Syndrome
Trauma
Head Injury
Crush Injury
Abdominal Pain I
Burns Injury
Post-Op Chest Pain
Abdominal Pain II
Testicular Pain
Post-Op Shortness Of Breath
Loin Pain
Melaena
Post-Op Shortness Of Breath II
Acute Leg Pain
Upper Limb Trauma
Abdominal Pain III
Groin Pain
Abdominal Pain IV

Management Stations

Introduction
Answer Framework
NCEPOD Categories
P-Possum
ASA Classification
Clinical Audit
Audit vs Research
VTE Risk Assessment
WHO Checklist
DATIX
PALS
Capacity (Previous Station)
Unsupported In Theatre
Wrong Patient
Emergency Theatre Delay
Bed Pressures
Incomplete VTE Risk Assessment
Dismissive Registrar
Absent Colleague
Wrong Site Surgery
Bullying
Wrong Consent Form
Unequal Distribution Of Work

Leadership Presentation

Introduction
Delivering A Good Speech
Leadership Questions
Good Leadership Example
Poor Leadership Example
Leadership vs Management
Good Followership

Verified Reviews

Claire C.

So helpful! I was really unsure about the whole CST interview but this course helped me write a great presentation and confidently deal with the clinical and ethical scenarios. 100% would recommend!

Charlotte D.

Best resource I have used for my CST interview prep. Covers loads of topics that I didn’t think would come up so really glad I did it! Definitely worth it for the price.

Richard T.

The frameworks to answer questions are the best ones I’ve seen anywhere – clear and easy to follow. They really helped me at the interview and I got my top choice job.

Dora N.

I was not sure about getting this course but I’m so glad I did. The scenarios were great practice and prepared me for the day. If you’re sitting on the fence I would definitely recommend this.

Harry R.

Great scenarios for my practice, really good answer structures too. Helpful to have the tips and strategies for each station so I knew what to expect and what the interviewers were looking for.

Mohammed N.

This course has been a great investment in my preparation for core surgical training. Broke down the interview in a really helpful way and shows you exactly what the interviewers are looking for.

About The Authors

Mr Francis Ugwu

Francis Ugwu is a General Surgical Registrar, Clinical Educator and PhD candidate at the Institute of Global Health Innovation under Lord Professor Darzi. He has a passion for teaching and mentoring, with a specialist interest in the development of innovative training platforms within the NHS, and non-technical skills within medicine and surgery.

Mr Leo Grundle

Leo is a widely published and international prize-winning Core Trainee in Cardiothoracic Surgery at Guys’ and St Thomas’ Hospital, London. He has a passion for teaching, mentoring, and career development.

Quality Assured

This course has undergone thorough evaluation by a panel of experts to guarantee that the information presented is accurate, current, and aligned with expected interview standards. Course content is regularly reviewed and updated in response to user feedback.

Why Medset?

We’re an award-winning team of doctors committed to excellence in medical education. Since 2013, we’ve taught tens of thousands of students and healthcare professionals from around the world. Our courses are designed by medical experts who are passionate about providing the highest-quality educational content. So whether applying to medical school, in specialist training or developing your consultant practice, we are here to support you at every stage of your career.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I get access for?

You’ll get instant access as soon as you sign up until May 2025.

CST Mock Interview