In addition to foundation and specialty training, there are opportunities to do a period of clinical academic research. Entry to surgical training is based on the trainee's progression through medical school and foundation year training. Potential surgical trainees often identify with a mentor early in their exposure to surgery. An intercalated or honours degree may also make the applicant more competitive but is not an absolute necessity for career progression. Foundation Programme These two years of broad, generic training include surgical rotations. Foundation programme Further information about the progression from foundation to specialty surgical training is available from the NHS Education for Scotland (NES) website. Postgraduate training information from NHS Education for Scotland Speciality Training Surgical training posts are competitive but they do not require candidates to have completed a large number of surgical posts during their foundation training. Selection for speciality training Specialty training Clinical Academic Training There are also opportunities to incorporate surgical and academic training for those who have already secured a training number. The Edinburgh Academic Clinical Track Scheme (ECAT) scheme provides a unique approach to deliver ‘run-through’ training for academic clinicians. Edinburgh Academic Clinical Track Scheme (ECAT) Clinical and academic research posts are also available. Clinical and academic research Related Links Applying for foundation and speciality training Careers information from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh This article was published on 2024-02-06
