GPST / GPVTS SELECTION PROCESS

Over the past few years, the recruitment process for GPST / GPVTS has considerably evolved and has now been harmonised across all deaneries. The current GPST recruitment / selection process contains 3 main selection stages.

Stage 1: Online Application Form

The application form is a basic online form completed at the same time as the normal Hospital ST application form. For GP ST /GP VTS shortlisting, only basic information is required, such as personal details and a list of posts (together with information as to whether each post is recognised for GP ST training purposes.

>>>More details on Stage 1>>>

Stage 2: Two written papers (2 x 90 minutes)

Clinical Problem Solving paper

This paper consists of 100 questions in the MCQ and EMQ formats. The level of difficulty is set at junior doctor level.

Situational Judgement Tests / Professional Dilemmas paper

This paper consists of 50 questions designed to test your behaviour when facing difficult situations. You are given a number of scenarios with a list of possible actions, which you must rank in order of suitability.

>>>More details on Stage 2>>>

Stage 3: GPST One-Day Selection Centre
The selection centre has replaced the traditional interview, which was no longer deemed appropriate for GP recruitment, at the end of 2006. Although, traditionally, deaneries followed different processes for Stage 3, all have now aligned their recruitment approach and Stage 3 is now an OSCE-type exam comprising the following:

Role-play / Simulated consultation

This consists typically of a 20-minute simulated consultation with a patient played by a professional actor. Role-play topics can deal with a wide range of issues including breaking bad news, handling mistakes, explaining the management of a chronic condition. They focus primarily on your communication skills rather than your clinical knowledge (which has already been assessed in Stage 2).

Group discussion

In this station, you will placed in a group with three other candidates. You will be given a topic to discuss as a group for approximately 20 minutes, during which you will be assessed individually. During this task, you will be assessed both on your individual ability to contribute and on your ability to relate well to others in the group.

Prioritisation

This station is a written station where you are given a scenario with five or six tasks that need to be completed simultaneously. This could include having to deal with an emergency, a patient, a request from a number of colleagues, personal/family issues, basically anything that could typically happen during the course of your work at the hospital or in a GP practice. Your task is to prioritise these tasks and to provide explanations about your judgements.

>>>More details on Stage 3>>>

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