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Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon

The Complete Orthopaedic ST3 Interview Website

OrthoRevision is the most comprehensive orthopaedic ST3 Interview website. Updated with 300 additional interview questions and 20 new interview scenarios ahead of the 2025 ST3 interviews based upon feedback from last years candidates. Start your path to orthopaedic ST3 interview success today

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Orthopaedic Scissors

OrthoRevision

OrthoRevision adopts an innovative approach for ST3 orthopaedic interview preparation. With utilisation of an anatomic area-based approach covering relevant topics of anatomy, clinical stations, surgical approaches and operations. Alongside preparation for the portfolio and prioritisation stations. 

 

The aim of this is to consolidate knowledge as readers tackle each of the different stations in one anatomical area. This website will teach you how to apply a systematic approach to clinical stations and a reproducible framework that can be applied to commonly asked questions. Each topic has a structured question and answer format throughout to enable candidates to assess their ST3 orthopaedic revision knowledge.

 

Created by Mr BM Sephton author of the popular ST3 Interview Preparation for Trauma and Orthopaedics Series

Clinical Stations

Over 500 clinical questions  split into anatomical area based approach. With relevant BOAST guidelines, anatomy, surgical approaches and common operations you need to know for the ST3 orthopaedic interview

Prioritisation Station

Learn about a structured approach to tackling the prioritisation stations. With multiple scenarios, our original "cheat sheet" and key tips to succeed at interview and become an orthopaedic registrar. 

Portfolio Stations

Answer common portfolio questions. Including usual mnemonics and memory aids to structure your response. Sharpen your knowledge, boost your confidence, and stand out from other ST3 orthopaedic interview competition

Communication Stations

Explore our communication stations. Including consenting, breaking bad news, capacity and confusion assessments. Learn the SPIKES structure to help ace this difficult station. 

Interview Lecture Series

Online intensive teaching course covering key tested topics from ST3 interview stations. Scenarios with key insider tips on how to achieve interview success that can be completed in own time.

Coming Soon

Online Question Bank

Largest online question bank with over 900 ST3 interview questions. Covering clinical, portfolio and prioritisation stations. Comprehensive Q&A approach, with memory and visual aids to enhance orthopaedic learning. 

About Orthopaedic ST3 Interview Application

Trauma & Orthopaedic surgery is the one of the largest surgical specialities. Competition ratios vary depending on the number of applicants and the number of available jobs released that year. This has varied significantly in the past 5 years ranging from 2.2 in 2017, to 5.72 in 2020. Due to the high competition ratios the pressure to perform well during the orthopaedic ST3 interview is substantial.

 

The aim of the ST3 orthopaedic interview is to ensure candidates are safe to perform as a day one orthopaedic registrar. Key attributes tested include communication and handover skills, clinical knowledge, management of common orthopaedic conditions and technical skills. Alongside this, candidates will undergo assessment of their surgical portfolio with relevant questioning from examiners on their achievements within core surgical, foundation year and medical school training .

 

To obtain a ST3 orthopaedic national training number (NTN) adequate preparation is key, candidates should have a good understanding of the interview process and what individual stations will involve. A key piece of advice is to treat the orthopaedic ST3 interview like an exam, with robust and intensive revision for 3-6 months prior to the interview, as well as ensuring group practice with other candidates also sitting the interview. 

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Download our free ST3 interview guide below to help guide you through the application process. 

Surgical Scissors

About
Interview Structure

Changes were made to the Orthopaedic ST3 interview structure in 2024. The revamped interview process is designed as a comprehensive online 60-minute multi-station interview, strategically crafted to assess candidates based on the detailed criteria outlined in the 2024 Person Specification.

 

The interview will unfold across four distinct 10-minute stations, each meticulously designed to provide a holistic view of the candidate's capabilities and qualifications.

 

Station 1 | Commitment to Specialty (formerly Portfolio)

In this station, candidates will be probed about various elements of their career and experiences to date. Two interviewers will independently assess candidates across domains such as Career Motivation, Learning and Development, Leadership and Team Involvement, Organisation and Planning, and Communication – Information Giving.


Station 2 | Clinical Station

The Clinical station, a cornerstone of the interview, immerses candidates in a clinical scenario. Evaluated by two independent interviewers, participants will be scored on Technical Knowledge, Problem Solving and Decision Making, Situational Awareness, Communication – Information Gathering, and Communication – Information Giving.


Station 3 | Prioritisation Station

The Prioritisation station introduces a real-world prioritisation exercise. Two interviewers will assess candidates across domains such as Organisation and Planning, Communication – Information Gathering, Communication – Information Giving, Judgement Under Pressure, and Situational Awareness.


 

Station 4 | Communication Station: Connecting with Patients

Perhaps the most eagerly awaited addition, the Communication station focuses on scenarios involving patient communication. Two interviewers will assess candidates on Technical Knowledge, Situational Awareness, Judgement Under Pressure, Communication – Information Gathering, and Communication – Information Giving.

“OrthoRevision is the only resource I used to successfully secure an ST3 position. It starts with the anatomy and basic knowledge before proceeding to practice scenarios. With the essential prior knowledge you remain flexible in the interview and can adapt accordingly”

Patrick, ST3
Kent, Surrey and Sussex

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