CT3 Equivalent Survey is now open
A survey jointly commissioned by the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA), the Association of Anaesthetists (the Association) and the British Medical Association (BMA) has launched today. The CT3 Equivalent Survey (open now until 15 December), is aimed at anaesthetists who took up CT3 equivalent posts to enable completion of Stage 1 of the 2021 Anaesthetics curriculum so that they are in a position to apply for ST4 training when it opens to recruitment.
The RCoA, the Association and the BMA recognise that many of the anaesthetists in these posts were disappointed not to be appointed to formal ST3 posts in the August 2021 round of recruitment – with many again disappointed by missing out in the recent February 2022 recruitment round.
The CT3 Equivalent Survey results will be used to establish whether posts around the UK meet the standards set out in our joint recommendations in terms of study leave, pay equity, educational opportunities and supervision. The results of this survey will be published in early 2022.
The survey has been designed to gauge how anaesthetists in this position are planning their careers and to understand the emotional impact of being the first cohort to transition to the new 2021 curriculum without formal training posts.
Dr Sarah Muldoon, RCoA Council member representing Anaesthetists in Training said:
“It is vitally important that we understand the challenges this group of anaesthetists are facing after a very turbulent two years. If we can identify any barriers to achieving the clinical and educational opportunities needed to transition to the new curriculum and progress in their careers, we can offer the right advice and support in time for the first ST4 recruitment rounds. We can also support Clinical Directors and College Tutors in improving these posts for future applicants. The new 2021 Anaesthetics Curriculum has been designed to make training more flexible and changes to the training policies will mean that relevant training can count towards the completion of Stage 1 competencies. We are keen to understand how that is working in practice.”
Dr Divya Raviraj, Association of Anaesthetists Trainee Committee Chair, said:
“At the Association of Anaesthetists, we have continued to advocate for trainees during this very challenging time. We realise a cohort of trainees at this stage have had to endure redeployment during COVID-19 pandemic surges, fears over job security, challenges transitioning to a new curriculum, and experienced significant stress and anxiety with errors during examinations and the recruitment process. We hope to work with organisations like the RCoA, the BMA, Health Education England and the Anaesthetics National Recruitment Office to improve working conditions and options. This survey is a beginning step to gain feedback and identify how we can best support you going forward.”
Dr Mike Kemp, co-chair of the BMA Junior Doctor Committee said:
"We know that this year has been extraordinarily challenging for anaesthetists in training, as a committee we had concerns that CT3 equivalent posts would be varied across the nations and regions, and that there may not be equity in pay, conditions and educational resources.”
“The RCoA has commissioned this survey, in collaboration with the Association and the BMA to shine a light on your lived experience in order to better equip us all to advocate on your behalf not only nationally but also in the regions where you work through your regional and devolved national JDCs. Please take the time to complete this survey and if you have any questions you can get in touch with any of the representative organisations."