Representing trauma and orthopaedics is Rosie Hackney.
I studied medicine at The University of Nottingham and moved to Edinburgh as an academic foundation programme trainee. I developed my interest in surgery early on at medical school but was dissuaded by inaccurate myths and stigma. I returned to the idea of surgery in my foundation years but wasn’t entirely set on a specific career path.
I took a year out after FY2 and explored my interest in medicine overseas and global development. This year cemented my chosen career path of orthopaedics and was successful in my application to the run-through programme in South East Scotland. Since starting training I have been involved in research, audits and quality improvement and regularly teach juniors and medical students.
Run-through trauma and orthopaedics training in Scotland is the most competitive specialty to apply to with ratios reaching over 20:1 in recent years. Other routes in to orthopaedics include through core surgical training for two years which is based around your MSRA examination score and an interview. You then apply to registrar T&O training at ST3 to complete your training at ST8. There are limited ST3 numbers in Scotland, however, which can be a limiting factor for some. Both are competitive and require applicants to demonstrate commitment to specialty, evidence of leadership, teaching, engagement in research and quality improvement. The earlier you review the person specifications for specialties, the better: this will enable you to work towards your goal and tick boxes whilst at medical school.
