Congratulations! You have been accepted into the University of Leeds to study medicine as a direct entrant to third year. Direct entrants have a ‘catch up’ lecture series with the head of third year a week before university is due to start. It will involve teaching sessions with various doctors on common medical topics – ECGs, physical examinations, chest x-ray interpretation etc. You can also practice some of these skills on suitable patients if time allows. It’s a really useful few days so I would advise you to plan ahead and make the most of it by brining any questions you may have.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) is renowned for its long and arduous pathway. There have historically been various routes into OMFS, with the second-degree often being considered by both dentistry- and medicine-first trainees as the biggest hurdle. With recent changes to specialty training, this guide aims to concisely delineate the pathways available to the Scottish applicant. 

The CREHST form (Certificate of Readiness to Enter Higher Surgical Training), now formally known as the slightly less catchy ACEEHST (Alternative Certificate of Eligibility to Enter Higher Surgical Training), is a certificate of equivalence for Core Surgical Training (CST). It can be used by individuals who have gained core surgical experience outside a UK CST post but can demonstrate that they have achieved the same outcomes as a trainee completing CST with a satisfactory ARCP.

For many doctors and dentists considering a career in OMFS, the path may seem to be almost predetermined – complete your first degree, undertake foundation, and core training, and apply for a three-year second-degree programme. These courses are well known, highly competitive, and naturally attract those pursuing a career in OMFS. However, having almost completed a four-year medical degree after previously qualifying in dentistry, I would like to offer an alternative perspective that I feel is often overlooked.

Is taking a year out for an intercalated degree really worth it?

With competitive training pathways and the added cost of an extra year, taking time out of medicine or dentistry to intercalate may seem like a risky move. For many students, it’s an opportunity to explore a subject in greater depth and grow both academically and personally. This bulletin post explores the potential benefits and drawbacks, and helps you decide whether intercalating could be the right choice for you.

Returning to university for a second full-time degree is a challenge in itself — and one of the biggest questions for many is: how will I fund it?

This short bulletin aims to make the process a little less daunting by sharing practical advice and personal experience. Although written from a dentist-first perspective, the same principles can help anyone balancing study, work, and life during a second degree.

In this guide we’ll cover:

• Funding options available
• Organising your work schedule
• Keeping track of your finances
• Maintaining a healthy work–life balance

The Multi-Specialty Recruitment Assessment (MSRA) has become a decisive factor in CST shortlisting. In this bulletin, I will attempt to explain how the exam has evolved over recent years and how to best revise for it. With the proposed changes to ST1 recruitment, MSRA may ultimately be of less relevance. However, it is still important to acquaint ourselves with the exam while it is being used for CST applications.

OMFS is still a relatively young specialty, and its development has differed across the world. What started as basic dentoalveolar surgery has grown into everything from microvascular reconstruction to major head & neck oncology, however,  not every country has taken the same route to get there. Some demand dual degrees, others focus on dental-only training, and some have created hybrid models that offer flexible training pathways.

For those of us planning to pursue (or are currently training) OMFS in the UK, understanding these differences may help us appreciate why the UK pathway is structured the way it is, and what opportunities (or challenges) await if you're considering working abroad. Whether you stick with the UK grind or explore international options, being aware of the landscape helps you make informed choices about your career.

Organising a plating course can often feel overwhelming at first. It’s easy to not know where to start, particularly if you haven’t done it before. Over the previous 3 years, the South West have delivered a plating course on a yearly basis, attracting delegates from places as far as Northern Ireland. I have compiled an unofficial guide to help support other representatives who are wanting to organise a plating course.

Applying for a second degree in medicine or dentistry is a high-stakes opportunity and can be pivotal in one’s professional arc. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual interviews have become the norm and show no sign of disappearing. Though you’ll likely be conducting these interviews from the comfort of your home, excelling in the virtual format requires extra technical preparation, polished communication, and some awareness of social psychology. Thanks to past successful candidates and faculty members involved with the interview process, here is a selection of actionable key tips to ensure you present yourself as a standout candidate.