Global Overview
Surgery is one of the most competitive specialties across all countries. Training is long (7–10 years post-graduation), hierarchical, and highly rewarding. Routes into surgery vary significantly by country — choose your section below.
Surgical Training by Country
UK Surgery
Core Surgical Training (CST), ST3 specialty applications, MRCS exam and the path to FRCS.
UK surgical pathwayUS Surgery
5-year ACGME general surgery residency, the Match, fellowship pathways and board certification (ABS).
US surgical pathwayCanada Surgery
5-year RCPSC general surgery residency via CaRMS, FRCSC examination.
Canadian surgical pathwayAustralia Surgery
RACS surgical education and training (SET) programme, competitive selection and FRACS fellowship.
Australian surgical pathwayIreland Surgery
RCSI Basic Surgical Training and specialist registrar programmes leading to FRCSI.
Irish surgical pathwayNew Zealand Surgery
RACS SET programme (shared with Australia), HWNZ-funded training positions.
NZ surgical pathwaySurgical Sub-Specialties
| Sub-Specialty | UK Entry | US Entry | ANZ Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Surgery | CST → ST3 | 5yr General Surgery residency | RACS SET (General) |
| Orthopaedics | CST → ST3 | 5yr Orthopaedic residency | AOA SET |
| Neurosurgery | Direct ST1 (run-through) | 7yr Neurosurgery residency | RACS SET (Neuro) |
| Plastics | CST → ST3 | 6yr Plastic Surgery residency | RACS SET (Plastics) |
| ENT / Otolaryngology | Direct ST1 (run-through) | 5yr Otolaryngology residency | ASOHNS SET |
| Urology | Direct ST1 (run-through) | 5yr Urology residency | USANZ SET |
| Vascular Surgery | CST → ST3 | 5yr Vascular or Integrated | RACS SET (Vascular) |
Building a Surgical Portfolio
- Log all operative experience in your country's e-portfolio from day one
- Complete the relevant basic surgical skills course early (ATLS, Basic Surgical Skills UK, ASSET)
- Aim for at least one surgical audit or QI project per rotation
- Research and publications are weighted increasingly highly in all countries
- Teaching — demonstrating in cadaveric or skills labs is accessible from CT1/PGY-1