How to Rank 1st in the Ophthalmology Application
Ophthalmology is notorious for being a competitive specialty and the popularity is only growing. In 2024, there were 1383 applicants for Ophthalmology in the UK. Of these, the top 300 MSRA-scoring applicants had their portfolios reviewed. Then 200 of these were selected for the interview, 86 of whom successfully obtained an Ophthalmology training post. This article is aimed at giving you tips on how to rank highly in the ophthalmology application process and what you can start to do now to secure your training number.
In the video below, Dr Rishi Gandhewar talks through how he ranked 1st in the Ophthalmology application 2024.
The application process
Key dates will be published on the Severn Deanery website, where you can also find all the uptodate information about the ophthalmology application process.
Applications open - 24th October 2024
Applications close - 21st November 2024
MSRA window - 2nd to 13th January 2025
Portfolio documentation upload window - 17th January to 7th February 2025
Invite to book interview - 4th March 2025
Interviews - 13th to 14th March 2025
Offers released by no later than 25th March 2025
Oriel
Firstly, you need to apply via the online portal, Oriel. This is likely similar to the way you applied for your foundation training programme. Complete the information as directed, and then they will use this to determine if you get shortlisted or not.
MSRA
Once shortlisted, then you will be invited to sit the MSRA.
MSRA stands for multi-specialty recruitment assessment.
It is an online exam that is held at one of the Pearson Vue Centres around the country.
The structure of the MSRA is split into two parts:
The first section is based on professional dilemmas (PD) which assesses professional attributes.
The second section is based on clinical problem solving (CPS) which assesses foundation level clinical knowledge.
Strive for as high a score as possible! For a general idea, the cut off for securing an interview during the 2024 ophthalmology application was 540.
Portfolio
The portfolio score is looked at in conjunction with your MSRA score to determine if you get an interview offer or not. Remember:
Similar to the MSRA score, you need to aim for a high portfolio score to help you guarantee that you’ll get an offer (or even an interview for that matter).
A high portfolio score will also help to increase your chance of getting the location that you want.
It is vital for you to organise early! The more organised you are, the more likely you are to have a good strategy and therefore have an easier time when the deadline is approaching.
Triage and prioritise the low hanging fruits.
You can score points up until the submission date so it’s never too late and you can always bag a few extra points until the last minute.
We have written another article that is dedicated to maximising your portfolio points (which can be viewed here ) and we offer a personalised ST1 Portfolio Review service.
Interview
Providing that your MSRA and portfolio scores both met the cut off, you will be invited for an interview.
The interview process, at the time of writing, is conducted online in the format of simulated patient consultations.
Scores are awarded across different domains such as empathy, communication and management plan.
There various ways to prepare for the interview such as reading textbooks and attending interview courses, including the ST1 Interview Bank that we have designed with applicants in mind.
We would strongly recommend finding a group of other applicants and do interview practice together regularly. Do not be “too nice” and make sure that everyone gets constructive feedback.
Final tips
Know the application process
One of the key steps to succeeding in any application process is to have a strong understanding of the process itself. That includes familiarising yourself with the different steps within the application, and within each step, having an idea of where to focus your time and efforts. As a brief overview, the application process is as below.
2. Book the MSRA early!
As the MSRA is used by numerous specialties, there will be lots of people booking to sit it during that short opening window. If you don’t book early, you may be left with time slots or locations that are inconvenient for you, which could adversely affect your performance, especially if you need to re-arrange clinical commitments such as on call shifts.
3. The Severn Deanery website contains the most accurate information
Don’t forget about the Severn deanery website as all the details will be published on there and occasionally, they change their requirements. So make sure that you are not wasting time on something that might end up not getting you any points at all.
We understand that the application process can be daunting so we have tried to make it as stress-free for you as possible by providing you with information in different formats such as webinars, articles and social media platforms (including a WhatsApp Community, LinkedIn and Instagram).
In addition, we have a ready-made, applicant-focused ST1 Application Course that you can attend. It includes full mock interviews, personalised feedback and high-yield lectures.
TLDR summary
Apply through the Oriel online portal, you’ll sit the MSRA (Multi-Specialty Recruitment Assessment). If your MSRA and portfolio scores meet the cut-off, you’ll be invited for an online interview.
The interview involves simulated patient consultations, with scores based on empathy, communication, and management. Prepare by practicing with a group, attending interview courses, and reviewing interview techniques.
Final Tips:
Understand the process: Familiarize yourself with the application stages and where to focus your efforts.
Book the MSRA early: Popular across specialties, so secure your slot early to avoid inconvenience.
Stay updated: Regularly check the Severn Deanery website for accurate and updated information.
