Alternative Pathways Into Higher Surgical Training

How to Secure a Training Post as Locally Employed Doctor via the CREHST Route

16^th February 2026, 18:00 to 19:00 GMT

Overview

This webinar is being delivered by the RCSEd committee for Specialty Doctors, Associate Specialist, Specialist Grade & Locally employed surgeons’ committee (SASL). It will address common areas of uncertainty surrounding alternative pathways into Higher Surgical Training (HST), with a focus on the CREHST route, which is necessary for candidates who have not completed formal Core Surgical Training. It will provide an honest, evidence-based overview of how the pathway works in practice, outline realistic chances of success, and highlight practical strategies to maximise success.

This webinar will be relevant to doctors working in locally employed roles (including trust grade core trainees and junior clinical fellows), trust registrars, senior clinical fellows and SAS doctors who are considering application to a formal HST post.

Aims

• To address common misconceptions and areas of uncertainty surrounding alternative routes into Higher Surgical Training.
• To provide clarity on the CREHST route as a legitimate alternative pathway into Higher Surgical Training.
• To equip participants with practical strategies to make the most of opportunities whilst working in locally employed posts in order to optimise their chances of securing a Higher Surgical Training post via the CREHST route.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this webinar, attendees should be able to:

• Understand the advantages and disadvantages of pursuing an alternative pathway into Higher Surgical Training
• Identify the competencies and evidence required for CREHST sign-off.
• Understand realistic chances of success at national selection when applying via the CREHST route.
• Plan how to structure a locally employed post to maximise clinical exposure, supervision, and training opportunities.
• Assess whether the CREHST route is appropriate for your individual training background

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Panellists

Our panellists include:

• Mr Majid Mukadam MBE - Chair SASLED Committee, RCSEd
• Prof Jon Lund - Dean of Education, RCSEd
• Mr Alex Baldwin - Speciality Registrar & Academic Clinical Fellow, Burns & Plastic Surgery, Formerly member of SASL committee of RCSEd
• Mr Jinpo Xiang - Senior Clinical Fellow, General Surgery.

CPD

1 Hour

To be eligible to receive CPD hours for webinar attendance you must connect for the full duration of the webinar AND complete the feedback survey.

Visit our FAQ for further information relating to webinar CPD.

Recording

A recording of the webinar will be made available on this page in the days following the live broadcast.

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