Introduction

Introduction

Why did we create this video bank?

During our preparation for Core Surgical Training (CST) interviews, we felt overwhelmed with the breadth of content you could be asked about. Working full-time jobs and revising in our little free time meant we had to be strategic about the material we covered.

However, during preparation, we quickly realised the depth of content was familiar, to both ourselves and other applicants. The key to standing out was going to be our delivery and presentation.

  • We knew how to study information, but not how to effectively present it on the day.

  • We knew how much time we'd have in each station, but not how to pace ourselves.

  • We'd be offered mock interviews, but still didn't know how top applicants stood out. 


Given the standardised nature of CST interviews, what we wanted was to see exactly how things should be done.

Fortunately, through lots of work and preparation, we all scored well in the top 1% of applicants. This gave us the confidence to create what we had been looking for: a video bank for applicants to see exactly what they needed to do during the interview.


What does this video bank contain?

We've recorded 65+ videos of model answers to common questions, our responses to typical follow-up questions, as well as advice from high ranking CST applicants from across the UK.

The answers were recorded in real-time, exactly how we delivered them on the day.

Who is this video bank for?

Any applicant who wants to know exactly what they need to do to get the job they want.

Every individual who contributed to the creation of this question bank scored within the top 20 applicants in the UK (out of 2500+). Some of our contributors had average portfolios and attribute their success to their interview performance. Every single one obtained their first choice job.

What took us months to research, curate and perfect is now neatly compiled into an online course. For the first time, watch the exact answers that scored so highly in the interviews, as if you were a fly on the wall.

You'll learn the content, presentation style, pacing, body language and much more.

We cover all sections of the interview, except the portfolio station. The reason being that this has recently moved to verified self-assessment and is therefore not something that should come up for you.

We've also created a Free community page where you can ask questions, discuss topics with peers and simply chat with us.

What makes this video bank different from other courses?

Our team was resolute on creating something with true value, something we wished we'd had. We can't speak for other courses but we can tell you what we think makes this video masterclass worthwhile:

  • The caliber of the contributors - all ranked in the top 1% of applicants.

  • The on-demand nature - you have long-term access to watch, re-watch, pause and even speed up our videos.

  • The frameworks - you will watch us rely on frameworks to answer questions, these can be extrapolated to anything the interview throws your way.

  • The community - our free page allows you to ask questions, discuss and contribute your knowledge, all under the moderation of our experienced contributors.


We wish you all the best for your interviews and hope this video bank plays a part in your success!

-FastForward team.

The CST Interview Video Bank '25/26 Membership

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  • Introduction

Section 1 - Management Presentation

  • Reflect on your experience of leadership when working as a team member and how this will be useful as a core trainee.

Section 2 - Follow-up Questions

  • What is a clinical audit?
  • What is your experience of clinical audit?
  • What is the difference between research and audit?
  • When have you not acted as good team member?
  • What are the pros and cons to admitting your mistakes?
  • What is the difference between a manager and a leader?
  • Should all trainees be required to carry out research?
  • Where do you hope to be in 10 years?
  • Why do you want to become a surgeon?
  • What do you dislike about a surgical career?
  • How do you recognise when you are stressed and how do you handle stress?
  • Is teamwork important in surgery?
  • What makes a poor leader?
  • What is the worst experience you have had as a teacher?
  • What kind of leader are you?
  • What is clinical governance and how are you involved in it?
  • Can leadership be learned?
  • Do you think leadership is necessary in surgery?
  • What challenges have you faced as a leader and how are these relevant for CST?
  • Should a leader by feared or liked?
  • Why is research important in surgery?
  • Why do you enjoy teaching?
  • What are the qualities of a good teacher?
  • What are the qualities of a good team member?
  • How are you involved in clinical governance?
  • Do you work better alone or in a team?
  • What is your greatest strength?
  • What is your greatest weakness?
  • What makes a good leader?
  • What is a stressful situation in which you showed leadership?
  • Who is responsible for clinical governance?

Section 3 - Management Questions

  • Introduction
  • Consent, competence and capacity
  • A patient has refused to be treated by a foreign doctor. How would you respond?
  • A consultant is drunk at work. How would you respond?
  • If you were the only doctor available, would you perform a life-saving procedure you have never done before without support?
  • Two patients from different teams require urgent operations but there is only one operating room. How would you proceed?
  • A patient has consented for the removal of a foreign body from the right leg. Once the patient is under general anaesthetic, you realise the foreign body is on the left leg. How would you proceed?
  • You incorrectly marked the surgical site, resulting in the patient having the wrong mole removed. Given the patient has come to harm, what steps would you take next?
  • Your consultant is not interested in teaching. How would you respond?
  • Your consultant has asked you to consent a patient for a procedure you have no knowledge about. How would you respond?
  • You receive your rota, where you are working a much greater number of on-calls and bank holidays than your colleagues. How would you respond?
  • You have been asked to complete a DNACPR form with a patient and their next of kin. What would this require?
  • What is the Mental Health Act?

Section 4 - ATLS

  • The ATLS Protocol: Template Answer
  • Abdominal/ Pelvic Trauma
  • Head Trauma
  • Paediatric Trauma
  • Chest Trauma
  • Burns 1
  • Hip Trauma
  • Limb Trauma

Section 5 - CCRISP

  • The CCrISP Protocol: Template Answer
  • Post-op: Low Urine Output
  • Post-op: Confusion
  • Post-op: Hypotension
  • Post-op: Leg Pain
  • Right Upper Quadrant Pain
  • Right Iliac Fossa Pain
  • Loin Pain
  • Epigastric Pain
  • Post-op: Abdominal Pain
  • Abdominal Distension
  • Swollen Joint