Plastic Surgery ST3 interview
The published format is a 30-minute interview made up of 10 minutes OSCE/communication, 10 minutes clinical scenarios and 10 minutes structured interview, scored 0–5 against defined criteria. The simulator mirrors both the sequencing and the scoring anchors.
Format based on published 2026 recruitment guidance. Last checked: January 2026. This is general information, not advice about your application — always confirm details with the official source for your round.
Structure
The stations, reproduced with real timings.
The simulator keeps to these durations and moves you on when the clock runs out.
OSCE / communication
A simulated consultation such as consent, breaking difficult news, or managing an unhappy patient.
Clinical scenarios
Trauma, hand and reconstructive scenarios with escalating complexity.
Structured interview
Commitment to specialty, audit, research, teaching and leadership evidence.
Weighting
Where the marks sit.
Practice is weighted the same way, so your time goes where it counts.
What candidates work on here
- Communication stations with a challenging simulated patient
- Answering against 0–5 scoring anchors
- Evidence-led structured interview answers
Example questions
Original scenarios, written with clinicians.
Each question is mapped to the domains it assesses, so the summary you receive is specific rather than generic.
OSCE / consent
“Consent a patient for excision of a suspicious skin lesion on the forearm. They are anxious about scarring.”
A panel would listen for
Empathy, honesty and checking the other person has understood
Clinical scenario
“A 28-year-old sustains a circular saw injury to the volar aspect of the index finger with no active flexion. Describe your assessment and plan.”
A panel would listen for
A systematic approach, safe prioritisation and knowing when to escalate
Structured interview
“Describe an audit you led. What did you change, and what happened to the outcome measure?”
A panel would listen for
A closed loop, your personal role and a measured change
Practise this interview until it feels routine.
One free mock interview, no card required. Scores describe your practice performance only.
Start a free mock interview