Resident Doctor Strikes & Surgical Training: Are They Compatable?
- May 31
- 2 min read
Resident doctor strikes in the UK have become a significant topic of discussion, especially with the ongoing disputes involving the BMA. These strikes aim to address:
Concerns over pay
Working conditions
Access to training & training quality.
While the purpose is clear, the impact on surgical training, particularly Core Surgical Training & speciality training beyond ST3, raises important questions. How do these strikes affect your development as a surgical trainee? More importantly, how can you limit their effects and continue advancing your skills despite the challenges?
Challenges Posed by Junior Doctor Strikes
When junior doctors strike, clinical exposure redcues.
Fewer chances to engage in operations, clinics, and ward rounds - less exposure hinders the development of confidence and competence.
Strikes reduces supervisors' teaching time, which can impede progress toward exams like the MRCS & FRCS
Stress and uncertainty during strikes can impact motivation and focus.
Causes organisational challenges in balancing support for industrial action with maintaining training.
How To Make Up For Lost Time
Simulation training offers a practical way to keep your skills sharp when clinical opportunities are limited. Using home-based or hospital simulation kits, you can practice essential surgical techniques.
This inlcudes suturing & basic surgical skill:
Visit our self directed video tutorial library: Training Hub
By dedicating time to simulation, you avoid wasting precious workplace opportunities learning the basic skills. When you return to the operating theatre, you can focus on application to real anatomy, advanced techniques and decision-making.
Consider setting a regular schedule for simulation practice. Even 30 minutes a few times a week can make a significant difference. We have a host of free content from suturing, tendon repairs, microsurgery and kin cancer surgery & reconstruction
Prioritising Exams & Interview Preparation Early
Passing the MRCS exam early in your Core Surgical Training can relieve pressure during strike periods. Once the exam is out of the way, you can dedicate more time to developing surgical skills and preparing for ST3 applications.
Early exam success also boosts confidence and opens doors to more advanced training opportunities. Strike downtime can be a useful time to revise at some stage in the day without post-work fatigue even if after coming home from the picket lines.
Plan your study schedule around strike dates and your involvement in strikes, be they on the picket line or not.
Final Thoughts
Junior Doctor Strikes present real challenges for surgical trainees, but they do not have to halt your progress. Focus on ways to make the most of the time you have at work by limiting the distractions of exams and starting early with your preparation fror this and interviews. Strikes will bare different levels of importance to different people, focus on what is important for you and what will get you where you see yourself in 5 - 10 years.
Your training journey requires adaptability and determination. Use these strategies to stay on course and make the most of every opportunity, even during periods of industrial action. The path to becoming a skilled surgeon will present opportunities in different forms.
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