About us

NSTS was founded because the level of surgical teaching given at medical school often leads doctors to feel poorly prepared for foundation surgical rotations.

When surveyed following their first surgical job, 92% of foundation-year doctors described the level of preparation they had received at medical school as incomplete or underwhelming. Accounts from our survey are shown below.

Our experiences

My first surgical job was a daunting experience in a tertiary specialist centre. I was forced to learn quickly and efficiently in a high-pressure environment. Over time I became more comfortable with my placement, but I wish I had been better prepared - George Ninkovic-Hall

Medical school covers medical knowledge in-depth but sparsely touches upon surgical practical advice. I found myself poorly equipped to deal with the demands of my first surgical job. - Harry Mitchell

From my experience, there’s definitely an opportunity to better ease undergraduates through a difficult transition from medical school to surgical foundation year rotations. - Akash Sharma

After completing my first surgical rotation, I realised there was so much I wish I had known before I started. It would have made my placement so much more productive. - Charlotte Griffths

My first speciality surgical rotation was in Neurosurgery and there was a steep learning curve. My placements required speciality knowledge and advanced practical skills that I could have been better prepared for. - Linda Svendsen

Better preparation in admitting and managing surgical patients in the different surgical specialities would have enabled me to take more initiative and enjoy the job more. This would also have made the process of adjustment less steep - Joseph Rassam

Whilst certain aspects of surgical specialties are covered at medical school, practicalities and day-to-day issues are rarely touched upon.

NSTS principally aims to better prepare future foundation doctors for a more successful rotation during their surgical job. However, our curriculum will also cover for medical school exams in the process!

Our Core Values

Free, high-quality teaching. On topics that matter to you. Delivered by doctors.