SAS surgeons who would like to work as a consultant will usually need to be listed on the GMC’s Specialist Register. Surgeons who have completed a GMC-approved specialty training programme receive a certificate of completion of training (CCT). SAS surgeons will generally not have attained CCT and must apply through the GMC-mandated process for a Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR).

The GMC survey in 2019 (GMC, 2020) showed that over one-fifth of SAS doctors had applied for CESR or were in the process of applying for CESR/CEGPR (Certificate of Eligibility for GP Registration). A similar proportion indicated they planned to apply in the future. Nearly a third of LE doctors (29%) said they planned to apply; over a quarter said they intended to complete a certificate of training (CCT) by entering or returning to postgraduate training. Improved professional recognition and more career development opportunities were the biggest single influences for those doctors who had applied or had plans to apply for CESR/CEGPR.

Read about one surgeon’s experience of applying for CESR.

CESR Resources

  • The Joint Committee on Surgical Training provides information on CESR, including Multiple Consultant Report (MCR) guidance, forms and other resources.
  • In Wales, each Health Board should have a SAS Advocate (responsible for wellbeing) and a SAS tutor (responsible for education), and some also have a CESR lead to support doctors during the process. Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) run a dedicated CESR advice helpline email address for advice and support, as well as a network of SAS doctors who can offer CESR support and mentorship.
  • GMC guidance on applying for CESR.
  • IMG Connect – aimed at international medical graduates – offers a guide to CESR for overseas doctors.
  • The SAS Charters for the four countries expect every SAS doctor to have access to support and guidance relating to CESR and support to apply for additional funding for personal and professional development activities where available.
  • The SAS Charter for Scotland states it is essential that NHS Boards ensure that those SAS doctors wishing to apply for CESR-related training placements are properly supported to identify and meet their needs and competencies. This may include the requirement for secondment for top-up training and application to the SAS Professional Development Fund for funding for backfill.

Looking for more on CESR?

  • The BMA highlights that experience gained by SAS doctors acting up to a senior role can support applications for specialist registration via CESR.
  • The BMA has also advised SAS doctors wanting to undertake private practice to consider applying for CESR due to some insurers only recognising individuals who have held a substantive consultant post.

Several Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC) publications have made specific requests regarding CESR: