Neurosurgery training in UK

[aranek]

Hey everyone,

I just started off with med school this year in the UK and although, its a bit too early to think about specializing, i have my eyes set on neurosurgery.
I am quite familiar with the ups and downs of this specialty, not to mention the fact that it is one of the most competitive specialties to get into and is a very rigorous specialty.
However, I do have a few questions regarding neurosurgery training in the UK:

1) 20-30 posts of training a year..is that ever gonna increase or decrease? considering the amount of graduates and the places available i would say there's a very slim chance of getting into a post, even if you are one of the high fliers...which brings me to my second quest.

2) big problemo....iam an international student studying in a UK medical school..so due to the new immigration rules set out and regarding the labor law I actually see no light in this topic. However, what goes around for those international students who seem to excel themselves? I mean, not that I want to sound arrogant or anything...what if I happened to be better than a potential candidate applying for a neurosurgery training post? would i be deemed unsuitable due to my visa status?

Appreciate anyone who could shed me some light on my questions...you would be doing a huuuuge favour! THANKS!

[James]

I can't answer your question about immigration status, and to be honest things are likely to change in the next 5 years - so no one really knows.

Over training numbers these are likely to decrease, the country as a whole is producing to many consultants (in every speciality) and the powers-that-be are about to announce huge cuts in training posts in all but GP. See:

http://www.mee.nhs.uk/pdf/MEESpecial...nt16-11-09.pdf