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Background: This study aimed to evaluate core surgical training (CST) differential attainment related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), gender and ethnicity. The hypothesis was that COVID-19 adversely influenced CST outcomes. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 271 anonymised CST records was undertaken at a UK Statutory Education Body. Primary effect measures were Annual Review of Competency Progression Outcome (ARCPO), Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) examination pass and Higher Surgical Training National Training Number (NTN) appointment. Data were collected prospectively at ARCP and analysed with non-parametric statistical methods in SPSS. Results: CSTs numbering 138 completed training pre-COVID and 133 peri-COVID. ARCPO 1, 2 and 6 were 71.9% pre-COVID versus 74.4% peri-COVID (P=0.844). MRCS pass rates were 69.6% pre-COVID versus 71.1% peri-COVID (P =0.968), but NTN appointment rates diminished (pre-COVID 47.4% vs. peri-COVID 36.9%, P=0.324); none of the above varied by gender or ethnicity. Multivariable analyses by three models revealed: ARCPO was associated with gender [m:f 1:0.87, odds ratio (OR) 0.53, P =0.043] and CST theme (Plastics vs. General OR 16.82, P=0.007); MRCS pass with theme (Plastics vs. General OR 8.97, P=0.004); NTN with the Improving Surgical Training run-through programme (OR 5.00, P<0.001). Programme retention improved peri-COVID (OR 0.20, P= 0.014) with pan University Hospital rotations performing better than Mixed or District General-only rotations (OR 6.63, P =0.018). Conclusion: Differential attainment profiles varied 17-fold, yet COVID-19 did not influence ARCPO or MRCS pass rates. NTN appointment fell by one-fifth peri-COVID, but overall training outcome metrics remained robust despite the existential threat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Racially minoritised doctors make up 45% of the RCOG workforce. Despite a 43% increase in the percentage of racially minoritised doctors joining obstetrics and gynaecology training at ST1 over the last decade in the UK, there is proof that racially minoritised doctors are less likely to pass exams or receive a satisfactory ARCP outcome. Minoritised doctors experience bias, discrimination, and racism throughout their career progression. The cause of differential attainment is multifactorial and requires multifaceted solutions. In addition to reviewing differential attainment, it is equally important to look at the lived experience of racially minoritised doctors. Whilst reading this review, we invite you to reflect on three questions: (1) How can we challenge implicit bias, discrimination and differential sponsorship in obstetrics and gynaecology beyond a mere tick box exercise? (2) What is the impact of raised awareness of differential attainment on the mental health and wellbeing of minoritised doctors? (3) What is the impact of raised awareness of implicit bias, discrimination, and racism on minoritised individuals and the wider workforce? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Completion of the Intercollegiate Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) examination is a prerequisite for completion of specialty surgical training in UK. The aim of this study was to compare MRCS performance of OMFS trainees to trainees in other specialities over the past 13 years. Differential attainment (DA) was noted in MRCS Part A (MCQ) pass rates. There was no statistically significant difference in MRCS Part B pass rates. The reasons for this DA are currently unknown and require further investigation. It has been suggested that this may be due at least in part to competing time, family and financial obligations, which increase over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]