Essential Reading for Your O&G Interview
- obgynhub
- Dec 14, 2025
- 4 min read
This guide breaks down the must-read resources, explains why they matter, and suggests how to use them strategically during your interview preparation.
Preparing for the Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) interview can feel like a huge task. With so many resources available, knowing where to start is half the battle. The good news? A focused reading strategy can give you a significant advantage—helping you understand not just the specialty, but what interviewers really expect from successful applicants.
1. The RCOG Website: Your Most Reliable Starting Point for your O&G Interview
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) website remains the most authoritative and current source of information on O&G training in the UK. Interview panels frequently draw on topics covered there, so reading key sections is essential.
Here is the reading list we recommend:
Introduction to Specialty Training
Understanding how training in O&G is structured is a core expectation. This section outlines:
• The different entry routes into O&G
• How each training year is organised
• The examinations required throughout the programme
Having a clear grasp of these basics shows interviewers that you’ve explored the specialty thoroughly and appreciate the long-term commitment involved.
How O&G Trainees Are Assessed
Assessment knowledge often comes up in interviews because it reflects your understanding of what day-to-day training actually involves.
Key topics include:
• Workplace-based assessments
• Portfolio requirements
• The MRCOG examinations (Parts 1–3)
Familiarity with this pathway demonstrates insight into the realities of being an O&G trainee.
The O&G Curriculum
Curriculum-based questions are extremely common, and they help interviewers gauge how well you understand the specialty’s current direction. You should be able to discuss:
• The curriculum’s overall structure
• Any recent developments or changes, such as the role of SITMs (Special Interest Training Modules) – a recent change to the curriculum
Showing awareness of curriculum updates signals that you’re engaged and proactive about your professional development.
2. The Person Specification: Your Blueprint for Success
The latest ST1 Obstetrics and Gynaecology person specification, published by Health Education England, is one of the most valuable documents for interview preparation.
While the specification outlines essential eligibility criteria—such as holding a valid medical qualification and maintaining appropriate professional conduct—the real gold lies further down: the desirable qualities and attributes.
These are the criteria that distinguish exceptional candidates. They highlight what interviewers actually want to see, such as:
• Commitment to the specialty
• Teamwork and communication skills
• Academic involvement
• Leadership potential
• Reflective practice
A practical method is to go through each desirable criterion and write down examples from your clinical, academic, or extracurricular experience that demonstrate these qualities. Having these structured and ready will significantly strengthen your interview responses.
Final Tips for Effective Preparation
• Treat the RCOG website as your “official handbook.” Everything you need to understand the structure, expectations, and evolution of the specialty is there.
• Make short notes on curriculum changes and trainee assessments. These areas are easy marks in an interview if you prepare them well.
• Use the person specification strategically. It’s more than a formality—it's your roadmap for building strong answers.
By focusing on these core resources, you’ll walk into your interview not just well-prepared, but genuinely confident. You’ll show the panel that you’ve done your research, understand the demands of O&G training, and are ready for the next step in your career.
Take Your Preparation Further with The OBGYN Hub experts
While essential reading forms the backbone of your interview preparation, success at O&G interviews requires more than knowledge alone. Structured practice, expert feedback, and targeted preparation are key to translating what you know into clear, confident, and high-scoring interview performance.
At OBGYN Hub, we specialise exclusively in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Led by London-based O&G specialty trainees, we support applicants with tailored guidance, practical insight, and proven strategies that reflect current UK recruitment standards. Our aim is to help you feel prepared, confident, and fully supported at every stage of your application and interview journey.
To take your preparation further, explore our interview prep services and resources below:
One-to-One Interview Preparation Sessions
Reading is an essential foundation, but translating knowledge into high-scoring interview answers requires practice. Our personalised One-to-One Interview Prep Sessions help you apply what you’ve learned, refine your structure, and perform confidently under interview conditions.
Personalised One-to-One coaching focused on the specific structure, scoring criteria, and stations of the ST1 Obstetrics and Gynaecology interview. We help you refine your answers, improve clinical prioritisation, and communicate confidently to maximise your performance.
Targeted interview coaching for non-training O&G roles, focusing on clinical scenarios, communication skills, and ethical decision-making relevant to NHS Trust Grade posts. Through structured practice and expert feedback, we help you demonstrate readiness for the role and stand out to NHS employers.
Curated Interview Prep Bundle
For a comprehensive approach, combine the Clinical Prioritisation Station and Structured Interview Station resources. Together, they provide balanced preparation for both clinical reasoning and structured communication—an ideal complement to your reading strategy.
If you want to demonstrate safe, structured, and confident clinical thinking, our Clinical Prioritisation Station material provides clear frameworks and realistic scenarios to help you approach complex situations methodically; exactly as interview panels expect.
Strong content needs strong delivery. Our Structured Interview Station includes 26 high-yield questions with template answers written by previously successful candidates, helping you structure responses clearly and maximise marks across common interview domains.
Add both Interview Prep Bundle Stations to cart and receive £5 off automatically!
Application Support & Career Coaching
Whether you’re preparing for ST1, Trust Grade roles, or planning your longer-term career in O&G, our tailored application support and career coaching ensure your preparation is aligned with recruitment expectations at every stage.
Targeted support for ORIEL applications, CVs, and personal statements. Receive tailored guidance for both training and Trust Grade posts, ensuring your application clearly showcases your skills, experience, and commitment to Obstetrics and Gynaecology in a focused and competitive way.
Personalised career guidance for UK training and CESR pathways. We provide tailored advice on career planning, portfolio development, and practical progression strategies. This service is ideal for international doctors seeking to build a successful NHS career, with structured support aligned to UK requirements.
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