Completed placement · current evidence guidance
Make a surgical taster useful and verifiable
The current surgical experience indicator accepts a completed taster of at least five days, which need not be consecutive, or an eligible four-week student elective. Use the placement to understand the job and keep evidence of actual attendance.
Ask for a varied week
Write to the consultant or education lead with available dates, your grade and a request to observe one clinic, elective list, acute take and ward round. Clear local approval and patient consent before clinical activity.
Meet the coordinator
Ask who arranges access, where to report and whom to call if the list moves. Keep a dated attendance record; a future booking or acceptance email does not demonstrate completion.
Follow a decision
Watch how referral information is checked, imaging discussed, operative versus non-operative management chosen, consent revisited and postoperative complications handed over. Ask why a case was deferred.
Learn in theatre
Observe the briefing and sign-out, position, antibiotics and instruments. If invited to assist, do so only within your competence and log genuine involvement accurately; observation is not an operative case.
Confirm completion
Ask for a signed letter on official letterhead with specialty, hospital, actual dates, specific learning and supervisor's name, registration number and signature. An acceptance email before the placement is not completion evidence.
From understanding to practice
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