CESR Applications for Emergency Medicine Doctors
- April 04, 2023
In this article we provide guidance on evidence to be supplied for an application onto the Specialist Register for Emergency Medicine, with a Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration or CESR.
What is CESR in Emergency Medicine in the NHS?
As an Emergency Medicine doctor, attaining CESR will mean you are qualified to practice independently as an Emergency Medicine consultant in the NHS. Have a read through our CESR articles found in the IMG Library to understand a little more.
Do I need MRCEM to attain a CESR in Emergency Medicine?
Yes, Emergency Medicine is one of the few specialisms where there are no GMC-accepted equivalents to MRCEM. Any doctor wishing to attain Specialist Registration via the CCT route will attain FRCEM in addition.
What is the indicative period of training for a CCT in Emergency Medicine?
The indicative period of training for a CCT in Emergency Medicine is six years and it is very unlikely that an applicant would achieve the competencies required for a CCT in a shorter period of time.
The evidence you collect for your CESR application should reflect this period of training, which consists of:
- Two years in the Acute Care Common Stem (covering areas of Emergency Medicine, Anaesthetics, Intensive Care Medicine and Acute Medicine)
- Four years of training in Emergency Medicine (covering areas of Paediatric EM, EM and EM ultrasound)
CESR applicants will need to demonstrate they have achieved the competences in each of these areas.
The EM ultrasound competences (EMUS) can be shown by completing the triggered assessments outlined in the EM curriculum (level 1 or equivalent).
The assessments forms for Core Ultrasound can be found in the RCEM EMUS booklet (Appendix 2).
The first three years of training make up Core Specialty Training, the final years of training are known as Higher Specialty Training.
For complete details please refer to the Emergency Medicine Curriculum documentation.
Submitting Evidence
Do not submit original documents – this is very important.
All your copies, other than qualifications you’re getting authenticated must be accompanied by a proformas signed by the person who is attesting to the validity and accuracy of your evidence (your verifier).
It is very important that you read an explanation of how to do this in the GMC’s important notice about evidence.
How much evidence should you submit?
The GMC recognises that doctors will often not have all the evidence required for a complete CESR application, often many doctors will start their application and delay starting their application until they are able to gather all the evidence.
The evidence must cover the knowledge, skills and qualifications to demonstrate the required competencies in all areas of the Emergency Medicine Curriculum.
If evidence is missing from any one area of the curriculum, then the application will fail.
If you have a piece of evidence that is relevant to more than one domain, do not include multiple copies in your bundle. Instead, include one copy and list it in your evidence list under each relevant area, stating that the document is located elsewhere.
The GMC asks that only evidence that is strictly relevant is sent as it will help them to process the application quicker. The guidance on compiling your evidence will help you to decide what is relevant and what is not – make sure you are reading the latest version on the GMC website – here.
It is important to note that evidence that is more than five years old will be given less weight than more recent evidence, so you may not need to include it. As a general guide, an application for CESR could expect to see around 800-1000 pages of evidence.
The types of evidence are divided into four different domains, the GMC recommends that you apportion the evidence provided as per the pie chart below:
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Please note, you cannot compensate for evidence lacking in one area by providing more evidence in another area.
Make sure to anonymise your evidence:
It is very important to anonymise your evidence before submitting it to the GMC.
You must remove the following:
- All patient identifying details
- Details of patients’ relatives
- Details of colleagues that you have assessed, written a reference for, or who have been involved in a complaint you have submitted. This includes:
- Names (first and last)
- addresses
- contact details such as phone numbers or email addresses
- NHS numbers & other individual patient numbers
- GMC numbers
In Summary:
If you have any questions or uncertainties, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the IMG Connect team. However, your official point of reference for any queries should the GMC – they can answer and provide the most updated information on CESR applications for overseas Emergency Medicine doctors looking to work as NHS Consultants in Emergency Medicine.
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Relevant Jobs
An outstanding SAS job opportunity for experienced Emergency Medicine doctors to attain CESR and work in an NHS Trust that is committed to providing the best quality care. This Trust was rated \"Good\" overall, and is one of the largest employers in the South East England region and their members and staff are dedicated professionals whose work is varied, challenging and makes a real difference to people’s health and well-being.
The post is suitable for emergency candidates candidates holding specialisation in the EEA, or for experienced Emergency Medicine Specialists looking to complete CESR.
WHAT IS THE NHS TRUST LIKE?
The Trust is one of the largest organisations in the country and they employ over 6,000 dedicated staff with an annual turnover of £380 million who provides service to 525,000 people that live within the area. Their services are mainly provided from two district general hospitals, both have Emergency Departments and provide care 24 hours a day. They offer a comprehensive range of surgical, medical and maternity services supported by a full range of diagnostic and therapy services.
The role of the NHS Trust is to provide the best possible healthcare service to patients, who come first in everything the organisation does. Safe patient care is the Trust\'s highest priority. They will provide high quality clinical services that achieve and demonstrate optimum clinical outcomes and provide an excellent care experience for patients. The employees will be valued and respected. They will be involved in decisions about the services they provide and offered the training and development that they need to fulfill their roles.
They will operate efficiently and effectively, diagnosing and treating patients in timely fashion and expediting their return to health. They will use their resources efficiently and effectively for the benefit of their patients and their care to ensure our services are clinically, operationally, and financially sustainable.
WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT & TEAM LIKE?
The NHS Trust supports 2 Emergency Departments (1 each at their 2 main hospitals). The Emergency Department at the first site is a designated Trauma Unit A, with a total of over 120,000 new patients attended in 2018/2019. In addition to that, it has a dedicated radiology room supporting PACS. The ED has 18 cubicles (4minors, 2 paediatric, 12 majors 1 ENT/Ophthalmology with a slit lamp, operating theatre with theatre lighting) and a resuscitation area supporting 4 bays.
The Emergency Department at the second site has a co-located radiology room supporting. The ED has 19 cubicles (3 minors, 1 ENP room and 15 major’s spaces) and a resuscitation area supporting 4 adult trolleys and 2 paediatric bays. The resuscitation area for Conquest Hospital has recently been upgraded. Each bay has new monitoring equipment with end tidal CO2, its own ventilator and defibrillator. The resuscitation area at Eastbourne General Hospital has monitoring with end tidal CO2, its own ventilator and defibrillator at each bay.
The specialty doctors, together with the two registrars provide a full 24 hr middle grade rota. The Specialty Doctor will be responsible for the primary management of patients attending the department and for supervising and assisting the more junior grades of doctor. The specialty doctor will also be expected to lead the trauma team and assist the cardiac arrest team if required.
WHAT IS LIFE LIKE IN THE REGION?
The region has a natural beauty! The town where the first site is, is a working fishing port, but its relaxed seaside vibe and proximity to London make it a hotspot for those looking for a picturesque bolthole. This town is one of the best-connected seaside resorts in the Southeast. This is perfect for a seaside retreat without the price tag of popular neighbouring town. This town became a prosperous Victorian seaside town, and its timeless Old Town still welcomes visitors with scenic passageways and a multitude of antique shops, quirky independent retailers and atmospheric pubs.
The second town, where the second site is, is a large seaside resort. Its Victorian roots means have blessed it with large properties and generous, tree-lined streets. This town tends to be more affordable than their neighbouring town. You’ll find rows of traditional Victorian seaside homes in this coastal town. For modern homes with sea views, look no further than Sovereign Harbour. Sleek new apartments and penthouses jostle for space alongside restaurants and shops at this waterfront destination.
Both towns have a rich cultural heritage with numerous cultural and tourist attractions and a variety of opportunities to participate in sports, arts and leisure activities. It also has a rich and fascinating history, and it’s full of culture and character with a variety of things to do and experience, from witnessing the local talent in theatre and music, to enjoying the varied and beautiful landscape.
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU?
The combination of clinical practice and first-class academic connections means that medical professionals have a wide range of opportunities to develop their careers and achieve their aspirations. You will have access to leadership, teaching, educational and research opportunities for Continued Professional Develop (CPD).
If you are a new consultant you will receive mentoring and support from medical leads as well as access to a large peer group of enthusiastic and high-caliber Consultants.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Emergency Medicine (essential)
- Board Certified Specialist in Emergency Medicine (desirable)
Non-EEA Candidates:
- MRCEM (UK) (essential)
- Experience of working in Emergency Medicine (essential)
- Specialist training in Emergency Medicine (desirable)
UK based applicants
- Experience of working in Emergency Medicine (essential)
An excellent opportunity for an experienced Specialty Doctor in Emergency Medicine to join a Health Board in North Wales that promotes equality and diversity. If you love a challenge, have a passion to help others or simple fancy a fresh start, then this Health Board has all the ingredients. The post if suitable for overseas consultants, including candidates who are pursuing CESR. Specialists in Emergency Medicine holding a specialist certification would be suitable for this post, based on experience entering at either Specialty Doctor or Consultant grade.
Overseas applications from experienced Specialty Doctors and Consultants are welcomed.
WHAT IS HEALTH BOARD LIKE?
The Health Board is largest health organisation in Wales, that are developing an integrated health service which provides excellent care delivered in partnership with the public and other statutory and third sector organisations.
The Health Board have a budget of £1.3 billion and a workforce of over 17,000 staff. Providing primary, community, mental health and acute hospital services for the population of around 700,000 across of North Wales. They continuously develop their workforce so that it has the right skills and operates in a research-rich learning culture.
Besides their three main hospital sites, they are also responsible for community hospitals, health centres, clinics, mental health units, community teams, GP practices and other NHS services provided by dentists, opticians and pharmacists. They plan to improve the health of the population, with particular focus upon the most vulnerable in our society.
WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT & TEAM LIKE?
The department has an annual attendance of approximately 58,000 patients, and sees the full range of presentations from major trauma, to complex medical presentations, critical illness, and paediatric emergencies. The ED has excellent support from and close working relationships with the inpatient medical, paediatric, critical care, radiology, and surgical specialty teams.
The department has a Reception and Triage area - operating on a 24-hour basis, with specially trained reception and nursing staff in attendance, a clinical area for adults & children and ED observation ward. The department runs weekly safety and governance meetings and has a rolling audit programme. Safety and good clinical governance are given extremely high priority in the ED and specialty doctors will be expected to contribute fully to safety initiatives, quality improvement and governance work and to participation in audit cycles within the ED.
The department has an active teaching programme and specialty doctors are encouraged to contribute to this. The ED is keen to support specialty doctors in developing additional areas of special interest within Emergency Medicine, for example such as in sedation, paediatrics, research, education, and interest in IT.
WHAT IS LIFE LIKE IN NORTH WALES?
North Wales has a vast national park, purpose built mountain biking trails, a breath taking coastal path, soaring zip wire, food festivals and world class sport and adventure around every corner. The North Wales is equipped with sport and leisure centres that provide opportunities for a wide variety of sporting, fitness and recreational activities. Not only does it have lots of activities for you, it also has a wide selection of private housing is available, both traditional and modern in towns, villages and rural settings.
For doctors with family, the educational standards are consistently high in both the primary and secondary sectors. There are several well established independent schools within North Wales and the surrounding area that cater for both day pupils and boarders. The Regional University with its excellent scholastic reputation has a thriving student community.
You can say goodbye to heavy inner city commuter traffic, and enjoy a breath-taking commute across North Wales.
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU AT THIS HEALTH BOARD?
With an extremely active education/teaching programme supported by the consultant team, there is opportunity to work towards and complete CESR, exams, get involved in active research and many aspects of CPD.
Participation in research and educational activities will be encouraged.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Emergency Medicine
- Board Certified Specialist in Emergency Medicine
Non-EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Emergency Medicine
UK based applicants
- Experience of working in Emergency Medicine
- Within 6 - 12 months of completing CCT
An excellent opportunity for an experienced Consultant in Emergency Medicine to join a Health Board in North Wales that promotes equality and diversity. If you love a challenge, have a passion to help others or simple fancy a fresh start, then this Health Board has all the ingredients. The post if suitable for overseas consultants, including candidates who are pursuing CESR. Specialists in Emergency Medicine holding a specialist certification would be suitable for this post, based on experience entering at either Specialty Doctor or Consultant grade.
Overseas applications from experienced Specialty Doctors and Consultants are welcomed.
WHAT IS HEALTH BOARD LIKE?
The Health Board is largest health organisation in Wales, that are developing an integrated health service which provides excellent care delivered in partnership with the public and other statutory and third sector organisations.
The Health Board have a budget of £1.3 billion and a workforce of over 17,000 staff. Providing primary, community, mental health and acute hospital services for the population of around 700,000 across of North Wales. They continuously develop their workforce so that it has the right skills and operates in a research-rich learning culture.
Besides their three main hospital sites, they are also responsible for community hospitals, health centres, clinics, mental health units, community teams, GP practices and other NHS services provided by dentists, opticians and pharmacists. They plan to improve the health of the population, with particular focus upon the most vulnerable in our society.
WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT & TEAM LIKE?
The Department serves a resident population of approximately 250,000 which is greatly increased at weekends and in holiday periods due to the half million visitor days/year spent in their catchment area, resulting in a high seasonal and weekday/weekend variation in ED attendances. Emergency Department sees a wide and interesting case mix of emergencies in all specialities, with very few “inappropriate attenders” compared to many urban UK EDs.
The department has a five-bedded Emergency Department Observation Unit within ED and there is a dedicated Minor Injury area that runs until midnight where most of our Minor Injury workload is handled by our team of ENPs. The local GP Out-of-Hours service has been co-located adjacent to the ED since 2006. Very close working relationships are enjoyed with colleagues in OOH primary care, with movement of patients from one stream to the other in both directions.
The Emergency Department is currently staffed by: 7 Consultants (including this post), 2 Associate Specialists (on the senior tier), typically 8-12 Clinical Fellows (post-ACCS/ST4-equivalent doctors who do 80% EM and 20% either PHEM or Medical Education), 1 ST4-6 (Wales Deanery), 1 ST3 (Wales Deanery), 8 SHO-tier doctors (3 x FY2, 1 x ACCS, 4 x GPST and a “Health Board SHO”), Typically 3-5 FY3 posts & 1 Academic F2 doctor.
WHAT IS LIFE LIKE IN NORTH WALES?
North Wales has a vast national park, purpose built mountain biking trails, a breath taking coastal path, soaring zip wire, food festivals and world class sport and adventure around every corner. The North Wales is equipped with sport and leisure centres that provide opportunities for a wide variety of sporting, fitness and recreational activities. Not only does it have lots of activities for you, it also has a wide selection of private housing is available, both traditional and modern in towns, villages and rural settings.
For doctors with family, the educational standards are consistently high in both the primary and secondary sectors. There are several well established independent schools within North Wales and the surrounding area that cater for both day pupils and boarders. The regional University with its excellent scholastic reputation has a thriving student community.
You can say goodbye to heavy inner city commuter traffic, and enjoy a breath-taking commute across North Wales.
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU AT THIS HEALTH BOARD?
With an extremely active education/teaching programme supported by the consultant team, there is opportunity to work towards and complete CESR, exams, get involved in active research and many aspects of CPD.
Participation in research and educational activities will be encouraged.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Emergency Medicine
- Board Certified Specialist in Emergency Medicine
Non-EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Emergency Medicine
UK based applicants
- Experience of working in Emergency Medicine
- Within 6 - 12 months of completing CCT
An outstanding opportunity for experienced Consultant in Emergency Medicine to join an NHS Trust that is committed to providing the best quality care to the people of East Sussex by attracting and recruiting passionate people who share this commitment. This Trust is one of the largest employers in the region and their members and staff are dedicated professionals whose work is varied, challenging and makes a real difference to people’s health and well-being.
The post is suitable for candidates holding specialisation in the EEA, or for experienced IMGs looking to complete CESR.
WHAT IS THE NHS TRUST LIKE?
The Trust is one of the largest organisations in the country and they employ over 6,000 dedicated staff with an annual turnover of £380 million who provides service to 525,000 people that live within the area. Their services are mainly provided from two district general hospitals, both have Emergency Departments and provide care 24 hours a day. They offer a comprehensive range of surgical, medical and maternity services supported by a full range of diagnostic and therapy services.
The role of the NHS Trust is to provide the best possible healthcare service to patients, who come first in everything the organisation does. Safe patient care is the Trust's highest priority. They will provide high quality clinical services that achieve and demonstrate optimum clinical outcomes and provide an excellent care experience for patients. The employees will be valued and respected. They will be involved in decisions about the services they provide and offered the training and development that they need to fulfill their roles.
They will operate efficiently and effectively, diagnosing and treating patients in timely fashion and expediting their return to health. They will use their resources efficiently and effectively for the benefit of their patients and their care to ensure our services are clinically, operationally, and financially sustainable.
WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT & TEAM LIKE?
The Emergency Department is a team of consultant that focuses on being on top of taking care of their patients. The department is open for hours a day, seven days a week for those seeking treatment for an urgent problem that may be caused by an accident or an illness. In the last year, there were 130,000 visits in their department.
Urgent Treatment Centres are being in developed nationally with the aim to provide same day ‘urgent treatment’ operating in a fully integrated way with the local community. The department has a vision is to provide an urgent care stream from the front door of the Emergency Department and develop innovative interoperable ways to ensure that the patients receive the right care at the right time and in the right place.
WHAT IS LIFE LIKE IN THE REGION?
The region has a natural beauty. Sussex has some fantastic natural features such as the Seven Sisters National Park, and many areas of outstanding natural beauty that include the medieval heathland and forests of the High Weald. It also has beaches and harbours where people can go to during their dayoffs.
Besides its natural beauty, there's a rich array of accommodation options, ranging from the five star Grand Hotel on Eastbourne seafront to quaint B&Bs set amid beautiful Sussex countryside. East Sussex offers a rich array of culture, with art galleries such as the Jerwood Gallery in Hastings and the Towner Gallery in Eastbourne and an array of theatre and entertainment venues such as the De La Warr Pavillion in Bexhill, Congress and Deveonshire Park Theatres in Eastbourne and the White Rock Theatre in Hastings.
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU?
The combination of clinical practice and first-class academic connections means that medical professionals have a wide range of opportunities to develop their careers and achieve their aspirations. You will have access to leadership, teaching, educational and research opportunities for Continued Professional Develop (CPD).
If you are a new consultant you will receive mentoring and support from medical leads as well as access to a large peer group of enthusiastic and high-caliber Consultants.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Emergency Medicine
- European Specialist Qualification in Emergency Medicine
Non-EEA Candidates:
- FRCEM
- Experience of working in Emergency Medicine
UK based applicants
- Experience of working in Emergency Medicine
- Within 6 - 12 months of completing CCT
An excellent opportunity for an experienced Emergency Medicine specialist to join a University Health Board that promotes equality and diversity. If you love a challenge, have a passion to help others or simple fancy a fresh start, then this Health Board has all the ingredients. The post if suitable for overseas consultants, including candidates who are looking to attain CESR. Middle Grade or Specialty Doctors in Emergency Medicine with over 4 years of experience would be suitable for this post.
Overseas applications from experienced Specialty Doctors and Consultants are welcomed, especially those pursuing CESR.
WHAT IS HEALTH BOARD LIKE?
The Health Board is largest health organisation in Wales, that are developing an integrated health service which provides excellent care delivered in partnership with the public and other statutory and third sector organisations. The Health Board have a budget of £1.3 billion and a workforce of over 17,000 staff. Providing primary, community, mental health and acute hospital services for the population of around 700,000 across of North Wales. They continuously develop their workforce so that it has the right skills and operates in a research-rich learning culture. Besides their three main hospital sites, they are also responsible for community hospitals, health centres, clinics, mental health units, community teams, GP practices and other NHS services provided by dentists, opticians and pharmacists. They plan to improve the health of the population, with particular focus upon the most vulnerable in our society.
WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT & TEAM LIKE?
The Emergency Medicine Department was purposely built in 2014 and offers state- of-the-art facilities. There are approximately 58,000 attendances a year, of which 14,000 are under 18. The ED is co-located with the GP Out of Hours service and enjoys an excellent relationship with the service. Currently there are 4 substantive EM Consultants and 2 NHS locum Consultant appointments. There are no long-term agency locum Consultant staff.
The department provides 24-hour cover by a senior shop floor decision maker and the Tier 2 level is provided by a mixture of Specialty doctors and EPIC Clinical Fellows. Currently there are 5 EPIC Clinical Fellows and 13 Specialty Doctors, some of whom work less than full time for the ED. The junior tier currently has 12 doctors comprising a mixture of GPST trainees, Foundation doctors, and Clinical Fellows. Additionally, there are 4 Advanced Nurse Practitioners, and these contribute to the junior Tier 1. The minors service is provided by 7 ENP’s, and 2 dedicated ED Extended Scope Physiotherapists.
The post holder will be expected to contribute to quality improvement work in the ED, and support is available to ensure projects are sustainable and successful. The post holder will need to be familiar with modern models of Emergency Care in order to support the department in its goals of improving performance and patient safety.
WHAT IS LIFE LIKE IN NORTH WALES?
North Wales has a vast national park, purpose built mountain biking trails, a breath taking coastal path, soaring zip wire, food festivals and world class sport and adventure around every corner. The North Wales is equipped with sport and leisure centres that provide opportunities for a wide variety of sporting, fitness and recreational activities. Not only does it have lots of activities for you, it also has a wide selection of private housing is available, both traditional and modern in towns, villages and rural settings.
For doctors with family, the educational standards are consistently high in both the primary and secondary sectors. There are several well established independent schools within North Wales and the surrounding area that cater for both day pupils and boarders. The regional University with its excellent scholastic reputation has a thriving student community.
You can say goodbye to heavy inner city commuter traffic, and enjoy a breath-taking commute across North Wales.
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU AT THIS HEALTH BOARD?
With an extremely active education/teaching programme supported by the consultant team, there is opportunity to work towards and complete CESR, exams, get involved in active research and many aspects of CPD.
Participation in research and educational activities will be encouraged.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Emergency Medicine
Non-EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Emergency Medicine
- MRCEM
UK based applicants
- Experience of working in Emergency Medicine