Apply to paediatrics

We provide guidance on applying to specialty training at ST1 and at ST3, academic training and training in one of our 17 sub-specialties. We have information about opportunities in the UK for international doctors. Plus guidance on recruiting consultant paediatricians in the NHS.
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Most doctors enter paediatric training at Specialty Training 1, or ST1, starting their posts in August or September. This is known as 'National Round 1'.
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ST3 posts - the only higher level entry to the paediatric training pathway - may be available at one or two points in the national specialty recruitment calendar.
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All paediatricians play a part in research that benefits infants, children and young people. Academic posts enable some trainees to focus on research - and our toolkit and regular events give support.
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Sub-specialty training

All paediatricians start their training in general paediatrics. Some choose to apply for one of the paediatric sub-specialties (previously known as 'Grid').

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Recruiting consultant paediatricians

The Advisory Appointment Committee (AAC) is an interview panel for NHS employers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland appointing to substantive consultant posts. We provide guidance for employers and for members acting as the College Assessor on these panels.

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The MTI(p) scheme provides paediatricians from outside the UK / European Economic Area two years of high quality postgraduate training in the NHS. Graduates can use this experience to improve patient care in their home countries, and UK hospitals benefit from their skills and knowledge.
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The IPSS facilitates GMC registration for eligible medical graduates from outside the UK / outside the priority nations list for MTI(p). Applicants need to enter UK posts with a sufficient training/educational component and organise the right to live and work in the UK.
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There are several options for international doctors who wish to come to the UK to work in paediatrics, whether on a short-term or long-term basis. We provide information, including finding work in the NHS, visas and GMC registration.

News about careers and training

Podcast

Building Capacity 3: Critical appraisal and publishing - podcast

In the third and final episode of Building Capacity: Past, Present and Future, Dr Leila Ellis of the Trainee Research Network is joined by Dr Nick Brown, Editor-in-Chief of Archives of Disease in Childhood, to explore critical appraisal, peer review and the publication process.
Podcast

Building Capacity 2: Alternative research pathways - podcast

The second episode of our podcast series from the Trainee Research Network, Building Capacity: Past, Present and Future is live. Dr Leila Ellis speaks with paediatricians about unconventional career paths and how varied a career involving research can be.
Podcast

Building Capacity 1: Routes to get involved in research - podcast

Welcome to the first episode of our new podcast series from the Trainee Research Network, Building Capacity: Past, Present and Future. Across three episodes, Dr Leila Ellis speaks with paediatricians about ways to make research more accessible to trainees and highlights opportunities to get involved...
Blog

Celebrating SAS week 2026

SAS Week returns this week, celebrating the incredible contribution of Specialty, Associate Specialist and Specialist (SAS) doctors, and locally employed doctors, across paediatrics and child health.