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StepUp ST4

The PHST interview format

Two stations. Four focused encounters.

The PHST ST4 interview runs on Qpercom. Each station has two examiners and is split into two sub-stations of ~7–8 minutes covering a distinct domain. Pick a station, then open any sub-station for the full breakdown.

STATION 1

Station 1 — Clinical & Portfolio

Acute clinical reasoning + commitment to specialty

≈ 15–16 minutes 2 examiners (same panel for both sub-stations)

Two back-to-back sub-stations with the same panel on Qpercom. The panel first tests how you manage an acute clinical scenario, then probes your portfolio and training. Timings and question names vary by specialty and round — e.g. Respiratory Medicine 2026 runs a 10-minute clinical scenario then a 6-minute Application & Training question — so always check your specialty page.

Sub-station 1A7–8 minutes
Clinical Scenario

An unseen acute medical vignette. You verbalise assessment, differentials, immediate management, escalation and safety-netting at registrar level.

Open guide
Sub-station 1B7–8 minutes
Portfolio & Commitment to Specialty

Same panel, new domain. Examiners probe why this specialty, evidence of commitment, achievements, audit/QI, teaching, research and reflective practice.

Open guide
Station 1 overview
STATION 2

Station 2 — Registrar Suitability & Ethics

Medical registrar role + ethics / professionalism

≈ 15–16 minutes 2 examiners (separate panel from Station 1)

Opens with your 1-minute prepared presentation on managing the acute unselected take, followed by examples of leading the take and the MDT, then a second question. In many specialties that is ethics / professionalism; some replace it — e.g. Respiratory Medicine 2026 uses Suitability & Commitment (6 min) and has no ethics station. Check your specialty page.

Sub-station 2A7–8 minutes
Medical Registrar Suitability (1-minute presentation + probe)

Opens with your prepared 1-minute presentation: 'A summary of your experience managing the acute unselected medical take as the medical registrar.' Then examples on two CiPs — managing the acute take, and managing the MDT including effective discharge planning.

Open guide
Sub-station 2B7–8 minutes
Ethics & Professionalism

A structured ethics / professionalism scenario: capacity, consent, confidentiality, raising concerns, candour and GMC Good Medical Practice — answered with SPIES and the four pillars. Not every specialty includes it — Respiratory Medicine 2026 has no ethics station, though ethics can still come up inside other questions.

Open guide
Station 2 overview

Ready to put it together?

Run a full timed mock interview across all four sub-stations.

Start timed mock