The PHST interview format
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. Click any sub-station for the full breakdown.
Acute clinical reasoning + commitment to specialty
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 commitment to the specialty you've applied to.
An unseen acute medical vignette. You verbalise assessment, differentials, immediate management, escalation and safety-netting at registrar level.
Open guideSame panel, new domain. Examiners probe why this specialty, evidence of commitment, achievements, audit/QI, teaching, research and reflective practice.
Open guideMedical registrar role + ethics / professionalism
Opens with your 1-minute prepared suitability presentation followed by structured probing on leadership, teamwork and NHS structure, then a structured ethics / professionalism scenario.
Opens with your prepared 1-minute pitch: 'Why will you be a safe and effective medical registrar?' Then structured probing on leadership, teamwork, QI and NHS structure.
Open guideA structured ethics / professionalism scenario: capacity, consent, confidentiality, raising concerns, candour and GMC Good Medical Practice — answered with SPIES and the four pillars.
Open guideRun a full timed mock interview across all four sub-stations.