Examiner opportunities: Applications now open

EBCTS is seeking applications from EACTS members to join as examiners and support the delivery of excellent, reproducible and respected examinations.

Applicants can join as Level 1 or Level 2 examiners in Adult Cardiac, Congenital or Thoracic Surgery and all examiners will undergo professional training in assessment science, question writing, examination evaluation and examiner standards and behaviour.

Level 1 examiner opportunities offer an excellent starting point for those wishing to become involved in professional examinations by constructing questions for the MCQ Level 1 Membership examination. While Level 2 examiner opportunities offer applicants already experienced in participating in local, national or international examinations the opportunity to become involved in the oral Fellowship examinations.

More information on the qualifications required to become a Level 1 or 2 examiner can be found below.

Qualifications, skills and experience required for Level 1 examiner applicants:

1. Must be a current member of EACTS and for the duration of their appointment as an EBCTS examiner
2. Should be in a specialist post or within the last year of specialist training
3. Must have successfully taken the EBCTS, American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS), FEBTCS or other recognised national specialty examination (or completed the EBCTS Level 1 exam since 2017)
4. Should have previous examining experience (undergraduate or postgraduate) or formal assessment experience
5. Should have teaching experience and training at undergraduate or postgraduate level
6. Should be committed to continuing professional development and research as demonstrated by presentations and publications
7. Should conduct themselves professionally and demonstrate a commitment to the development of the examination while showing a willingness to find time to write questions and attend training/assessment sessions.

Please note: these posts are for an initial duration of three years with potential for a further three years at the recommendation of EBCTS. There will be an appraisal after two years which will determine the period of continuation. Examiners will be expected to produce a minimum number of questions per annum to remain an examiner.

Qualifications, skills and experience required for Level 2 examiner applicants:

1. Must be a current member of EACTS and for the duration of their appointment as an EBCTS Examiner
2. Must have held a substantive and active position as a specialist for a minimum of 5 years and within the last two years for retired surgeons
3. Must have successfully taken the EBCTS (since 2013), ABTS or other recognised national specialty examination or the previous FEBTCS / FETCVS (EACTS examination prior to 2012)
4. Must have significant previous examining experience (undergraduate or postgraduate) or formal trainee assessment experience
5. Must have experience in teaching and training at undergraduate or postgraduate level
6. Should be able to demonstrate specialist knowledge in areas of interest to the European Board of Cardiothoracic Surgery
7. Should have a commitment to continuing professional development and research as demonstrated by presentations and publications
8. Must be able to demonstrate high professional standards, courtesy, fairness and non-discrimination by submission of a Structured Reference
9. Should conduct themselves professionally and demonstrate a commitment to the development of the examination while honouring commitments to writing questions, attending examinations (at least every 2 years) and training/assessment sessions – by submission of a signed declaration on the application form.

Please note: these posts are for an initial duration of three years with a potential for a further three years at the recommendation of EBCTS. There will be an appraisal after two years which will determine the period of continuation.

The Chairman of the Board, Professor Stephen Clark welcomes informal enquiries and can be contacted at [email protected].