F2 matching frequently asked questions
Eligibility
How do I access the F2matching system
Only eligible trainees can access the F2 matching system, and then only when it is operational AND you are logged in.
Why does it tell me I am not eligible
All F1 trainees who have been offered TWO year Foundation Programmes are eligible to enter NYECFS F2 matching.
Those holding locum, LAS, or one year only contracts will need to apply in open competition for any vacant posts AFTER the internal matching process is complete.
Programme Choices
Why can't I see all of the F2 programmes
The programmes made available are tailored to your F1 programme:
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You cannot repeat a specialty you have held in F1, except general surgery and general medicine (which everyone does).
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You cannot work in the same trust in both years.
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You should spend one year in a teaching hospital and the other in a DGH to get a balanced training experience.
If you think we have overlooked a suitable programme please contact the school office.
Do I need to include a specialty that I plan to do for a career
No you don't although many trainees prefer to do this, and aim to do it the first or second post so they have some experience before the Specialty Recruitment Interviews take place. In your application you may need to demonstrate your 'commitment' to a specialty, but working in it beforehand is not required. All Foundation Programmes will give you equal eligibility for ANY specialty training programme.
Can I do the same specialty as an F1 post
No you can't, with the exception of general surgery and posts which include 'general' medicine without sub-specialisation. Where the medical or surgical post is clearly sub-specialty based, another subspecialty can be selected in F2.
If I do Gynaecology in F1 (Scarborough and Grimsby), can I do Obstetrics and Gynaecology in F2
No you can't.
How many trainees are doing matching
We always ensure that the number of F2 programmes included in F2 matching is greater than the number of eligible trainees.
What happens if I don't submit my matching choices
You will simply be allocated a programme from those that remain at the end of matching, but still meeting the 'rules' for specialty selection.
Can I change my choices
Yes you can. We strongly advise all trainees to check the matching overview from time to time to ensure the level of competition for their choices. You can update your choices as often as you wish for as long as matching remains open.
Programme allocation
How do you allocate the programmes once matching is closed
Where only one trainee has selected a programme as their first choice, that trainee will be matched to it. This is the preferred solution for everyone!!
What happens if more than one person has the same programme as their first choice
Our aim is to most closely match the greatest number of trainees with their highest choice. However, we have to accommodate trainees from Scarborough and NLAG (the DGHs) in Hull or York. The solution will be dependent on the precise details of the competition.
If I make my choices and then someone else selects the same first preference, what happens
This is not a 'first come first served' system. We aim to get the best match possible for all eligible trainees.
