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Gynaecological Oncology subspecialty training

Subspecialty training in Gynaecological Oncology (GO), including the curriculum and assessments

This section is relevant to trainees following the Subspecialty Curriculum 2019 and will remain in effect until August 2026. For those on the 2024 curriculum, please refer to the 2024 subspecialty curricula.

In this section

Gynaeological Oncology – Definitive Document

This is the Definitive Document for the Gynaecological Oncology curriculum 2019 approved by the GMC, which contains full details of the Gynaecological Oncology curriculum. Please use this document as a reference point.

Capabilities in Practice (CiP)

The Gynaecological Oncology curriculum is divided into 17 Capabilities in Practice (CiP).

Please see the Matrix of progression page for training matrix documents for both ST6-7 who have switched to the 2019 core curriculum, and ST6-7 who are staying on the pre-2019 core curriculum.

Gynaecological Oncology Matrices 

2-year programme

3-year programme

Recommended courses with practical elements

A number of competencies may be achieved by attending recommended courses or by demonstrating to the subspecialty assessment panel that content and learning outcomes have been achieved using alternative evidence. See our guidance document outlining the mandated courses for GO SST and alternatives on how the knowledge and skills can be evidenced.

Subspecialty Curriculum guidance

See our guidance document developed to support the new Gynaecological Oncology subspecialty curriculum.

Cross specialty guidance

In order to achieve CCT at the end of subspecialty training, pre-CCT trainees following the new 2019 core curriculum are required to provide evidence for the cross specialty Capabilities in Practice (CiPs). See our guidance document developed on how evidence for the cross specialty CiPs can be achieved.

OSATS

In line with the previous curriculum, only the following require 3 OSATs evidencing competent independent practice for this Gynaecological Oncology subspecialty:

  • Laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH)
  • Groin lymphadenectomy
  • Laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection
  • Open pelvic lymph node dissection
  • Open para-aortic lymph node disection
  • Vulvectomy
  • Radical Hysterectomy
  • Total omentectomy
  • Small bowel resection and anastomosis
  • Large bowel resection with formation of colostomy
  • Diaphragmatic peritoneal stripping +/- resection 

However, it is recommended that the other specific procedural skills listed in the procedure table in the curriculum which also require Level 5 sign-off should also ideally be evidenced by at least 3 competent OSATs where possible before sign-off.

You have to be competent in the below:

  • Major gynaecological oncology procedures
    (Total Laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH), Groin lymphadenectomy, Open para-aortic lymph node dissection, Vulvectomy, Radical Hysterectomy, Total omentectomy, Small bowel resection and anastomosis, Large bowel resection with formation of colostomy, Diaphragmaticperitoneal stripping +/- resection)
  • Pelvic lymph node dissection (laparoscopic/open)
    3 OSATs evidencing competent independent practice would be required each for laparoscopic and open

Find out more

If you need any help or advice, email the Advanced Training Coordinator at  or call +44 20 7045 6789.