FAQs

When do the sessions take place?

Sessions are scheduled irregularly, but most will take place on a Monday or Tuesday. There are 18 regular Charing Cross teaching sessions in a year - if any additional sessions are programmed, we will give you a minimum of 6-8 weeks' notice.

You can find all dates on the booking system and on the 'Training dates' page.

What will we be learning?

You can find a list of session topics and their corresponding learning objectives on the 'Curriculum overview' page.

How do I book onto a session?

The London Core Surgery Skills & Anatomy Programme uses an online booking system called Bookwhen. All trainees are emailed the booking link (and an online booking guide) at the beginning of the programme, and reminders are sent the week before each session.

Do I have to check before changing my time slot on the booking system?

No. We utilise an online booking system to allow trainees as much independence and flexibility in their bookings as possible, enabling you to make, amend and cancel bookings outside of admin hours.

The only time you need to contact us directly about making or amending a booking is when the booking system closes - this happens one hour before that session is due to start.

I've forgotten which sessions I've signed up for - how can I check my bookings?

You are sent a confirmation email whenever you book onto a session - from here you can view the details of your booking and cancel it, should that be necessary.

We recommend that you set up a specific folder in your inbox where you can keep all of these confirmation emails, and anything else pertaining to the programme.

Alternatively, you can create a login through Bookwhen - but please remember to log in each time you make a booking, so it is added to your account.

What do I do if I can't attend a session?

If you have already signed up, please cancel this on the booking system - unless it has already closed. Please email Debbie (d.gilpin@imperial.ac.uk) with the reason for your absence.

This is mandatory teaching, so your Trust should do as much as possible to assist you in attending - however, we understand that this is not always possible. You should try to aim for 80% attendance across the academic year.

I can't make it to any of the three time slots - can I catch up on that week's teaching?

Unfortunately we are unable to offer additional sessions or record them for remote catch-up, as no recording of any kind is permitted in the Human Anatomy Unit.

You can do your own reading around the subject by checking the learning objectives for that session - we have provided a selection of reading materials and web resources which could help with this.

How do the assessments work?

The assessments are multiple choice questions run in an online format. You will be given login information during the session, and your mark will be available to see straightaway. We have to run this in exam conditions, so cannot do this at any other time.
 
When everyone has completed the assessments, we will generate a brief report to send out individually – this will include your mark, the average score & the score distribution.
 
The post-assessment feedback – run as one rotation in the teaching week following the assessment – are an opportunity to go through the questions with one of the Profs, allowing you to see the answers and pick their brains about anything you’re unsure of. There are no slides or handouts from this, so we are unable to provide anything to anyone who cannot attend.

I can't attend on the week of an assessment - can I take it another time?

Unfortunately we are currently unable to offer alternative assessment slots - if you can't attend those particular sessions, please send your apologies as normal.

What happens if I arrive late?

In order to minimise disruption to the teaching, we ask that you go to the office on the 14th floor to let staff know that you've arrived, and then wait until the next rotation to join a group. 

If you are able to, please email Debbie (d.gilpin@imperial.ac.uk) and Ellen (e.schadenberg@imperial.ac.uk) or Gavin (g.cliff@imperial.ac.uk) so that the team are aware you are on your way.