Applicant guide · 8 min · Reviewed 24 August 2026
How to evaluate operative exposure
Questions that turn vague hands-on claims into a safer training decision.Separate access from autonomy
Ask what fellows observe, assist with, perform and lead—and how this changes during the programme.
Look for the denominator
Case volume alone does not establish fellow exposure. Ask how cases are shared among residents, fellows and consultants.
Request the learning system
A strong answer describes supervision, feedback, assessment, case logging and escalation when progress is slower than expected.