Question 1

What is ST Mentor?

Accepted Answer

ST Mentor is a specialty training application mentoring platform for medical students and doctors applying to competitive UK training programmes. It is launching with Ophthalmology ST1 portfolio support after an initial survey of prospective ophthalmology applicants suggested portfolio preparation was one of the areas where candidates wanted the most support. The launch phase is therefore focused on helping applicants understand where they currently stand, identify their highest-yield next steps, and approach their portfolio more strategically.

Question 2

Who is ST Mentor for?

Accepted Answer

ST Mentor is for medical students and doctors who are thinking about, preparing for, or actively applying to competitive specialty training programmes. The launch service is most relevant to those interested in Ophthalmology ST1, particularly applicants who are unsure how competitive their portfolio is, what evidence they need, or what to prioritise next. Over time, ST Mentor may expand to support other competitive specialties and stages of application preparation.

Question 3

What is a Portfolio Snapshot?

Accepted Answer

The Portfolio Snapshot is a focused 1:1 portfolio strategy session with Kraig Jamieson, the 2026 national rank 1 Ophthalmology ST1 applicant. Before the session, you complete a self-assessment scoring proforma so your current position, priorities and concerns can be reviewed. The session is designed to help you identify your highest-yield next steps and decide whether a more detailed Full Portfolio Review would be useful.

Question 4

Does the Snapshot include full evidence review?

Accepted Answer

No. The Portfolio Snapshot does not include detailed pre-session review of a full evidence folder. It is designed to review your self-assessment, discuss your current stage, identify priorities and provide a practical action plan. Applicants who want detailed review of portfolio evidence, wording, organisation and documentation should consider the Full Portfolio Review.

Question 5

What is the Full Portfolio Review?

Accepted Answer

The Full Portfolio Review is a deeper one-hour session for applicants who want more detailed support with their portfolio summary, CV, evidence list, evidence quality, scoring strategy and next steps. This is the service intended for applicants who want closer review of their evidence and documentation. ST Mentor can also share the principles behind how Kraig structured his own successful evidence folder, including evidence selection, labelling, organisation, cross-referencing and how evidence was presented clearly against the scoring criteria. This does not guarantee points, but it can help applicants make their evidence easier to understand, verify and assess.

Question 6

Do I need to book a Portfolio Snapshot before a Full Portfolio Review?

Accepted Answer

No. The Portfolio Snapshot is the recommended first step for many new applicants because it is focused and helps clarify what level of support is needed. However, applicants who already know they want detailed evidence review may request a Full Portfolio Review directly.

Question 7

Does ST Mentor guarantee portfolio points or interview offers?

Accepted Answer

No. ST Mentor cannot guarantee portfolio points, interview scores, shortlisting outcomes, offers or rankings. Recruitment outcomes depend on each applicant's evidence, eligibility, scoring rules, competition ratios, interview performance and the official recruitment process. ST Mentor provides structured guidance, feedback and strategy to help applicants make informed improvements.

Question 8

Is ST Mentor affiliated with NHS recruitment, Oriel or the Royal College of Ophthalmologists?

Accepted Answer

No. ST Mentor is an independent mentoring platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or formally connected to NHS recruitment, Oriel, any deanery, or the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. All advice is intended as educational mentoring and applicant support, not official recruitment guidance.

Question 9

What happens after I book?

Accepted Answer

After booking, you will receive a confirmation email with the session details, a pre-session self-assessment scoring proforma, and a pre-assessment survey link. Please complete the proforma and upload it through the survey at least 24 hours before your appointment. This gives ST Mentor the best chance to understand your current position and prepare a personalised portfolio action plan.

Question 10

What should I avoid uploading?

Accepted Answer

Please do not upload patient-identifiable information, confidential recruitment material, screenshots from recruitment portals, third-party personal data, or information you do not have permission to share. You should also avoid uploading any documents that contain NHS numbers, CHI numbers, dates of birth, addresses, patient letters, clinic lists, theatre lists, rota screenshots, or private information about other people. If in doubt, remove or anonymise the information before submission.

Question 11

How is my information used?

Accepted Answer

Your information is used only to prepare for and deliver your ST Mentor session, manage booking-related communication, and provide relevant follow-up where appropriate. ST Mentor collects only the information needed to provide the service, such as your name, email address, booking details, application stage and portfolio self-assessment information. More detail is available in the Privacy Notice.

Question 12

Can you tell me exactly what evidence I need for my application?

Accepted Answer

ST Mentor can help you think through your portfolio evidence, identify gaps, and improve the clarity and organisation of your documentation. However, official scoring criteria and recruitment rules can change, and applicants remain responsible for checking the most recent official applicant guidance. ST Mentor can help you interpret and apply the criteria strategically, but it does not replace official recruitment documentation.

Question 13

How do I book?

Accepted Answer

Use the 'Book Snapshot' button to book the Portfolio Snapshot. Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive the pre-session information by email. If you are interested in a Full Portfolio Review, use the request button or contact form so the most appropriate next step can be arranged.

Frequently asked questions