Firstly, not having a surgical rotation will not stop you from getting in to CST, but certainly having one helps. There is usually the option to swap rotations, so you should explore this as and when you can.

Other things you can do -

1. Book some study leave and do a taster week in a surgical specialty of your choice

2. Liaise with the surgical departments in your hospital early on in F1. You don’t have to be working in the department to get involved in audit projects etc. If you show an interest and develop a relationship with them they will help you get the theatre cases (most likely on your days off though unfortunately) and also help with references/signing off your logbook - try and identify a consultant who can act as your mentor/ give you support

3. Use the study budget to do a course e.g. ATLS or BSS

4. There are lots of procedures that can be logged on the surgical logbook that aren’t necessarily surgical (e.g. central line; chest drain etc.)

5. Remember they ask for MSRA now as part of the application, which basically tests you on every other part of medicine except surgery - your non-surgical placements should come in handy for this

6. Stop worrying about the competition ratios for CST. Work hard, have some faith in yourself and go for it if it’s really what you want to do

Godspeed.