The AYCI Academy, led by Tessa Davis, has helped hundreds of doctors prepare for NHS consultant interviews with clarity, structure, and expert guidance. Through tailored coaching, realistic mock interviews, and honest feedback, candidates walk in confident, and walk out successful.
Here’s what they had to say.
Helen shares how discovering a more structured, comprehensive programme helped her stop spinning her wheels, focus on what actually mattered, and make meaningful progress even in short pockets of time.
Rachel shares what made the process so challenging, from being pushed to answer on the spot to letting go of the need to read everything before starting, and why that discomfort ended up being one of the biggest reasons she grew.
Faizal shares how consistent preparation and the right interview strategy helped him walk into their dream hospital interview with real confidence. What started as feeling overwhelmed turned into a clear, focused approach that changed everything.
What made the difference was having a simple but powerful framework for answering questions fully, without losing clarity under pressure. Even when Maria faced a question she had not specifically prepared for, she was able to draw on one of her key USPs, regain control, and see immediate positive feedback from the panel.
Instead of cramming, Mark used a simple routine: 20 minutes a day on interview prep, extra practice with partners, and clear frameworks that helped him answer even the hardest questions with confidence. From fallback structures for difficult clinical questions to bite-sized resources like the 10-year plan, he built an approach that was practical, manageable, and easy to stick to alongside a busy schedule.
Sirisha explains how the recorded answer reviews, bonus calls, video feedback, presentations, resources, and guest speakers all worked together to help her structure stronger answers and identify her unique selling points. The course also helped her prepare for pre-interview visits, understand trust and departmental challenges, and tailor her presentation content to what interviewers were really looking for. That practical insight gave her a much clearer strategy going into interview.
Layla prepared over time, not in a last-minute rush — and it showed. In this video, she shares how repeated practice, group coaching, podcasts, and structured preparation helped her walk into a high-stakes interview feeling calm, confident, and ready for whatever came up.
After trying a one-day prep course, Laura realised that understanding the interview was not the same as being ready for it. What made the difference was a longer, more structured approach: bite-sized preparation over time, repeated feedback, practice with peers, and learning how to build strong answers even when questions were phrased differently from what she had rehearsed.
Karim was nervous at first and unsure whether joining the academy would really be worth it. But as soon as he started applying the strategies, everything began to click. What started with a free webinar turned into a clear roadmap for interview success — one that helped him prepare with confidence instead of taking a gamble.
What changed everything was consistency. Instead of leaving interview prep until the last minute, John used regular practice, feedback, and even a bit of competition to stay engaged and keep improving. From submitting videos each week to putting himself under pressure in mock interviews, he trained himself to think clearly, use structure, and speak with purpose when it mattered most.
John started out unsure of what made him different. Like many candidates, he had experience, hard work, and ambition — but no clear strategy for showing why he was the right choice.
Jade applied for a cardiothoracic consultant anaesthetist job — and got it on the first attempt. In this video, she shares how starting early, following a structured process, and preparing in a way that suited her learning style helped her succeed in a high-stakes interview for the exact role she had always wanted.
After five years without an interview, the pressure of facing a high-stakes consultant post felt overwhelming for Beenish. It was no longer just another step in training — it was about securing the role she had been working toward for years.
After years of training in a competitive field, Sabena knew this interview could shape the rest of her career. Using the Academy’s milestones and feedback, she learned how to prepare for any question instead of just memorising answers. For her, that was the biggest shift – from over-preparing to owning her story. From anxiety to authenticity.
When she started her consultant interview prep, she had barely any recent experience – her last interview was years ago, and she’d just returned from maternity leave. The video feedback sessions, though uncomfortable at first, became her biggest breakthrough. Each submission brought quick, detailed feedback, helping her refine her answers and build confidence one day at a time. By the night before her interview, she wasn’t panicking or over-prepping – she felt calm, confident, and ready.
Through live coaching, real practice sessions and a supportive community, she rebuilt her confidence and learned how to express her true self. She discovered her five USPs, learned how to pause, think and deliver answers that reflected who she really was – not a script. When interview day came, she stayed calm, authentic and composed – and this time, she got the job.
Through structured milestones, expert feedback, and the Academy’s supportive community, she learned how to prepare, pivot and perform under pressure. By the time her interview came around, she was ready for anything. The result? Feedback that said it all: “You knocked it out of the park.”
With its holistic approach; from community to live sessions and a searchable library of real answers – Emma built the skills to adapt under pressure. When the panel asked an unexpected question about trust values; she stayed calm, flexed her prep and delivered a powerful answer on the spot.
Discover how the AYCI Academy’s structure, coaching, and community help you stay calm, focused, and in control – even when the pressure’s on.
After years without doing an interview, Charlotte felt completely unprepared and overwhelmed. The AYCI Academy flipped her whole approach: daily practice questions, video feedback and frameworks that taught her how to answer any question with confidence. By interview day, she walked in ready, calm and prepared – and walked out with the job that will shape the rest of her career.
With just two weeks’ notice before his first consultant interview, Matt felt unprepared and unsure how to handle tough, unexpected questions. The AYCI Academy gave him exactly that: strategies for curveball questions and a 1:1 channel to refine his answers with tailored feedback specific to him.
After time away from clinical work, Anju wasn’t sure where to start with interview prep – or how to show the panel she belonged. Reading guidelines alone wasn’t enough, and going it alone felt overwhelming. The AYCI Academy gave her the structure, peer support, and personal coaching she needed.
After years of hard work and a recent rejection, Akanshka knew she needed a new approach to land the role she truly wanted. The AYCI Academy changed everything – 1:1 coaching, realistic mock interviews and feedback that shifted her mindset from uncertainty to “I’ve got this.”
After six failed interviews, I finally got my substantive job. The structure and support made all the difference.
I prepped in just 10 days using the Academy’s system. The structure stopped my rambling and helped me score the points I needed.
I was on mat leave, feeling totally out of touch. The Academy gave me the confidence and clarity to walk in and smash my interview.
Charannya was nervous, overwhelmed, and unsure how to prepare – until the Academy gave her the structure and support she needed.
As an internationally trained doctor, Sally felt overwhelmed, unsure what to expect, and lacked structured support. But once she joined the Ace Your Consultant Interview Academy, everything changed.
Sometimes it’s not about having all the “perfect” answers — it’s about how you handle the unexpected. Watch as Esinam shares how the Academy helped her identify and articulate her USPs clearly, and what she did when curveball questions came up in her interview.
From doubting his own experience to confidently delivering the best “Tell Me About Yourself” answer in the room, AJ shares how the Ace Your Consultant Interview Academy helped him break through imposter syndrome, structure her answers, and stay calm under pressure.
Sometimes, all it takes is the right guidance at the right moment. For Dinesh, that meant waking up at 4 AM every day to tackle interview questions, refining his answers with the Academy’s structured preparation, and receiving invaluable feedback from Academy coaches.
Ephraim wasn’t sure what to expect – but after joining the Academy, everything changed. From feeling unprepared to scoring maximum points and impressing the panel, he shares how structured coaching, ongoing support, and proven techniques helped him land the job.
Struggling with interview nerves and structure? Shambhavi knows exactly how that feels.
Laura knew this was her only shot – the job she wanted wouldn’t open up again for another 10 years. The pressure was intense, but instead of cramming last minute, she took a structured, long-term approach with the Ace Your Consultant Interview Academy.
Ever felt like your confidence was shattered after a failed job interview? That’s exactly where Rebecca started. Watch her inspiring story of transformation – from being terrified of answering questions to feeling fully prepared and confident walking into her interview.
Feeling overwhelmed by the interview process? So was Alberto – until he joined the AYCI Academy. Watch as Alberto shares how the Academy’s comprehensive program helped him overcome his nerves, master unexpected questions, and adopt a winning structure for his answers.
Feeling overwhelmed and underprepared for a major interview after nearly a decade? Claire shares how she overcame self-doubt, learned to embrace imperfection, and transformed her interview skills in just a month.
After losing out on her job, Fiona joined the Academy. She quickly realised that reading endless NHS reports and practising on her own wasn’t helping. She prepped in just a few weeks and smashed it.
Romit faced the ultimate challenge: preparing for a highly competitive NHS interview while feeling unsure about his approach. He shares how he transformed his preparation process, from identifying his USPs to mastering key interview strategies, with the help of the Academy.
Sophia thought there wouldn’t be an interview – then found herself facing a panel with zero preparation. After that experience, she knew she needed a better approach. Thanks to a friend who had aced a highly competitive job interview using the Academy, she joined and discovered the secrets to structured answers, choosing the right examples, and making an unforgettable impression.
Struggling to prepare for interviews on your own? You’re not alone. Hear how Marta went from avoiding interview practice to thriving in a supportive community.
Sarah’s journey to her dream job was filled with nerves and self-doubt, but the Academy gave her the tools, confidence, and support she needed to succeed.
Even when she learned a high-calibre colleague was going for the same job, she went back to her prep, trusted the process, and reminded herself – “You can do this.” By the night before her interview, she wasn’t panicking or over-prepping – she felt calm, confident, and ready.
Wondering how to go from dreading interview prep to total confidence? This is Sethina’s journey with the Academy that changed everything!
Ever felt like interviews just aren’t your strong suit? This is exactly where Sarah started — facing repeated challenges, the constant need to read “everything,” and feeling overwhelmed. That all changed when she joined our Academy.
Hazim shares his journey from feeling uncertain about interview success to walking into his dream job interview with complete confidence.
Facing low confidence and feeling defeated by previous interview failures? You’re not alone.
Hear how the AYCI Academy transformed Tze’s interview journey from frustration and loneliness to confidence and clarity.
Feeling nervous about your next interview? Watch as Martie shares how our Academy helped her gain confidence, understand the interview process, and learn the skills needed to succeed. She also shares how invaluable the feedback from the Academy Team was on her recorded answers.
Nervous about interviews? Hear how Reshma, who hadn’t interviewed in years, built her confidence and practiced in a structured, flexible way in the Ace Your Consultant Interview Academy.
Think you’re not ready for that big interview?
Learn how Vicki overcame the challenge of selling herself in interviews with the help of our Academy.
Rishi shares how our Academy helped him master structured preparation, tackle tough questions, and how the support he received from the Academy led him to land his dream consultant post.
Eleanor shares how our Academy helped her prepare for a career-defining interview with confidence and clarity.
Rahul shares how he transformed from being unprepared for interviews to confidently landing his dream job.
Learn how Suzie recognised her USPs and how breaking down complex topics into manageable steps, and with the supportive cohort environment led her to secure her dream job.
Georgie shares her incredible journey from facing interview rejection to securing her dream NHS consultant post. Discover how she overcame setbacks, leveraged our Ace Your Consultant Interview Academy resources, and mastered the interview process.
Tough competition for your dream NHS substantive consultant job? Watch as Anne shares how she secured her consultant position despite the odds!
Navigating maternity leave while preparing for your dream NHS consultant job? Watch this testimonial from Rachel to see how AYCI Academy provided the support and structure needed for her to succeed.
Anoop shares how the Academy’s structured approach, personalized feedback, and group sessions transformed his preparation and confidence.
Hear how Bilal’s preparation journey went from stressed to confident, mastering complex interview techniques and strategies.
Phoebe shares her journey from feeling unprepared to landing her dream job with confidence and ease.
Jen shares her journey from initial nervousness to interview success, landing a competitive NHS consultant post. Discover how Ace Your Consultant Interview Academy helped her refine her interview skills and gain confidence.
Discover how our coaching program transformed Hossam’s anxiety into confidence and secured his dream NHS consultant job. Hear firsthand about his journey through the interview process and how he overcame challenges to succeed.
From facing challenges in her answer structure to achieving mastery, Sarah shares her incredible journey in her NHS consultant interview. Watch as she shares how comprehensive support, practical coaching sessions, and a dedicated community inside the Ace Your Consultant Interview Academy played a pivotal role in her success.
Discover how our flexible, comprehensive approach at AYCI Academy helped Rasheed land his dream job as a NHS consultant in emergency medicine. Learn about the key elements that made the difference: personalised feedback, targeted tips, and the confidence-building live sessions. Watch now to see how you can prepare effectively for your own consultant interviews!
Witness Lisa’s journey as she navigates from initial doubts to securing a competitive NHS consultant job through our coaching program. Discover how structured guidance and a supportive community can transform interview preparation. Gain insights into her experience, the resources that helped her, and the supportive community that made a difference.
Chandni shares her experience of transitioning from trainee to NHS consultant. Facing her first in-person interview in a long time, she utilised the Ace Your Consultant Interview Academy’s resources to prepare thoroughly, even with limited time.
Discover how targeted practice, structured preparation, and the right support inside the Ace Your Consultant Interview Academy made all the difference in building Nic’s confidence and acing her NHS substantive consultant interview.
Ellen shares her journey of overcoming multiple interview rejections to finally land her dream NHS consultant job. She discusses the challenges she faced, how she improved her interview technique, and the invaluable support she received from the Ace Your Consultant Interview Academy.
Discover how a structured coaching program in the Ace Your Consultant Interview Academy transformed Rachel’s NHS consultant interview preparation.
From feeling reasonably prepared to truly mastering his NHS consultant interview, watch as Rish shares his transformational experience.
Becky shares her journey from feeling overshadowed by others’ achievements to recognising her own worth.
Struggling with interview structure and confidence? Watch how AYCI Academy helped Salman transform his struggles into strengths. Through personalised feedback, structured preparation, and practical tips, he gained the confidence to excel in his consultant interview.
Shah conquered interview anxiety and excelled in his dream NHS Consultant job interview. Hear firsthand how the structured, ongoing support and practical techniques transformed his preparation and performance. If you’re preparing for a crucial interview, don’t miss this success story!
“I am immensely grateful for all the knowledge and skills taught, and was successful in both my substantive consultant interviews for Paediatric Ophthalmology. The course really does prepare you for interviews in so many ways. The structure of the course is very organized, and helps to organize your thoughts and the way to approach the questions, but also give you the confidence to answer unexpected questions.”
“One of the best parts about the course was encouragement to record a video of yourself a day, and receive specific and timely feedback about your answer. I learnt a lot about how to structure my answers, and my confidence improved massively over the course of the 30 days.“
“This was literally my dream job. Got it today! I am so grateful to the team here. What Tessa has created is amazing. I did rapid fire intros, videos and everything!
This method works and works well. Feedback included ‘stunningly impressive’, you paused then gave an exceptional answer to everything. Prepared for every topic. That is the course!!”
“Thanks so much to Tessa for all the effort she has put into this. I was lost when I started studying for my interview and within a few weeks, I became so much more confident. I got my substantive dream job and I am most grateful for all the guidance.”
“I was successful in my substantive interview yesterday! The Academy really was invaluable and pushed me to practice, practice, practice and put myself out there. There were a few unexpected questions but using the pause, structure and my USPs and examples allowed me to answer them effectively.”
“I’ve been offered my dream job as a substantive consultant! The frameworks that Tessa teaches have definitely been instrumental in my success – the difference in my answers before and after I signed up is so stark.”
“One of the panel members said that they were all blown away by my answers and that in their 10 year experience of interviewing I was one of the top 5 interviewees! I could not believe in my ears!
There were few unexpected questions but this academy and training gave me the confidence to tackle them with a structure.”
“I wanted to take a moment to thank Tessa and the entire team for their incredible support throughout the interview training process.
This was my first interview post-CCT, and I can honestly say that the structure of the course was so helpful for me to prepare.”
“I got the substantive post today!
Feel so relieved and overwhelmed, can’t quite believe it but very happy.
Panel commented on how prepared I was and it’s largely down to this course so thank you so much!!”
“Really appreciate the help of the AYCI academy. Gave me an approach to my preparation and a clear structure for my answers that saw me through a competitive interview process.
I had a bumpy journey with a couple of unsuccessful interviews last year but perseverance paid off and now delighted to have my forever job.”
“I’m incredibly happy to share that I interviewed this morning and was successful! I received some incredibly positive feedback and I honestly feel that it’s all pretty much down to the amazing resources and help from the Academy.”
“I am so grateful to you for all your tips, tricks and website material, which immensely helped me get a substantive consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon post! Your direct and non-nonsense approach to preparing for consultant interview echos my style and I am indebted to you.”
“I had a successful locum consultant interview today! Thanks to this Academy, I felt pretty relaxed going in and was confident I could face answers as I could fall back on structure. Thank you so much for all the help and advice!”
“I just wanted to say very big thank you to Tessa and the team. I got the substantive Consultant Paediatric post that I was hoping for.
I found your weekly live sessions, one to one session and video course very useful to think about my USPs.
This course helped me to improve the structure of my answers. Thank you!”
“Thanks to your invaluable insights, I felt well-prepared and equipped to tackle the challenges of the interview process. Your advice stayed with me as I navigated the questions and scenarios, and I truly believe it made all the difference. I have secured the job I’d been aspiring for, and I owe a significant part of this achievement to your unwavering support.”
“I got offered the Consultant job that 8 weeks ago I was considering not applying for as I thought success seemed so unlikely.
This course has been a massive help in preparing and building my confidence. Almost all of the questions were ones that I had prepared for.”
“Just wanted to let you know that I got the job I was interviewing for! One of the CDs said it was one of the best interviews they’ve sat in a long time. That wouldn’t have been possible without your help and this course, so thank you so much for doing what you’re doing.”
“Tessa was a great coach throughout the program. It was great seeing your answers evolve following Tessa’s coaching. A good environment for practicing. Extremely useful to have the sessions recorded for easy access when interviews come around.”
“I got the locum consultant nephrologist job! This academy is brilliant & big thanks to Tessa, Becky & everyone for all your support & encouragement.
I had 5 weeks in total from the job being advertised to interview… so the Academy really enabled me to prepare with very little time.”
“Absolutely thrilled to share that I’ve been offered the substantive consultant post! Thank you so much for your help!
There were a few unexpected questions. But just remembered to pause a few seconds and used the structure as Tessa advised.
Thanks a million Tessa. You’re a star!!”
“Big thank you to Tessa and all the team. I was offered a substantive post in intensive care medicine today.
They said I interviewed very well although it didn’t seem like that at the time. Having the structure to fall back on when you fall to pieces is invaluable.”
“I am very happy and relieved to have got my dream substantive consultant job in Trauma and Orthopaedics.
The ‘senior level thinking’ aspect of the course in particular really helped me think like a consultant which came across in my interview and I got excellent feedback about how well structured my answers were.”
“Thanks to Tessa and the Team for running AYCI Academy. I was successful in being appointed to my dream substantive post this week, and really enjoyed and learnt a huge amount from the Academy, the bonus material and the coaching sessions.”
“I have been successful in my interview and have been offered a substantive consultant post.
I am truly indebted to the academy, especially Tessa, Becky and the team, for fine-tuning my skills.
To the cohort, my journey is proof that with practice, dedication, and sincerity to the daily QOTD and weekly sessions, success is within your reach.”
“Got my Substantive Job in the trust I wanted.
I went from someone with limited interview skills who last had an interview 7 years ago to actually enjoying my interview today and be able to answer all the questions in a structured way.
Thank you Tessa and everyone at the Academy!! Would not have been able to do it without your support.”
“I’m so pleased to say that I secured my substantive post!
The academy gave me the plan and structure I needed to feel that I had done everything I possibly could to prepare! So happy to have had access to such a great system! Thank you guys!”
“Delighted to share I have been offered a locum consultant post! Many thanks to Tessa and Team for helping me out and making a quiet, shy and introvert sell himself immaculately.”
“If I haven’t been part of this Academy, I don’t think I could’ve made it!! I had all the questions starting from TMAY to conflict with colleague, importance of revalidation and appraisal, trust values, current challenges to the service… so basically no surprises.”
“I got offered a substantive post in anaesthesia yesterday! I am delighted!
Thank you so much for your help, this course was invaluable – it changed my mindset and I went into the interview prepared and positive despite the nerves.”
“Very first interview just 2 weeks to prep. Joined the course 10 days ago.
A huge thanks to Tessa and AYCI team.
The structure and mention of examples really works :-)”
