Purpose Many PGY3+ doctors spend more than two years in clinical and research posts accruing ‘points’ before applying for selection to surgical training. This group has become vulnerable to exploitation as there is no formal oversight of their progress. This study aimed to assess the impact of these circumstances for unaccredited plastic, orthopaedic, ENT, urology, and vascular surgical registrars (USRs) in Australia. Method An online anonymous 21 item questionnaire, developed collaboratively with two USRs, was distributed via social media, and open for 6 months in 2023. Descriptive analysis of responses has been completed, with qualitative analysis of open-ended responses pending. Results 79 respondents completed the survey identifying as male (51%) and female (49%). Fifty respondents were from Victoria or NSW, with all regions except the Northern Territory represented. 32% were Urology registrars. PGY range was 3 – 13 (median 7), with 84% >PGY5. 77% had completed >2 USR years. 41% had attained a higher degree and 17% relocated interstate for employment. 50% had >1 application to surgical training with 8 >3. 70% had spent more than $5000 on RACS specific courses and examinations and 23% more than $20,000. A similar pattern was found for travel costs to present at meetings and other preparation for applications. Only 30.37% reported receiving helpful feedback as USRs. Conclusions Current RACS surgical training selection leaves USRs vulnerable to a lengthy employment period in an informal ‘training’ system, adverse financial impacts, and uncertainty about outcome. This “lost tribe” has no formal surgical ‘training’ oversight or affiliation.