Have you read our latest NCHD Spotlight: Dr. Hafsa Khalid
Meet our NCHD Spotlight for this newsletter: Dr. Hafsa Khalid
What is your speciality and where do you work?
General Surgery SHO- St Vincent's University Hospital
What do you like about your job?
Helping people on day to day basis whether it be acute management or long-term care plan, Discipline in surgery is the most commendable part of my job in a way how time sensitive an acute surgical intervention could be as well as timely followups say it post-ops or assessment for a possible intervention. I like the challenges this job brings and the amount of satisfaction when the job is done correctly. Every day is new learning and this is a kind of job which makes me get up, leave my bed everyday to explore a new day ahead.
What does a typical day look like for you while working?
Starting with ward rounds followed by seeing pre-op patients, doing their admissions and bringing them to theatre, assisting in operations, carrying out minor ops, attending the scheduled meetings regarding
Have you attended a CPD Support Scheme course yet (2024-25 cycle)?
Yes I have:
1- Train The Trainer Course
2- Basic laparoscopy skills course
3- Basic surgical skills course
4- Basic Endoscopy skills course
How was your experience on the course?
All courses I attended were very precise and thorough I learnt new skills to implement in my day to day job The trainers were very helpful and answered all the questions
What other interests/hobbies do you have?
Painting, Sculpting, Cooking
What do you hope to achieve in your career?
I hope to get into CST scheme to progress my career in surgery , achieving my HST and be a consultant in future to help my juniors with the skills I would learn during my journey.
If you were to recommend a book, what would it be and why?
" When Breath Becomes Air " By Paul Kalanithi - A neurosurgeon who wrote his brilliant story of Life, career, success and death. The book presents a unique perspective from both a doctor and a patient, shedding light on the human experience and the delicate balance between art and science.
We are delighted to announce that we are providing surgical NCHDs with access to the RCSI Logbook. This service is available free of charge to Surgical NCHDs registered on our CPD Support Scheme.
We are delighted to announce that we are providing surgical NCHDs with access to the RCSI Logbook.
This service is available free of charge to Surgical NCHDs registered on our CPD Support Scheme. It is completely voluntary for you to use this, but this logbook has been specifically designed by RCSI to support those who wish to build their surgical careers. It is part of our commitment to support all who work in the provision of surgical care to patients in Ireland.
Access to the RCSI Logbook will provide an opportunity for those in non-training places to use the same electronic logbook as is being used by trainees in our core and higher surgical training programmes. Our logbook is familiar to all our consultant trainers and supervisors which gives us the opportunity to have our logbook records validated. Your data will be stored securely by RCSI, backed up, and protected against loss
Our dedicated team will happily provide support via our email nchdlogbook@rcsi.com
We hope you will avail of the logbook and enjoy an Irish focused, easy to use, mobile first secure experience.
Finally, it is mandatory to hold an active RCSI email account (@rcsi.com) or a Google email account (@gmail.com) to successfully register for the RCSI Logbook. Please sign hereto request access to the RCSI Logbook.
We write to advise you that we have places available for the following CPD courses and meetings that will take place in the following weeks. Places are limited for all our courses, so early registration is advised to avoid disappointment.
CPD courses at RCSI
We write to advise you that we have places available for the following CPD courses and meetings that will take placein the following weeks. Places are limited for all our courses, so early registration is advised to avoid disappointment.
Date
Course Title
Type
Course Overview
CPD Points
Registration
11 December 2024
Basic Laparoscopy
2 places left
Classroom
This is a hands-on course where you will get expert formative feedback while practicing laparoscope handling, object positioning and tissue manipulation. You will then progress to performing a cholecystectomy on a simulated animal model.
This practical course allows participants to enhance their skills in the initial management of the severely injured trauma patient. The course includes an update on American College of Surgeons Trauma Committee guidelines for Major Trauma Management. A variety of skills stations cover essential procedures in major trauma. A series of interactive workshops cover more specialised principles, including triage for a Major incident.
You will master your knot tying and suturing skills from first principles. Experienced consultant surgeons will give you formative feedback on local anesthetic application, your instrument handling, tissue manipulation, and minor operative techniques. You will also perform minor operating procedures such as excision of a lesion, abscess drainage, sebaceous cyst and lipoma excision and ingrown toenail management. The principles of skin grafting and simple local flap design will be demonstrated.
This training session aims to empower the RCSI community to challenge poor behaviours which have become normalized and bring change through the reinforcement of messages defining the boundaries of unacceptable behavior.
RCSI Accredited Medical Leadership in Practice Certificate
5 places left
Interactive Learning
This three-day programme will be delivered in partnership with the RCSI Graduate School of Healthcare Management, Ireland's only third level institution dedicated exclusively to developing the leadership, management and educational capacity of doctors, surgeons, and health professionals
This programme covers instruction in technical skills to perform fashioning a stoma (ileostomy/colostomy), performing a bowel anastomosis and performing an open inguinal hernia management. This practical course will use both synthetic and animal simulation to aid learning and practicing skills.
This course will enhance your ability on-duty as a surgeon, gastroenterologist or radiologist – either as a trainee or a specialist. The course is endorsed by many societies and regularly updated with the latest advances in emergency surgery care.
This new three-day course provides a practical hands-on overview for clinicians seeking to adapt their skills for managing patients in pre-hospital environments e.g. mass gathering medicine, ambulance activity, and mountain rescue.
This course is run over three days: Day 1: Friday, 24 January 2025 Day 2: Tuesday, 18 February 2025 Day 3: Friday, 21 March2025
Learning conversations encompass a range of activities in both workplaces and educational settings such as simulated learning environments: feedback, coaching, and debriefing. This workshop is envisaged as an introduction to debriefing techniques with specific focus on debriefing simulations
Financial Wellness: Mortgages, Savings and Investments
8 places left
Interactive Learning
This session introduces mortgages and the must-know criteria, reviews the Central Bank of Ireland mortgage regulations, what BOI looks for in an application, what documents are required and a mortgage checklist; the hierarchy of financial needs, inflation and its impact on the cost of living and savings, why you should save and invest, and the golden rules of investing.
Joint management and collaboration of the ICU intensivist and the surgeon is vital for the post-operative patient. The course will look at patient monitoring, diagnostic decision-making and treatment options for surgical patients in the ICU.
If a course is FULL – it is recommended to apply for the waiting list. Often doctors withdraw from courses closer to the date.
If you would like to book and attend more than your FREE 3 full-day courses allowance, you will be required to pay an enrolment fee for the additional courses. However, this fee can be reimbursed via HSE’s Training Support Scheme. Further details can be found here.
Please do not hesitate to contact us in the meantime at cpdss@rcsi.ie
We continually work to add more self-paced courses that you can complete easily at a time that suits you.
Self-paced online course
We are consistently striving to expand our selection of self-paced online courses, allowing you to complete them conveniently at your own preferred schedule. Below is a list of the courses we offer:
Course Title
Course Overview
CPD Points
Registration
Safe Clinical Handovers
Quality healthcare requires clear and effective communication between healthcare professionals, teams, and patients. In this course, we will focus on one particular area of healthcare communication: clinical handovers.
This online course aims to support clinicians to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively prepare and participate in clinical handover.
Communication Skills for Video and Telephone Consultation
Video and telephone consultations in healthcare are not new, but the COVID-19 crisis forced many clinicians to rapidly take up these kinds of consultations as a feasible alternative to face-to-face consultations.
This is often a type of consultation that staff has not encountered before. Applying the Calgary-Cambridge guide to video and telephone calls provides a structured and safe approach to this virtual format.
The course is presented as a series of recorded one-hour modules. Each module, involving a separate specialty theme, will involve case-based discussions with a variety of guest speakers. Slides covering the content are provided, and a short series of MCQs based on the content covered is completed to complete the module.
This online course uses a case discussion format to revise the basics of ECG Interpretation for Emergency Medicine physicians. This online platform allows candidates to access the recorded content on demand, with the facility to repeat more challenging modules as desired. Candidates are required to complete a quiz at the beginning and end of the course.
Medical Science for Surgery and Emergency Medicine
RCSI in partnership with the Academy of Clinical Science and Laboratory Medicine https://acslm.ie/have developed a CPD/CME programme to maintain and develop their competence in this critical area of clinical practice.
The comprehensive programme of short online courses will cover 25 areas of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. Together we have brought to you the first seven courses in this series which cover the following areas: Cancer Diagnostics, Surgical Microbiology, Blood Transfusion, Coagulation, Surgical Immunology, Heart Failure Assessment in the Emergency Department, Near Patient Testing (NPT)basic and applied pathology.
As part of the programme participants learn excellent techniques for improving processes and implementing change in your hospital or department, but they also develop abilities that are highly portable across the organisation and internationally.
The course includes mini-modules on large-group teaching, small group teaching, bedside teaching, simulation-based learning, and Universal Design for Learning. Each mini module includes video content, curated reading lists and interactive activities.
Cancer clinical trials are pivotal research studies that aim to advance our understanding of cancer and develop new treatment options. They involve rigorous testing of novel therapies, drugs, or interventions to assess their safety and efficacy in real-world patient scenarios.
This short course explores the contribution of surgery to climate change and examines interventions that can lead to reduced greenhouse gases and reduce the climate impact of surgery.
The course covers material which we believe is fundamental to understanding the current state of surgical robotics in the market and the skills necessary to safe and effectively utilise this technology in your everyday surgical practice.This course is design for any healthcare professional wanting to develop their knowledge and understanding of surgical robotics, including surgeons, trainees, medical students, nurses, and technicians.
Basics of Procedural Sedation and Analgesia in Emergency Department
This one-hour online course is designed to equip you with essential knowledge for providing safe and effective sedation in the Emergency Department. This comprehensive module will guide you through the fundamentals of procedural sedation, preparing you to handle challenging situations with confidence and expertise.
Courses covered by the CPD voucher can be booked between now and 15 June 2025. Regardless of when you register for the course, these will be available in your Moodle account until 1 August 2025
For further queries please do not hesitate to contact us at cpdss@rcsi.ie
This new course provides a practical hands-on overview for clinicians seeking to adapt their skills for managing patients in pre-hospital environments e.g. mass gathering medicine, ambulance activity and mountain rescue.
Course Spotlight -Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Certificate - 24 January 2025
This new three-day course provides a practical hands-on overview for clinicians seeking to adapt their skills for managing patients in pre-hospital environments e.g. mass gathering medicine, ambulance activity and mountain rescue.
The programme is delivered by consultants specialising in pre-hospital emergency medicine (PHEM) and retrieval medicine. Each day has a distinct theme and begins with an introductory lecture followed by a series of practical and interactive workshops developing on the theme.
This course is run over three days:
Day 1: Friday, 24 January 2025
Day 2: Tuesday, 18 February 2025
Day 3: Friday, 21 March 2025
Suitable for: SHOs in all surgical specialties, emergency medicine doctors
Applications for the next MRCS Part A examination in April 2025 will close on Thursday, 13 February 2025.
Applications now open – MRCS Part A April 2025
Applications for the next MRCS Part A examination in April 2025 will close on Thursday, 13 February 2025.
Candidates sitting the MRCS Part A with RCSI will receive free access to our Affiliate Membership which includes over 100 MRCS-specific resources.
Candidates will receive 15% off PasTest resources for MRCS Part A.
Candidates will also receive access to TeachMe, providing MRCS candidates sitting MRCS Part A with RCSI free access to TeachMe Surgery and TeachMe Anatomy (including both question banks with over 2000+ MCQs combined).
Gain essential skills and knowledge to enhance your teaching skills as a clinician – Clinicians as Educators – Effective Teaching Skills (Micro-credential) – March 2025 intake – Open to doctors including Interns, NCHDs and Surgical Trainees
Applications now open - Brand-new - Clinicians as Educators – Effective Teaching Skills - – March 2025 intake
Gain essential skills and knowledge to enhance your teaching skills as a clinician – Clinicians as Educators – Effective Teaching Skills (Micro-credential) – Open to doctors including Interns, NCHDs and Surgical Trainees
Please note applications for our brand-new online micro-credential “Clinicians as Educators – Teach Skills” is now open for March 2025 intake.
This Module aims to support and promote the development of your role as a teacher and assessor in clinical practice and is in essence a “Teach the Teacher “course – 10 ECTS. Please note this micro-credential has limited places so advise to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
As well as gaining insight into educational theory the module is very practical in its approach and will ensure improvement of your clinical bedside and classroom teaching and assessing skills. Scholars will have lots of opportunity for peer and faculty discussions on clinical teaching experiences and challenges and will gain insights into developing solutions.
Registrations are now open for the RCSI Charter Meeting which will take place from 4 – 8 February 2025 at RCSI.
Registrations now open– RCSI Charter Meeting 2025
Registrations are now open for the RCSI Charter Meeting which will take place from 4 – 8 February 2025 at RCSI.
The theme of this year’s Charter Meeting this year will be “Next Generation Surgery” spotlighting how we can better support early career surgeons within ever-changing surgical environment.
From our keynote sessions including the Johnson and Johnson lecture which will be delivered by Dr Carla Pugh FACS, Professor of Surgery, Stanford University, California, a new Robotic Surgery Symposium whereby Professor Barry McGuire, Professor of Postgraduate Surgical Education and Academic Development will speak on “Training For The Shift To Robotic Surgery”, the 32nd Carmichael Lecture which will be delivered by Professor Deirdre Madden, Professor of Law, University College Cork and more, this packed agenda will be of interest to NCHDs in Surgery and Emergency Medicine.
Please note applications for our established part-time and full-time Master of Surgery (MCh) by Module programmes will open soon.
Register your interest today – September 2025 intake
Please note applications for our established part-time and full-time Master of Surgery (MCh) by Module programmes will open soon.
Available over one year on a full-time basis or two years part-time, programme modules are designed to equip you with a versatile skill set that will help you better meet the demands of higher surgical training.
The programme greatly benefits medical graduates planning a surgical career in obtaining a higher degree in surgery. This programme can be undertaken before, during or on completion of a structured surgical training programme.
Please note applications for our flexible and online PG Diploma/MSc in Human Factors in Patient Safety programme (September 2025 intake) are opening on Wednesday, 11 December 2024
Applications opening soon - PG Diploma/MSc in Human Factors in Patient Safety programme – September 2025 Intake
Please note applications for our flexible and online PG Diploma/MSc in Human Factors in Patient Safety programme (September 2025 intake) are opening on Wednesday, 11 December 2024
This inter-professional part-time online programme in Human Factors and Patient Safety is for all healthcare professionals involved in the care of hospital patients.
Scholars will attend online interactive sessions and workshops one day per month. The rest of the multi-disciplinary programme including didactic teaching, discussion boards, reading, and resources are offered online, which you can access it in your own time.
The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland is delighted to announce the launch of our brand-new MRCS Examinations brochure.
Brand-new MRCS Brochure – Out Now
The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland is delighted to announce the launch of our brand-new MRCS Examinations brochure.
Our brand-new MRCS brochure provides a comprehensive overview of the MRCS examinations, why aspiring surgeons should consider completing the MRCS, and why sit the MRCS with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
The intercollegiate membership examinations of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland is a measure of surgical competence at an early stage in a surgeons career in training. For many generations of surgeons, taking the MRCS examination is seen as an internationally recognised benchmark of the standard reached by a surgeon.
Have you listened to our recent Safe and Sound podcast episode “How to rock the boat… while staying in it: making change happen and not getting wet - Dr Helen Bevan OBE
Have you listened to our recent Safe and Sound podcast episode “How to rock the boat… while staying in it: making change happen and not getting wet - Dr Helen Bevan OBE
Have you listened to our recent Safe and Sound podcast episode “How to rock the boat… while staying in it: making change happen and not getting wet, Dr Helen Bevan OBE - RCSI Safe and Sound Podcast” with Dr Helen OBE interviewed by Professor Eva Doherty, Director of Human Factors in Patient Safety, RCSI
To listen to Dr Helen Beavans Episode, please clickhere to watch on Spotify and click here to watch on Apple Podcast
The HSE National Doctors Training and Planning (NDTP) in conjunction with RCSI National Emergency Medicine Programme has just launched the Emergency Medicine Workforce in Ireland 2024-2038 report which is available to view today.
Emergency Medicine Workforce in Ireland 2024-2038 Report
The HSE National Doctors Training and Planning (NDTP) in conjunction with RCSI National Emergency Medicine Programme has just launched the Emergency Medicine Workforce in Ireland 2024-2038 report which is available to view today.
This expert-informed document is the product of extensive collaboration between NDTP and the national Emergency Medicine Programme, the Irish Association for Emergency Medicine, and the Emergency Medicine Training Programme in RCSI.
This report outlines a roadmap to developing and sustaining an appropriately resourced Emergency Medicine consultant and trainee workforce to 2038.
The Emergency Medicine Workforce in Ireland 2024-2038 report will serve to inform decision-makers and strategists across the health service in the implementation of service reform and development in the coming years.
Register your interest with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland today to join our global robotic surgery community.
Register for RCSI's robotic surgery newsletter, where you will receive regular updates on robotic surgery news, trends, events and courses in robotic surgery.
