Have you read our latest NCHD Spotlight: Dr. Hafsa Khalid
Meet our NCHD Spotlight for this newsletter: Dr. Hafsa Khalid
What is your speciality?
General Surgery SHO- St Vincent's University Hospital
What do you like about your job?
Helping people on a 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 the kind of job which makes me get up, and leave my bed every day to explore a new day ahead.
What does a typical day look like for you while working?
A typical day as an Orthopaedic SHO starts with a morning handover, followed by ward rounds where I review the patient’s progress and update management plans if needed. I also spend time coordinating care with the multidisciplinary team, including physiotherapists and nurses, to ensure comprehensive patient management. When in theater it is mostly spent in assisting in surgeries.
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 beneficial 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, achieve my HST and be a consultant 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 " is a brilliant story about Life, career, success, and death by Paul Kalanithi, a neurosurgeon who wrote it from the unique perspective of both a doctor and a patient. It sheds light on the human experience and the delicate balance between art and science.
We are pleased to announce that in the next few days all of you that do not have access to the Professionalism in 21st Century course will be receiving free access to it as part of your CPD Support Scheme enrolment.
Free Access: Professionalism in 21st Century Medical Practice
We are pleased to announce that in the next few days all of you that do not have access to the Professionalism in 21st Century course will be receiving free access to it as part of your CPD Support Scheme enrolment.
Please keep an eye on your mailbox and if you have any issues with your access, please email us at cpdss@rcsi.com
Elevate your medical foundations to deliver the highest quality of patient care
The Professionalism in 21st Century Medical Practice course is fully online and aimed at all registered medical doctors in all specialties. This flexible course has been built to suit the busy schedules of medical doctors and is delivered in a digital format through our online teaching platform.
There are 12 online modules in total (60 CPD credits) covering different aspects of medical professionalism, with each module worth 5 CPD credits. Candidates enrolled on this course can take the modules in any order and at your own pace.
NCHDs enrolled on our CPD Support Scheme can apply for free access to our RCSI Affiliate Membership programme.
RCSI is pleased to advise that all NCHD’s who are enrolled in the Continuous Professional Development Support Scheme 2024-2025 may avail of free Affiliate Membership of RCSI.
Affiliate Membership of RCSI provides exclusive access to a range of ‘member-only’ services aimed at supporting and supplementing your personal, practical, academic and professional development. Additionally, Affiliate Membership enables you to network and stay up to date with the latest news from the field of surgery by providing access to RCSI communications channels, surgical publications and resources and global networking opportunities.
The NEW Fellows and Members Portal
RCSI have launched a new Fellows and Members Portal that also houses a range of resources, supports and benefits for Affiliate Members.
The Portal is accessible at www.rcsi.com/portal. Please note, if it is your first time accessing the new Fellows and Members Portal, you must first sign up by following the steps below:
Click ‘Sign Up Now’ at the bottom of the Portal login page
Enter your name, email address and chose a password [nb – use the email address to which you receive RCSI correspondence]
When prompted enter the six-digit code received via email
Existing Affiliate Members
If you were previously enrolled in CPD_SS for 2023-2024 and/or are an existing Affiliate Member, you may access your exclusive resources and benefits via the Portal.
If you are not able to view these resources and benefits you may be required to seek a subscription waiver.You can request a waiver by following the steps below:
Navigate to Contact Us in the top right corner of the screen
From the Request menu select Reductions and exemptions
When prompted select the following discount/exemption type: Hardship and Illness
When prompted to provide any additional information about your request enter the following code: #CPDSS2425 [failure to enter the code will result in a request for payment of a subscription fee]
Technical queries regarding Portal Access and the Application Form may be submitted to rcsiportal@rcsi.com. All other queries may be directed to fellows@rcsi.com
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 place in 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
February - April 2025
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Certificate
3 places left
Classroom
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 1:18 February 2025 Day 2: 21 March 2025 Day 3: 25 April2025
This course is designed for complete beginners to and/or very new users of Microsoft Excel. It will provide you with the essential fundamental knowledge required to begin using the Excel spreadsheet application to both work with existing and create and save new Excel files.
This bone fracture fixation course will start with classification systems and decision making on the type of fixation of fractures in different scenarios. The practical sessions will range from the application of simple screws and plates to complex fixation of fractures using k-wires, tension band wiring, and intramedullary nailing.
RCSI Certificate in Teaching and Assessing in Clinical Practice Certificate
1 place left
Interactive Learning
This three-day online course will support the development of a professional identity as a clinical educator to enable candidates to improve their teaching and assessing skills in the clinical and classroom environments. A combination of education theory, lesson planning, interactive peer group exercises, micro-teaching skills practice and reflection will be used to develop the skills of lesson planning, effective teaching, assessment and giving peer feedback.
This course will help you master your knot-tying and suturing skills from first principles. Experienced consultant surgeons will give you formative feedback on your instrument handling, tissue manipulation, and wound closure.
This training session aims to empower the RCSI community to challenge poor behaviors which have become normalized and bring change through the reinforcement of messages defining the boundaries of unacceptable behavior.
This course introduces a structured approach to acute psychiatric emergencies for patients presenting to hospital in an acute crisis. It outlines the practical, ethical and legal issues relevant in managing such scenarios in Ireland.
Marketing4Doctors: A well-rounded guide to promoting your Medical Event
9 places left
Interactive Learning
This online course will focus on providing doctors a well-rounded guide in the marketing and communication of a medical event, conference, or experience. With a combination of theory and interactive team-based exercises, this online event is suited towards doctors looking to build their awareness of how to market an event, drive registrations, and also learn about the considerations to take at each stage of the event marketing cycle.
Cross-Cultural Competence and Effective Communication Workshop
5 places left
Classroom
The day will focus on fostering cultural agility and exploring key competencies within an Irish context, exploring the Irish culture, values, attitudes and behaviours. Participants will refine nuanced communication skills for diverse social and professional settings.
Information Session on Applying for Specialist Registration
10 places left
Interactive Learning
This information session is designed to provide guidance on applying for entry to the Irish Medical Council Specialist Division of the Register (SDR). There are various routes available to doctors who wish to be included on the Specialist Register, as outlined on the IMC website. https://www.medicalcouncil.ie/
Accredited Certificate in Simulation-based Training in Human Factors in Patient Safety
1 place left
Classroom
This three-day certificate introduces human factors in healthcare. Each day has a separate overall theme, and begins with an overall introductory lecture, followed by a series of practical and interactive workshops developing on the key theme.
This interactive workshop will discuss the management of unstable patient for both variceal and non-variceal bleeds. The course will concentrate on the management of a bleeding and perforated duodenal ulcer with both open and laparoscopic approaches.
MS Excel – Data Management and Analysis for Doctors
6 places left
Classroom
This course has been developed as a follow-on course to the Excel – An Introduction course, with a specific focus on introducing you to the features of the application that are used to build, manage and analyse lists of data (records).
This training session aims to empower the RCSI community to challenge poor behaviors which have become normalized and bring change through the reinforcement of messages defining the boundaries of unacceptable behavior.
This course will aid you in developing your curriculum vitae so that your previous experience and attributes will stand out. The course also explores the optimum ways you can win over the interview panel at that all-important interview.
This course has been designed and will be facilitated by experienced ENT consultants for general surgeons. Emphasis will be placed on the management of ENT emergencies such as epistaxis, emergency airway obstruction and the management of a post-tonsillectomy bleed.
This one-day practical course allows you to enhance your skills in the initial management of a severely injured trauma patient. This course is primarily aimed at doctors who are working in emergency medicine or work as part of a major trauma team, or who are expected to manage acute presentations with major trauma.
This course provides an opportunity for participants to learn advanced laparoscopic skills. It will enable participants to perfect and practice laparoscopic knot tying and intracorporeal suturing skills, using synthetic and animal-based simulators in our wet lab facility.
This presentation provides an opportunity to identify elements of patient-centered consultation practices such as making good first impressions, conveying empathy, managing expectations and addressing concerns.
This course focuses on feedback skills to allow you to improve your teaching and training in both the clinical and simulation environments. A combination of theory, interactive exercises and high-fidelity simulation will be used to demonstrate the skills of giving effective feedback to learners.
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.
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
Skin Tone in Clinical Assessment and Research
This one-hour CPD programme emphasises the importance of skin tone diversity in healthcare. It covers skin biology, classification systems, and disparities in medical diagnosis, treatment, and research.
The course highlights the lack of diverse representation in medical education materials, simulation models, and clinical studies, which perpetuates inequities in care. It also explores the challenges in diagnosing conditions across different skin tones and the integration of emerging technologies and AI to reduce bias.
This CPD course builds on Clinical Trials – From development to opening to provide further practical knowledge for those involved in research. The course will help you to ensure your trials are conducted effectively, including how to identify and address potential risks.
You will learn how to assess if a trial is viable and the ethical and regulatory duties of those leading studies. Data management and statistics are also covered to ensure accurate analysis of trial results. Finally, the course explores the clinical trials landscape in Ireland and the organisations involved in clinical research.
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 in developing 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 designed 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 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 course will focus on fostering cultural agility and exploring key competencies within an Irish context, exploring the Irish culture, values, attitudes and behaviours. Participants will refine nuanced communication skills for diverse social and professional settings.
Course Spotlight - Cross-Cultural Competence and Effective Communication Workshop - 26 February 2025
Learning outcomes
Identify key aspects of Irish culture, values, attitudes and behaviours crucial for fostering cultural agility and achieving cultural competencies.
Develop awareness of the significance of cultural insights in navigating diverse social and professional settings, promoting patient-centred care, quality of care and preventing miscommunication errors.
Demonstrate refined communication skills in both social and professional contexts, fostering patient-centred care and mitigating miscommunication errors.
Understand the principles of emotional intelligence and their relevance to professional and social settings.
Utilise emotional intelligence techniques to manage interpersonal dynamics, enhancing patient-centred care and fostering positive social interactions.
Summary
This course will focus on fostering cultural agility and exploring key competencies within an Irish context, exploring the Irish culture, values, attitudes and behaviours. Participants will refine nuanced communication skills for diverse social and professional settings.
Applications for the next MRCS Part A examination in April 2025 will close on Thursday, 20 February 2025.
Applications for the next MRCS Part A examination in April 2025 will close in less than 2 weeks on Thursday, 20 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).
Please note applications for our flexible and online PG Diploma/MSc in Human Factors in Patient Safety programme (September 2025 intake) are now open.
Please note applications for our flexible and online PG Diploma/MSc in Human Factors in Patient Safety programme (September 2025 intake) are now open.
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 expand their skills and knowledge required to become involved in and lead patient safety initiatives and improve personal effectiveness through enhanced teamwork, leadership and communication.
Please note applications for our brand-new online micro-credential “Clinicians as Educators – Effective Teaching skills” March 2025 intake are now open and will close on Friday, 28 February 2025
Applications now open - 5-week Online Micro-credential - Clinicians as Educators - Effective Teaching Skills (Micro-Credential) - Funding available for NCHDs
Duration: 25 March 2025 - 23 April 2025 (Just 5 Days Online via Zoom)
Please note applications for our brand-new online micro-credential “Clinicians as Educators – Effective Teaching skills” March 2025 intake are now open and will close on Friday, 28 February 2025
Glimpse of what we have to offer to doctors looking to enhance their teaching skills
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.
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 opportunities for peer and faculty discussions on clinical teaching experiences and challenges and will gain insights into developing solutions.
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.
The Master of Surgery (MCh)by Module programmes will highlight challenges and opportunities specific to the surgical profession to support the healthcare and medical community.
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.
To register your interest on our highly demanded surgical programmes, please click here
This is an introductory course into clinical humanitarian medicine designed by medical specialists with practical experience in the field.
Register today - Humanitarian medicine Connemara: A practitioner's guide
This is an introductory course into clinical humanitarian medicine designed by medical specialists with practical experience in the field. The course curriculum provides core content but works beyond didactic lectures and allows for discussion around the nuance in humanitarian medicine and applying them to context.
Join the Irish Paediatric Emergency Medicine Association (IPEMA) for their IPEM2025 annual conference from the 12th to the 13th of March 2025 at the Gibson Hotel, Dublin
Register today - Irish Paediatric Emergency Medicine Association Conference
The theme for this conference is: “Hands-On PEM: Real World Challenges & Solutions”
Join the Irish Paediatric Emergency Medicine Association (IPEMA) for their IPEM2025 annual conference from the 12th to the 13th of March 2025 at the Gibson Hotel, Dublin.
The National Surgical Research Support Centre wishes to congratulate Mr. Sami Abd Elwahab in University Hospital Galway for winning the RCSI National Surgical Research Support Centre award for Outstanding Achievement in Clinical Trial Activity
RCSI National Surgical Research Support Centre award
The National Surgical Research Support Centre wishes to congratulate Mr. Sami Abd Elwahab in University Hospital Galway for winning the RCSI National Surgical Research Support Centre award for Outstanding Achievement in Clinical Trial Activity for his excellent recruitment efforts in the PROPEL-2 clinical trial having recruited over 120 patients.
Pictured: Oisin Brennan, Sinead Corcoran, and Mr Sami Abd Elwahab, from top left to right.
Oisin O'Donnell, Dayna Van De Hoef, Niall Kennedy from bottom left to right.
Other team members include: Arielle Pierre, Crystal Lee, Ana Vaz, Gerard Feeney, Shadin Abushara and Sarah Gaisor.
The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland is delighted to announce the launch of our MRCS Examinations brochure.
MRCS Examinations Brochure
The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland is delighted to announce the launch of our 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.
