Meet our NCHD Spotlight for this newsletter: Dr. Kristali Ylli
Meet our NCHD Spotlight for this newsletter: Dr. Kristali Ylli
We’re delighted to introduce Dr. Kristali Ylli, a Senior House Officer in breast surgery at Cork University Hospital. Dr. Ylli shares insights into her role, her goals, and what drives her both personally and professionally.
What is your speciality and where do you work?
I currently work as a Senior House Officer in breast surgery at Cork University Hospital.
What do you like about your job?
What I enjoy most about my role as a Senior House Officer in breast surgery is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patient's lives during some of their most vulnerable moments. The combination of surgical precision and patient-centered care allows me to continuously develop my clinical and technical skills, while also building strong, supportive relationships with patients. I value the teamwork and collaboration within the multidisciplinary team, which fosters a learning environment and helps improve patient outcomes. Being in this role reinforces my passion for surgery and strengthens my commitment to pursuing a career in the surgical field.
What does a typical day look like for you while working?
A typical day in my role as a Senior House Officer in breast surgery begins with early ward rounds, where we review our patients' progress, address any immediate concerns, and plan their care for the day. Afterward, the team divides between outpatient clinic duties and theatre. In the clinic, I have the opportunity to engage with patients, assessing new cases, and managing postoperative care, while in the theatre, I actively assist in surgeries, refining my skills and learning from experienced consultants. This variety allows me to balance hands-on surgical experience with patient care, and it continuously strengthens my clinical and decision-making skills. Every day presents new challenges and learning opportunities, which further enhances my passion for surgery and my dedication to progressing within this field.
Have you attended a CPD Support Scheme course yet (2024-25 cycle)?
Yes, I have recently completed the Basic Surgical Principles certificate, which has been instrumental in enhancing my foundational knowledge and skills in surgery. Additionally, the most recent CPD Support Scheme course I attended was Advanced Laparoscopic Sutures, where I had the opportunity to further develop my technical skills in minimally invasive surgery. Both of these courses have been invaluable in my ongoing professional development and have strengthened my commitment to excelling in surgery as I work towards the next stages of my career.
How was your experience on the course?
My experience with the CPD Support Scheme courses has been excellent. The Basic Surgical Principles course provided a strong foundation in essential surgical techniques, while the Advanced Laparoscopic Sutures course offered a hands-on and in-depth approach to refining my skills in minimally invasive procedures. The interactive nature of the courses, combined with expert guidance from the instructors, made the learning process highly engaging and effective. These experiences have not only expanded my technical abilities but also reinforced my confidence in the operating room. I’m grateful for the opportunity to participate in such high-quality training that aligns with my goal of advancing in surgery.
What other interests/hobbies do you have?
Outside of work, I’m passionate about music, particularly playing the piano. It’s something that helps me unwind and find balance, while also pushing me to stay disciplined and focused as I learn new pieces. Playing the piano has taught me patience and perseverance, qualities I value in both my personal and professional life. I also love reading, exploring different genres, and expanding my knowledge, as well as traveling, which gives me the chance to experience different cultures and broaden my perspectives. These interests help me stay well-rounded and bring a fresh outlook to everything I do.
What do you hope to achieve in your career?
My aim is to become a surgeon who not only masters technical skills but also deeply understands the impact we have on patients' lives. Surgery, for me, is more than just precision in the operating room—it's about connecting with patients and making sure they feel confident and cared for every step of the way. I’m driven by the idea of blending surgical expertise with innovation, constantly seeking ways to improve outcomes and make the patient experience smoother. I’m eager to continue refining my skills and advancing within a structured learning environment that allows me to grow as both a surgeon and a compassionate caregiver. Ultimately, I want to be part of a future in surgery where the latest techniques meet a compassionate, human approach, creating a meaningful difference for patients and the healthcare community as a whole.
If you were to recommend a book, what would it be and why?
If I were to recommend a book, it would be ‘Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance’ by Angela Duckworth. This book delves into the science behind success, emphasizing that talent alone is not enough—it's passion and perseverance over the long term that truly lead to achievement. I found it incredibly inspiring, as it reinforces the idea that sustained effort and resilience are key to personal and professional growth. In surgery, much like in life, there are challenges and setbacks, but this book highlights the importance of pushing through those difficulties with determination and focus. It’s a powerful reminder that continuous learning and commitment to improvement are the foundations of true excellence, and it aligns with my own approach to both my career and life.
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.
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, youmay access yourexclusive 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 must request a waiver by Monday, 25 November.You can request a waiver by following the steps below:
Navigate to Contact Usin the top right corner of the screen
From the Request menu select Reductions and exemptions
When prompted selectthe followingdiscount/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]
Your request will be reviewed and approved after Monday, 25 November and you will receive a notification with further confirmation once approved.
New Affiliate Membership: Apply by Monday, 25 November
If you were not enrolled in CPD_SS for 2023-2024, you may now apply for Affiliate Membership by signing up the new Fellows and Members Portal and completing the Affiliate Member Application Form by Monday, 25 November. Follow the steps below to avail of free membership:
Please note, if this is your first time using the new Fellows and Members you must click ‘Sign Up Now’ at the bottom of the screen and follow the directions.
Navigate to your Profile in the top right corner of the screen
From the drop-down menu select Fees & Applications
Under the Apply sectionselect Complete your RCSI Affiliate application
Update your personal contact details and location
When prompted:
Select the following membership type: NCHD
Select the following membership category: General Applicant
Tick the box confirming that you have not sat the MRCS Part B exam
When prompted to outline your reason for wishing to become an Affiliate Member of RCSI enter the following code: #CPDSS2425 [failure to enter the code will result in a request for payment of a subscription fee]
All applications will be reviewed and approved after Monday, 25 November and you will receive a notification with further confirmation once approved.
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
Join us at RCSI for a comprehensive Mock FRCEM OSCE, designed to simulate real exam conditions
Are you an NCHD in Emergency Medicine aiming to ace your FRCEM OSCE exam?
Join us at RCSI for a comprehensive Mock FRCEM OSCE, designed to simulate real exam conditions. Receive personalized feedback from experienced EM Consultants, tackle realistic scenarios, and gain practical tips to boost your confidence and performance. Limited spots available – secure yours now and be exam-ready!
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
4 November 2024
Basic Skills in Urology
1 place left
Classroom
This multi-faceted course will address scrotal diseases as well as cystic and ureteric conditions. Both animal models, virtual reality simulators and bench models will allow
the participant to repair a hydrocele, do a circumcision, remove stones from the
ureter, insert J stents and perform a simulated TURP.
The objectives of the clinical audit skills days is to provide you with the knowledge and skills to carry out a clinical audit. The training days comprise of slide presentations, discussions and use of examples and workshops.
The course will help to develop some of the skills required to plan, conduct and disseminate individual research projects. Specific topics will include study design, levels of evidence, defining research questions and obtaining ethical approval.
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 concentrate on knowledge in relation to correct cast application and removal for the upper and lower limb, caring for the limb in a cast and preventing associated complications. Correct selection of casts for specific fractures and ligament injuries will be demonstrated and performed.
Medical and Trauma Adult resuscitation scenarios in a simulated setting. Participants will be able to understand and apply a systematic approach to the critically unwell patient in the resuscitation room. The day will include simulation scenarios in-group scenarios with effective feedback to enhance learning
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 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, intramedullary nailing. We will discuss the principles of application of an external fixator. The bone models will be synthetic sawbones and animal legs with fractures for both the upper and lower limb.
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.
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.
The day will focus on feedback skills to improve your teaching and training in 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.
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
Please note registrations are now open for our annual RCSI Millin Meeting which will take place on Friday, 8 November 2024.
Please note registrations are now open for our annual RCSI Millin Meeting which will take place on Friday, 8 November 2024.
Our prestigious Millin meeting is open to a wide range of surgical audiences including consultant surgeons, surgical trainees, NCHDs, and early career surgeons from all specialties. We are delighted to announce that our two keynote lectures for this year’s Millin meeting will be delivered by:
Dr Ayesha Noorani, CRUK Clinician Scientist and Honorary Consultant Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon, Wellcome Sanger Institute and Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospital NHS Trust, Cambridge, UK
Dr Ori Rotstein, Vice-President of Research and Innovation, Unity Health Toronto, and Professor and Associate Chair of the Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Canada
Within our highly anticipated RCSI Millin Meeting, there will be Surgical Research Oral Presentation whereby 1st place will receive our prestigious RCSI National Surgical Research Medal. This highly prestigious award will be presented to the doctor with the best Surgical Research Oral Presentation at this year’s RCSI Millin Meeting.
We encourage all of our surgical and wider healthcare community to register as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
RCSI and Operation Childlife are working together to support surgical trainees or medical professionals to gain additional expertise by participating in pediatric healthcare missions.
Applications now open – Operation Childlife Clinical Travel Fellowship 2025
RCSI and Operation Childlife are working together to support surgical trainees or medical professionals to gain additional expertise by participating in paediatric healthcare missions, led by Irish hospital consultants, doctors, and nurses who plan and deliver two-week programmes of care, with Operation Childlife in Vietnam, Tanzania, Mongolia, and Jordan.
The Operation Childlife Clinical Travel Fellowship is open to RCSI Surgical and EM Trainees, RCSI Medical, Nursing and Physician Associate Graduates, and other Irish-based practicing healthcare professionals in the area of care of the child.
The 4th Joint RCSI/Boston Children’s-Harvard Paediatric Airway simulation course for Otolaryngology trainees was held on Friday, 4 October 2024 in RCSI.
The 4th Joint RCSI/Boston Children’s-Harvard Paediatric Airway simulation
The 4th Joint RCSI/Boston Children’s-Harvard Paediatric Airway simulation course for Otolaryngology trainees was held on Friday, 4 October 2024 in RCSI.
Over 30 trainees from RCSI and Belfast attended the highly intensive course which simulates operating room and emergency room procedures and scenarios to better prepare them for dealing with difficult airway management in the paediatric setting. Trainees were rotating through the eight stations over the course of the day with both technical skills and high-fidelity manikin stations. These stations are all run simultaneously on rotation, making this one of the most highly complex simulation courses run worldwide.
We welcomed faculty from Washington University St Louis, Kuala Lumpar, Oxford, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Glasgow, Belfast, Sligo, Galway and Cork. ENT faculty were joined by paediatric ENT nurse specialists, ED and anaesthesia faculty providing a multidisciplinary approach.
We would like to thank the Lead organising Faculty which included, Dr Gi Soo Lee, Dr Helena Rowley, Dr Colleen Heffernan, Dr Dara O'Keeffe and Dr Karen Watters
RCSI is delighted to announce that Episode 3 of our RCSI Safe and Sound Podcast featuring Dr Carrie Cunningham MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School is out now
Have you listened to our recent Safe and Sound podcast episode “Removing the Mask” with Dr Carrie Cunningham
Episode 3 Out Now – Removing the Mask, Dr Carrie Cunningham MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School RCSI Safe and Sound
RCSI is delighted to announce that Episode 3 of our RCSI Safe and Sound Podcast featuring Dr Carrie Cunningham MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School is OUT NOW!!
To listen to Dr Carrie Cunningham’s full episode on Spotify please click hereand to listen on Apple podcasts please click here
MRCS 2025 Calendar MRCS Part A, MRCS Part B OSCE , and MRCS Part B Preparation Course
The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland is delighted to announce the launch of our MRCS 2025 Calendar
The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland is delighted to announce the launch of our MRCS 2025 Calendar
Key dates include our MRCS Part A, MRCS Part B OSCE , and MRCS Part B Preparation Course.
Please note we recommend candidates apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
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.
Multi-platform ‘RoboStart’ and ‘Robotic Assistants’ workshops have been heldat RCSI for the first time, giving surgical trainees across different specialities and surgical assistants the opportunity to enhance their skills in these emerging technologies
Multi-platform ‘RoboStart’ and ‘Robotic Assistants’ workshops have been held at RCSI for the first time, giving surgical trainees across different specialities and surgical assistants the opportunity to enhance their skills in these emerging technologies
Taking place from 26 September to 30 September at the National Surgical and Clinical Skills Centre, the training was attended by robotic surgery assistants and surgical trainees across different specialties, such as Urology, Cardiothoracic Surgery and General Surgery.
This year’s Robotic Surgery workshops provided participants access to three different robotic surgery consoles: The Da Vinci Robot, The Hugo Robot, and The Versius Robot’.This novel multi-platform robotic surgery experience is the first of its kind in Ireland and gave trainees the opportunity to practice on a diverse range of Robotic Surgery consoles in a safe environment.
The purpose of the workshops is to enhance the technical skills and competencies of surgical trainees and robotic surgery assistants, such as physician associates and nursing bedside assistants, to allow for the safe use of robotic surgery consoles for the benefit of patient care.
This series of Robotic Surgery workshops were coordinated by Professor Barry McGuire, Dean of Postgraduate Surgical Education and Academic Development, RCSI with support from vendors such as Intuitive, Medtronic, and CMR Medical. The International Medical Robotics Academy (IMRA) supported the development of the Robotic Surgery curriculum for the workshops.
This website provides doctors considering training in Ireland with the information they need to plan their careers.
New website launch - MedicalCareers.ie
Check out the newly launched MedicalCareers.ie. This website provides doctors considering training in Ireland with the information they need to plan their careers.You can learn about the various specialties available in Ireland along with support and resources to help you train.
This website has been developed in collaboration between National Doctors Training & Planning (NDTP)and The Forum of Irish Postgraduate Training Bodies.
