Have you read our latest NCHD Spotlight: Dr. Lelegite Jonah
Meet our NCHD Spotlight for this newsletter: Dr. Lelegite Jonah
We’re pleased to spotlight Dr. Lelegite Jonah, an NCHD specializing in Emergency Medicine. Dr. Jonah shares her experiences within her career in Emergency Medicine.
What is your speciality and where do you work?
Emergency Medicine
What do you like about your job?
What I enjoy most about my job is the variety and unpredictability that comes with each shift. No two days are the same, and I find it fulfilling to be able to help people when they need it the most. I love the sense of teamwork in the Emergency Department, where we all come together to support each other and provide the best care possible. It’s challenging at times, but knowing that I can make a difference, even in small ways, makes it all worthwhile.
What does a typical day look like for you while working?
A typical day in the emergency department is always varied. It usually begins with a handover from the night team, where we get an overview of the department’s current state. From there, it’s all about managing whatever comes through the door – whether it’s a minor injury or a more serious emergency. Collaboration is at the heart of our work, often involving multidisciplinary team (MDT) input, whether it’s working with colleagues from other departments or closely coordinating with nurses to ensure everything runs smoothly and patient care is prioritised. While the pace can be intense, there’s always a moment to pause and reflect, ensuring we’re delivering the quality care our patients deserve. What I love most is the variety and teamwork – every day is different, offering new opportunities to learn and grow.
Have you attended a CPD Support Scheme course yet (2024-25 cycle)?
yes. Multidisciplinary Anaesthesia Surgery Crisis Operation Training 2 (MASCOT-002)
How was your experience on the course?
My experience at the Multidisciplinary Anaesthesia Surgery Crisis Operation Training 2 (MASCOT-002) was both rewarding and enlightening. It was a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with other specialities, including anaesthesia and surgical trainees, in a simulated environment. The hands-on simulations offered a safe space to practice managing high-pressure scenarios. I truly appreciated the emphasis on teamwork and communication, which highlighted the vital roles each team member plays in ensuring patient safety. One of the most valuable aspects was the debriefing sessions after each simulation. These discussions allowed us to reflect on what went well and identify areas for improvement in a supportive atmosphere. Overall, MASCOT-002 deepened my understanding of crisis management and reinforced my belief in the importance of teamwork in emergency medicine
What other interests/hobbies do you have?
Hiking, MMA, Boxing and Wall climbing
What do you hope to achieve in your career?
Over my career, I hope to cultivate a strong foundation in Emergency Medicine, particularly focusing on trauma and critical patient care. I am dedicated to continuously expanding my knowledge and skills to provide the best possible care for my patients. I also aspire to take on leadership roles, where I can guide NCHDs and medical students, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment in the emergency department. Additionally, I am eager to engage in research and quality improvement projects that tackle challenges in trauma and critical care. My goal is to contribute to innovative practices that enhance patient outcomes and experiences. Ultimately, I want to be a compassionate advocate for my patients, making a meaningful impact within the healthcare system.
If you were to recommend a book, what would it be and why?
If I were to recommend a book, I would suggest This Is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor by Adam Kay. At this stage, I believe most of us have read it and can relate to its insights. The book offers a heartfelt and often humorous glimpse into the life of a junior doctor in the NHS. Kay shares his experiences, highlighting both the challenges and the rewarding moments that come with the job. What makes this book special is how it combines humour with poignant reflections on patient care and the realities of working in healthcare. It resonates with anyone in the medical field, reminding us of the importance of compassion and resilience. It’s an engaging read that invites both laughter and reflection on the meaningful aspects of our work.
Deadline approaching: 25 November 2024 - Free Affiliate Membership for NCHDs
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
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 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
25 November 2024
Casting Workshop
1 place left
Classroom
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 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 toenhance 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 inmajor 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 behaviors 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
10 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
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 experiential course is delivered in the state-of-the-art simulation suite of RCSI. It will introduce you to immersive learning via simulation through a variety of different challenging resuscitation scenarios in adult patients.
Course Spotlight -Resuscitation Simulation - 27 November 2024
As our population’s overall life expectancy continues to increase, the complexity of acute hospital presentations requiring early intervention by senior clinical makers is paramount. Patients and their relatives rightfully have high expectations of a clinician’s ability to make pressurised decisions often with limited or sub-optimal information regarding time dependent care. Conventional didactic emergency medicine teaching often involves algorithmic approaches to acute presentations: we give blood to the bleeding patient, we shock a shockable arrhythmia. Through experience however we learn that the same algorithms may not always applicable to different patients, despite similar clinical problems.
This experiential course is delivered in the state-of-the-art simulation suite of RCSI. It will introduce you to immersive learning via simulation through a variety of different challenging resuscitation scenarios in adult patients. You will have an opportunity to engage as a resuscitation team member and/or a team leader. The scenarios are deliberately designed to pose clinical dilemmas for a team to work through. You will learn to use a systematic approach to manage and to communicate regarding an array of critically unwell patients. Structured debriefing and interactive discussion follow each scenario.
Learning outcomes
Participate and engage as a resuscitation team leader and team member
Develop and practice communication strategies with a team under high pressure
Apply the basic principles of cardiac arrest management
Apply the basic principles of primary survey assessment and management
Develop a strategy for managing a difficult colleague
Reflect on the complex decision process in setting ceilings of care.
Suitable for: SHOs and registrars who work in emergency departments and are involved in resuscitation
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).
RCSI and Operation Childlife are working together to support surgical trainees or medical professionals to gain additional expertise by participating in pediatric healthcare missions.
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 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 4th National Human Factors in Patient Safety Conference recently took place on Friday, 25 October 2024 at the Royal College in Surgeons in Ireland.
The 4th National Human Factors in Patient Safety Conference recently took place on Friday, 25 October 2024 at the Royal College in Surgeons in Ireland.
With over 250 inter-professional attendees registered from all around the world, our hybrid event provided a spotlight on key human factors issues in healthcare with contributions from Dr Dale Whelehan - Forbes 30 under 30, Dr Helen Bevan OBE, and our very own Professor Eva Doherty, Director of Human Factors in Patient Safety, RCSI.
We would like to thank everyone who attended either face-to-face or online. Within RCSI, we are dedicated in championing Human Factors in Patient Safety initiatives in order to making healthcare safer worldwide.
To stay up to date with our Human Factors in Patient Safety updates please click here to follow us on X
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.
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
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
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.
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
Register your interest with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland today to join our global robotic surgery community.
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