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RCSI hosts National Intercollegiate Surgical Skills Competition 2026
Saturday, 7 February 2026

More than 35 medical students from across the island of Ireland gathered at RCSI’s state-of-the-art surgical simulation facilities at 26 York Street, Dublin to compete in the annual National Intercollegiate Surgical Skills Competition 2026.

This year’s competition brought together participants from five universities – RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, University College Dublin (UCD), University College Cork (UCC), the University of Limerick, and Trinity College Dublin– in a closely contested showcase of surgical skills.

In the individual category, Marcelina Wieczorek from University College Cork was named overall winner. Megan Lim from Trinity College Dublin finished in second place, while Aneesh Kaul from RCSI claimed third. Meanwhile, University College Cork took home the team award, demonstrating exceptional collective performance.

The competition is open to medical students considering a career in surgery, providing them with an opportunity to test and refine their laparoscopic and suturing skills.

“The National Intercollegiate surgical skills competition provides a great platform for aspiring surgeons to practice their early technical skills in a friendly and supportive environment. I am very pleased to note that this competition continues to grow in popularity, parallel with a substantial increase in the number of applications for core surgical training over the past five years,” said Professor Kevin Barry, Director of National Surgical Training Programmes.

“Acquisition of technical and non-technical skills is embedded in our national surgical training programmes. We value our ongoing interactions with medical students from all universities on the island of Ireland.”

Ms Aneesh Kaul, Final Year RCSI Medical Student said: “The National Surgical Skills Competition was a fantastic opportunity to challenge myself and apply the surgical techniques I’ve been developing over the past few years. The competition was tough but enjoyable, and it was motivating to compete alongside other students, many of whom I hope to work with in the future!”

Ms Marcelina Wieczorek, 4th year Direct Entry Medicine, University College Cork said "Taking part in the competition was an unforgettable experience and a real privilege. It provided a valuable opportunity to develop and apply practical surgical skills in a supportive environment of the highest standards. I really enjoyed great camaraderie among medical students from across the country, and working with RCSI’s state-of-the-art equipment made the experience even more rewarding. I am incredibly proud of my UCC team and everything we achieved together. Finally, a big thank you to the organisers for putting together this fantastic event!"

Calling all SHO’s in Ireland – Register your interest today for our established RCSI Basic Surgical Principles and Practice Certificate

Claim your free Affiliate Membership of RCSI

RCSI is pleased to advise that all NCHD’s who are enrolled in the Continuous Professional Development Support Scheme 2025-2026 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 2025-2026 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 2024-2025 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: #CPDSS2526 [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

Upcoming Courses in Surgery and Emergency Medicine
Limited spaces available

Please see our upcoming CPD courses and meetings, taking place in February. 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 February 2026	Cross-Cultural Competence and Effective Communication Workshop 3 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. An Emotional Intelligence session will empower participants to apply learned principles in practice and social settings. Through the integrating etiquette principles, this training aims to prevent miscommunication errors, positively impacting professional practice and social interactions.	6	Register here
6 March 2026	Active Bystander Intervention Training 4 places left	Interactive Learning	This training session aims to empower the RCSI community to challenge poor behaviours which have become normalised and bring change through the reinforcement of messages defining the boundaries of unacceptable behaviour.	1	Register here
10 March 2026	Upper GI Emergency Management 2 places left	Classroom	This interactive workshop will discuss the management of the 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.	7.5	Register here
19 March 2026	Essential Medical Professionalism 10 places left	Classroom	This one-day high-fidelity simulation programme provides intensive, immersive training in medical professionalism for surgeons and emergency physicians. Through realistic clinical scenarios, facilitated reflective debriefs, and structured workshops, participants apply national standards and legal obligations to the most challenging aspects of modern clinical practice; consent, open disclosure, confidentiality, team communication, digital professionalism, and patient-centered care.	8	Register here
27 March 2026	Laparoscopic Suturing: Introduction and Intermediate Level Skills Development 5 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.	7.5	Register here
10 April 2026	Fracture Fixation 10 places left	Classroom	This bone fracture fixation course concentrates on the management of fractures that need more than a cast for stability. 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.	7.5	Register here
13 April 2026	Casting Workshop 2 places 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.	7.5	Register here
13 April 2026	Introduction to Clinical Research and Good Clinical Practice 10 places left	Classroom	This course is relevant to Principal Investigators, medical team members, research nurses/midwives, monitors and research site personnel who have not undertaken GCP training within the previous 2 years. Content is based on ICH E6 (R2) 2016 and includes the key requirements of the Clinical Trial Regulations (536/2014) and national legislation.	6	Register here
14 April 2026	MS Excel - Advanced Functions for Doctors 3 places left	Classroom	This course has been developed as a follow-on course to the Excel – Introduction course, with a specific focus on introducing participants to more advanced functions available in the application.	6	Register here
15 April 2026	Paediatric Emergencies 10 places left	Classroom	Through hands-on practice and assessment, participants will develop and refine vital technical skills while also exploring human factors that contribute to safe and effective paediatric care. PLS provides a comprehensive framework for managing seriously ill or injured children, ensuring a high standard of tailored care in critical situations.	10	Register here
16 April 2026	Basic Endoscopy 7 places left	Classroom	This endoscopy workshop will introduce endoscopic techniques, sedation, bowel preparation and diagnostic recognition of pathology. The practical session will use both virtual reality endoscopic simulators and bench task trainers to practice doing gastroscopy and colonoscopy, on modules with different pathologies.	7.5	Register here
17 April 2026	Geriatric Emergency Medicine Day 8 places left	Classroom	The course is delivered as a series of small group interactive workshops delivered by a combination of consultants in Geriatric Medicine and Geriatric Emergency Medicine. The course introduces participants to the key concepts involved in delivering high quality emergency care for the older adult, and is based on the concepts outlined in the British Geriatric Society’s ‘Silver Book II’. Topics covered include Assessment of Frailty, Delirium, Managing complexity and multiple comorbidities, an approach to simple functional assessment in an ED, recognizing changes in physiology and pharmacology with older age, management of falls, as well as getting care right at the end of life.	7.5	Register here
18 April 2026	Paediatric Life Support (PLS) 10 places left	Classroom	Through hands-on practice and assessment, participants will develop and refine vital technical skills while also exploring human factors that contribute to safe and effective paediatric care. PLS provides a comprehensive framework for managing seriously ill or injured children, ensuring a high standard of tailored care in critical situations.	10	Register here

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

Best Wishes,

RCSI CPD Team

Self-paced Online Courses Available to you
Study at your own time

We are consistently striving to expand our selection of self-paced online courses, allowing you to complete them conveniently at your own preferred schedule.

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
NEW - Good Clinical Practice	This course is relevant to principal investigators, medical team members, research nurses/midwives and other healthcare professionals, monitors and research site personnel.Content is based on ICH E6 (R3) 2025 and includes the key requirements of the Clinical Trial Regulations (536/2014) and national legislation.	2	Register here
Professionalism in Clinical Practice	RCSI has developed an online course “Professionalism in Clinical Practice” which is aimed at medical doctors in all specialties. The course is based on the Medical Council’s “Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Medical Practitioners” and is presented in an interesting and engaging format	5/module	Register here
Skin Tone in Clinical Assessment and Research	This one-hour CPD programme explores the importance of skin tone diversity in healthcare, covering skin biology, classification systems, and disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and research. It addresses the lack of diverse representation in medical education, simulation models, and clinical studies, the challenges of diagnosing across different skin tones, and the role of emerging technologies and AI in reducing bias	1	Register here
Clinical Trials - Running a Cancer Clinical Trial	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.	2.5	Register here
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.	1.5	Register here
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.	3	Register here
Medical Emergencies	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.	1/module	Register here
ECG Interpretation in the Emergency Department	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.	10	Register here
Medical Science for Surgery and Emergency Medicine	RCSI, in collaboration with the Academy of Clinical Science and Laboratory Medicine (https://acslm.ie/), has developed a CPD/CME programme designed to support the ongoing development of competence in this vital area of clinical practice. The programme offers a series of short online courses covering 25 key topics in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. The first seven courses in the series focus on Cancer Diagnostics, Surgical Microbiology, Blood Transfusion, Coagulation, Surgical Immunology, Heart Failure Assessment in the Emergency Department, and Near Patient Testing (NPT), spanning both basic and applied pathology.	2 /module	Register here
Virtual Lean Healthcare Yellow Belt	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.	21	Register here
Essential Skills in Health Professions Education	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.	3	Register here
Clinical Trials – From development to opening	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.	5	Register here
Introduction to Green Surgery	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.	1	Register here
Foundations in Robotic 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.	10	Register here
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.	1	Register here

 Courses covered by the CPD voucher can be booked between now and 15 June 2026. Regardless of when you register the course, these will be available in your Moodle account until 1 August 2026 

For further queries please do not hesitate to contact us at cpdss@rcsi.ie  

Best Wishes, 

RCSI CPD Team 

Follow our brand-new RCSI Continuous Professional Development LinkedIn Channel
Calling all NCHDs - New LinkedIn Account

RCSI is delighted to announce our brand-new RCSI Continuous Professional Development LinkedIn Channel dedicated to NCHDs in Surgery and Emergency Medicine’s career development.

http://www.linkedin.com/company/rcsi-continuous-professional-development/

Follow our brand-new RCSI Continuous Professional Development LinkedIn Channel

RCSI is delighted to announce our brand-new RCSI Continuous Professional Development LinkedIn Channel dedicated to NCHDs in Surgery and Emergency Medicine’s career development.

We strongly recommend that NCHDs follow our new LinkedIn account to keep up to date with:

Upcoming synchronous/asynchronous courses in Surgery and Emergency Medicine throughout the year
News on CPD Support Scheme Summer and Midpoint Intake
Updates on our Basic and Intermediate Surgical Principles and Practice intakes
Key updates in relation to RCSI CPD News and Events
And More

Stay connected – Follow our new LinkedIn account to keep up to date on everything RCSI Continuous Professional Development.

To follow our new LinkedIn account, please visit: www.linkedin.com/company/rcsi-continuous-professional-development/

Kind regards,

RCSI CPD Team

Course Spotlight: Cross-Cultural Competence and Effective Communication Workshop
Places still available

Join RCSI on Wednesday, 25 February 2026 for our Cross-Cultural Competence and Effective Communication Workshop aimed at all Surgical and Emergency Medicine NCHDs.

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.

An emotional intelligence session will empower participants to apply learned principles in practice and social settings. Through the integrating etiquette principles, this training aims to prevent miscommunication errors, positively impacting professional practice and social interactions.

For any queries, please email cpdss@rcsi.ie or visit: https://www.rcsi.com/dublin/professional-cpd/cpdss/cross-cultural-competence-and-effective-communication-workshop/course-details

Kind regards,

RCSI Surgery

NCHD Spotlight - Dr Zoha Amjad
Get Involved

In our new NCHD Spotlight series, Dr Zoha Amjad answers a few questions to highlight her current role as an Non Consultant Hospital Doctor. If you would like to get involved, please fill out the link below:

NCHD Spotlight Form

Name

Dr Zoha Amjad

What is your medical specialty

Emergency Medicine

What hospital do you currently work in

South Tipperary University Hospital

Favourite things about your job

As an ED doctor in Ireland, my three favourite things about the job are the variety of cases we see each day, the fast-paced and dynamic environment, and the strong sense of teamwork within the department. I enjoy the challenge of making timely decisions and the opportunity to make an immediate difference in patients’ care during critical moments

When did you know you wanted to pursue a career within healthcare

I knew I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare during my early academic years, when I realised I was drawn to science and to roles where I could make a direct difference in people’s lives. Clinical exposure further reinforced this, as I found the combination of problem-solving, teamwork, and patient interaction both challenging and deeply rewarding.

What is the most recent RCSI CPD course you've done - has it helped you in clinical practice?

The most recent CPD courses I completed with Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) were AI in Healthcare and Clinical Audit. The AI course enhanced my understanding of how digital tools can support diagnostics, decision-making, and patient safety in clinical practice. The Clinical Audit course strengthened my ability to systematically review and improve patient care standards. Both have positively influenced my approach to evidence-based and quality-driven practice.

What do you do in your spare time to unwind from work?

In my spare time, I like to unwind by spending time with family and friends and going for walks. I also dedicate time to studying further in Emergency Medicine to progress through my postgraduate exams and enhance my clinical knowledge. Balancing relaxation with focused study helps me stay motivated and maintain a healthy work–life balance.

What book would you recommend to other NCHDs and why (could be work related/non-work)?

I’d recommend “The Checklist Manifesto” by Atul Gawande — it’s a great read for NCHDs because it highlights how simple, structured approaches can dramatically improve outcomes and reduce errors in clinical practice. It’s practical, thought-provoking, and relevant both inside and outside medicine, helping to sharpen decision-making and teamwork in high-pressure environments.

If you would like to get involved, please fill out the link below:

NCHD Spotlight Form

🌙 Ramadan Mubarak

🌙 Ramadan Mubarak to all who are observing from the RCSI CPD Team

Brand-new Course - Essential Surgical Skills
22 April 2026

RCSI's brand-new Essential Surgical Skills course will provide attendees with the basic surgical skills which form the basis of most surgical procedures. There will also be an opportunity to further develop these skills and perform some simulated minor procedures.

Register today - Brand-new Essential Surgical Skills - 22 April 2026

Suitable for: Surgical SHOs.

This course is designed for SHOs in surgery and emergency medicine who are commencing their training pathway.

This course will provide attendees with the basic surgical skills which form the basis of most surgical procedures. There will also be an opportunity to further develop these skills and perform some simulated minor procedures.

To register, please visit: https://www.rcsi.com/dublin/professional-cpd/cpdss/essential-surgical-skills/course-details

✨RCSI CPD Spotlights - Major Trauma

📷 A couple of photos from our recent Major Trauma course which is part of our RCSI CPD Support Scheme offering.

✨RCSI CPD Spotlights – Major Trauma🏥

📷 A couple of photos from our recent Major Trauma course which is part of our RCSI CPD Support Scheme offering. Open to SHOs and registrars in all surgical and medical disciplines, this practical course allows participants to enhance their skills in the initial management of the severely injured trauma patient.

First national Model of Care for Interventional Radiology launched

The RCSI HSE National Clinical Programme for Interventional Radiology has recently published Ireland’s first national model of care for interventional radiology.

The RCSI HSE National Clinical Programme for Interventional Radiology has today published Ireland’s first national model of care for interventional radiology.

This document sets out a comprehensive framework to ensure patients have access to high-quality, timely, safe and equitable interventional radiology services, both in hours and out of hours.

For more information, please visit: https://www.rcsi.com/surgery/news-and-events/news/news-article/2026/02/model-of-care-for-interventional-radiology-launched

Places still available - Essential Medical Professionalism
19 March 2026

The course will provide foundational knowledge and application of essential medical professionalism in healthcare practice through a blended learning course from expert faculty with foundational knowledge through a flexible two-hour online e-learning course and practical application through a one-day in-person course with workshops and high-fidelity simulation with reflection and debriefing.

Register today - Essential Medical Professionalism - 19 March 2026

Suitable for: All surgical and emergency medicine NCHDs.

The course aims to provide essential medical professionalism, encourage good professional practice, and safe and high-quality patient care and satisfy CPD requirements.

See you at the Sylvester O'Halloran meeting next Friday

The RCSI CPD and The National Surgical Research Support Centre teams will be at this year's Sylvester O'Halloran meeting on Friday, 27 February 2026 at the University of Limerick. The team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Places still available – Ultrasound Level 1: ‘Sign-Off’ – Tuesday, 19 May 2026

Please note applications for our upcoming Ultrasound Level 1: ‘Sign-Off’ accredited assessment will close on Wednesday, 8 April 2026.

Places still available – Ultrasound Level 1: ‘Sign-Off’ – Tuesday, 19 May 2026

Please note applications for our upcoming Ultrasound Level 1: ‘Sign-Off’ accredited assessment will close on Wednesday, 8 April 2026.

In order to attain a Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training and to be eligible to apply for specialist registration with both the IMC and GMC, an emergency medicine physician has to complete an ultrasound course and a portfolio, as well as an ultrasound competency assessment.

Guide to RCSI CPD Level 1 Ultrasound Sign Off

Suitable for: Senior EM physicians who have completed a Level 1 Point Of Care Ultrasound course and want supervised, hands-on practice or a chance to refresh the skills and to be assessed in all Level 1 (Core) competence areas (FAST, AAA, vascular access and ECHO in life support)

To register, please visit: https://www.rcsi.com/dublin/professional-cpd/cpdss/ultrasound-level-1-sign-off/course-details

Applications opening soon - Master of Surgery (MCh) by Module
Monday, 23 February 2026

Please note applications for our Master of Surgery (MCh) by Module FT and PT programmes will open on Monday, 23 February 2026. For more information, please click here.

RCSI launches Ireland’s first National Robotic Surgery Curriculum

RCSI has recently launched Ireland’s first national programme for robotic surgical training. The new National Robotic Surgery Curriculum marks a significant advance in robotic surgery education in Ireland, supporting consistent standards of practice nationwide by ensuring that trainees develop a shared foundation in robotic safety, technical competence and non-technical skills.

Formally launched at the Robotic and Technology Learning Village, which is part of RCSI’s annual Charter Week meeting, the curriculum is supported by a €2.3 million institutional investment from RCSI in robotic surgical education.

This includes the purchase of three robotic platforms and the opening of a new robotic education space at the National Surgical and Clinical Skills Centre on RCSI’s St Stephen’s Green campus.

Deliberately vendor-agnostic, the curriculum focuses on transferable skills that allow surgeons to adapt as robotic technologies continue to evolve. This approach reflects the rapid growth of robotic surgery across multiple specialties and the increasing number of platforms entering clinical practice and ensures that trainees are prepared not only for current systems but for future innovations.

Delivered through a staged and progressive programme, trainees are introduced to the principles of robotic surgery, including system setup, ergonomics, and safe workflow. They then develop core console skills such as camera control, instrument handling, dissection and suturing through advanced simulation and model-based training.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.rcsi.com/surgery/news-and-events/news/news-article/2026/02/rcsi-launches-national-robotic-surgery-curriculum

New National Clinical Programmes Annual Report 2025,
News Story

The National Clinical Programmes Annual Report 2025, published by RCSI, outlines the significant progress made by the programmes over the past year in improving patient care, strengthening clinical governance and supporting more consistent service delivery across Ireland’s health system.

The report details the work of the National Clinical Programmes across surgery, emergency medicine, trauma and orthopaedic surgery, interventional radiology and cardiothoracic surgery, delivered in partnership between RCSI, the HSE, health regions, hospitals and frontline clinical teams.

Key developments during the year included the publication and rollout of major national models of care, including updated frameworks for emergency medicine and interventional radiology, alongside continued expansion of modernised care pathways across multiple surgical specialties. These initiatives are designed to support earlier access to care, reduce unwarranted variation and improve alignment between community and hospital services.

The contribution made by the programmes to support the expansion of the elective surgery capacity by coordinating cross specialty programmes to agree national guidance for the new facilities is also outlined in the report.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.rcsi.com/surgery/news-and-events/news/news-article/2026/02/national-clinical-programmes-annual-report-highlights-progress-in-patient-care

Applications closing soon – MRCS Part A April 2026

Applications for the next MRCS Part A examination in April 2026 will close soon whereby candidates can sit the MRCS Part A examination with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland worldwide via Pearson VUE.

Applications closing soon – MRCS Part A April 2026
Applications for the next MRCS Part A examination in April 2026 is now open whereby candidates can sit the MRCS Part A examination with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland worldwide via Pearson VUE.
RCSI is committed to supporting the career development of aspiring surgeons worldwide, we provide a range of supports and resources to help you prepare for the MRCS examinations, including free access to our Affiliate Membership which includes over 100 MRCS specific resources, 15% off PasTest resources for MRCS Part A and 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),
For more information, please visit: https://www.rcsi.com/dublin/professional-cpd/professional-exams/surgery/mrcs-part-a

In Conversation with Dr Czara Kennedy and Prof Kevin Barry on Surgical Training
New Beyond the Theatre Podcast

In this podcast hosted by Professor Kevin Barry, Director of the National Surgical Training Programme, Dr Czara Kennedy MRCSI, BMBS, speaks about tips and tricks to CST Applicants and Trainees on all aspects including preparing your application, networking, key resources, examinations, health & wellbeing, and more.

In Conversation with Dr Czara Kennedy and Prof Kevin Barry on Surgical Training - New Beyond the Theatre Podcast

To listen, please click here

Have feedback surgical training topics you'd love to hear on the Beyond the Theatre? Email us at surgerymarketing@rcsi.ie

Kind regards,

RCSI Surgery

Online PG Diploma in Human Factors in Patient Safety - 2026 intake webinar
Register Today

Join us on Wednesday, 25 February 2026 from 6:00pm (Irish Time) for our inter-disciplinary and Online PG Diploma in Human Factors in Patient Safety 2026 intake webinar.

Online PG Diploma in Human Factors in Patient Safety - 2026 intake webinar

Join us on Wednesday, 25 February 2026 from 6:00pm (Irish Time) for our inter-disciplinary and Online PG Diploma in Human Factors in Patient Safety 2026 intake webinar.

Prospective candidates on this event will have the opportunity to:

Learn why you should consider our fully-online, flexible and inter-professional programme that has had applicants from healthcare professionals worldwide.
Meet with the programme lead to learn about key programme information such as the structure, learning outcomes, timelines and what scholars have achieved after completing our inter-professional programme.
Hear from one of our Human Factors in Patient Safety alumni on their perspective of how they’re finding the course as a busy healthcare professional.
Pre-submit/submit your questions live to our Human Factors in Patient Safety team prior to submitting your application for September 2026 intake.

RCSI’s inter-professional and online PG Diploma/MSc. in Human Factors in Patient Safety programme is suitable for surgeons, physicians, anaesthesiologists, emergency medicine doctors, obstetricians, pharmacists, nurses and midwives working in the hospital setting, as well as safety and quality managers.

To register for this event please click here

Kind regards,

RCSI Human Factors in Patient Safety Team

Season 3, Episode 4 Out Now - Dr Sudipto Das - Vice Dean for AI and Digital/Connected health
RCSI Safe and Sound Podcast

RCSI is delighted to announce that Episode 4, featuring Dr Sudipto Das - Vice Dean for AI and Digital/Connected health, RCSI , of our Safe and Sound podcast is OUT NOW. With a high number of listeners from across different countries and specialties, Season 3 will again provide a spotlight on key pillars within the ecosystem of Human Factors in Patient Safety

Season 3, Episode 4 Out Now - Dr Sudipto Das - Vice Dean for AI and Digital/Connected health

RCSI's latest podcast episode was hosted by Dr Fardod O’Kelly, RCSI Safe and Sound Podcast Host and Senior Lecturer in Surgical Education.

Available on Spotify and Apple podcasts, we are delighted to announce that the Season 3, Episode 4 is now available to listen on the below audio channels:

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/0Zys1Mbf7FojYB4qdFwVPw

Apple Podcasts

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/safe--sound-podcast1

Kind regards,

RCSI Human Factors in Patient Safety Academy

Irish Paediatric Emergency Medicine Conference (IPEM26)
March 11th–12th 2026

The Irish Paediatric Emergency Medicine Conference (IPEM26) will take place at the Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport from March 11th–12th, 2026, with pre-conference workshops on March 10th.

Building on the resounding success of IPEM25, which welcomed over 250 delegates from across the globe, IPEM26 aims to be even larger, more dynamic, and more impactful.

A group of people in scrubs putting on a dummyAI-generated content may be incorrect.

The 2026 theme, “Stronger Le Chéile” highlights our commitment to collaboration, shared experience and strengthening paediatric emergency medicine across Ireland and beyond. Attendees can look forward to expert speakers, interactive sessions and hands-on workshops designed to support real-world clinical practice.

Abstract submissions are now open at:

https://ipem2026.exordo.com/

The deadline for submissions is January 19th, 2026. We encourage trainees, nurses, AHPs, students and consultants to submit their work in research, quality improvement, education, simulation and clinical innovation.

A person holding a large screenAI-generated content may be incorrect.

Registration is now open with early-bird pricing available until February 6th, discounted hotel-bookings available until February 10th.

We look forward to welcoming you to IPEM26 for three days of learning, collaboration and community!

Kind regards,

The Irish Paediatric Emergency Medicine Association Committee

Cross-Cultural Competence and Effective Communication Workshop

Active Bystander Intervention Training

Upper GI Emergency Management