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The annual Surgical Trainer Survey is currently underway, the key objective of which is to listen and learn about the surgical training environment and how the College can continue to support trainers.


The annual Surgical Trainer Survey is currently underway, the key objective of which is to listen and learn about the surgical training environment and how the College can continue to support trainers.

 

The delivery of high-quality Surgical Training is only possible with the commitment and expertise of Surgical Trainers throughout the country. The Training Programmes are dependent on the continued engagement of trainers in teaching, recruitment and exams.

 

This year, the survey is seeking information on the continued impact on training following Covid and the consequential impact on log-book numbers, as well as a number of other key themes such as increasing training numbers, less than full-time training and how Trainers can be better supported in their roles.

 

The survey can be found here.

 

On behalf of

Professor Kevin Barry, Director of National Surgical Training Programme, Department of Surgical Affairs

 
 
 
Become an MRCS Examiner
 
 

RCSI is currently recruiting for new clinical examiners in Ireland, Bahrain, Malaysia and UAE to join our committee and examine in upcoming MRCS B examinations.


RCSI is currently recruiting for new clinical examiners in Ireland, Bahrain, Malaysia and UAE to join our committee and examine in upcoming MRCS B examinations.

Eligibility criteria for clinical examiners can be seen below:

  1. Fellow (including Fellow ad eundem) of one of the four Royal Surgical Colleges.
  2. Hold or have held full consultant status (not a locum post) for at least two years post CCT or equivalent.
  3. Able to complete one term of office before retirement i.e. one full term (six years including a probationary year). Two further terms of five years may be approved.
  4. Engaged in active clinical/academic practice. If an examiner wishes to continue to examine beyond the point at which they demit from active practice, they should meet the expectations and requirements of all examiners, with the exception that they are no longer in active practice, but they have maintained a licence to practise with the GMC. International examiners will be required to meet the regulatory requirements of their country’s governing body.

Prospective examiners looking to apply will need to complete the relevant application form and send it to courtofexaminers@rcsi.ie.

For more information, click here

 
 
PROGRESS Women in Surgery Fellowship, funded by Olympus
 
 

The PROGRESS Women in Surgery Fellowship is a prestigious bursary awarded by RCSI to promote female participation in surgical training at fellowship level. 


The PROGRESS Women in Surgery Fellowship is a prestigious bursary awarded by RCSI to promote female participation in surgical training at fellowship level. We hope this will in turn support the acquisition of additional surgical skills and knowledge that will contribute to the advancement of surgical science and practice in the island of Ireland.

The successful candidate will be awarded a Fellowship of €45,000 for one year. She will also be awarded the RCSI PROGRESS Fellowship Medal and her name will be added to the Fellowship in Surgery board, displayed in RCSI. The Fellowship will be presented at the annual RCSI Charter Day Meeting.

The application deadline for the PROGRESS Women in Surgery Fellowship is Monday, 7 November 2022.

 

Further information can be found here.

 
 
South East "Doing the Rounds" Roadshow
Thursday, 27 October 2022
 
 

Professor Laura Viani, RCSI President, the Department of Surgical Affairs and our Fellows and Members team will be at the RCSI Education Facility, Waterford Regional Hospital for our first 'Doing the Rounds' Road Show.


Professor Laura Viani, RCSI President, the Department of Surgical Affairs and our Fellows and Members team will be at the RCSI Education Facility, Waterford Regional Hospital for our first 'Doing the Rounds' Road Show.

 

President Viani would like to extend an invitation to our surgical Fellows and Members, Trainees and NCHD's from University Hospital Waterford, Wexford General Hospital, South Tipperary General Hospital and St Luke's General Hospital, Kilkenny to attend so that she can meet with you and listen to your concerns about local issue

Date: Thursday, 27 October 2022 
Time: 5pm to 7pm
Location: RCSI Education Facility, Waterford Regional Hospital
RSVP: click here

Note:  There are 2 CPD points awarded to attendees at this event

 


AGENDA

Professor Laura Viani, President, RCSI  – Welcome

Professor Simon Cross as local representative:

Overview of surgical service delivery and capacity in the region Past, Present and Future

Facilitator: Professor Fiachra J. Cooke

Overview of the concerns of the Surgical community in the regional

Update from University Hospital Waterford Rep.

Update from St Luke's General Hospital Kilkenny Rep.

Update from Wexford General Hospital Rep.

Update from South Tipperary General Hospital Rep.

 RCSI Surgery Update

What RCSI is doing to support our surgical colleagues in the South East

Mr Kieran Ryan, Managing Director Surgical Affairs, RCSI

Q&A Open Forum

Download event flyer

Professor Viani also hopes that you will join her for dinner locally after the meeting.

If you have any queries, please contact me at catherinejordan@rcsi.ie or at fellows@rcsi.com

 
 
RCSI opens applications for Surgery and Emergency Medicine training programmes
Closing date 17 November 2022
 
 

RCSI has opened applications for its National Training Programmes in both Surgery and Emergency Medicine commencing in July 2023.


RCSI has opened applications for its National Training Programmes in both Surgery and Emergency Medicine commencing in July 2023.

RCSI's internationally recognised training programmes ensure the highest standards of medical practice in Ireland by delivering high-quality accredited training through state of the art facilities, fellowship opportunities and extensive trainee supports.

Applications for the Surgery and Emergency Medicine Training Programmes are now open and will close on Thursday, 17 November 2022. For further information on how to apply, please click here.

 
 
Monthly National Neurotrauma Webinar
Wednesday, 2 November 2022
 
 

Join us on Wednesday, 2 November 2022 at 6pm for our monthly National Neurotrauma Webinar. 


Join us on Wednesday, 2 November 2022 at 6pm for our monthly National Neurotrauma Webinar. 

 

Title: Monthly National Neurotrauma Webinar – 6pm Wednesday 2 November 2022

 

This webinar will include contributions from:

  • Welcome - Session Chair: Professor Mohsen Javadpour. National Neurosurgical Centre, Beaumont Hospital.
  • Case Presentation 1: Professor Donncha O'Brien, Consultant Neurosurgeon, National Neurosurgical Centre, Beaumont Hospital "a major head and c spine injury combined"
  • Case Presentation 2: TBC
  •  Q&A

To register for the webinar, in order to receive CPD credits, please click here.

 
 
RCSI & ISTG Careers Morning
Saturday, 19 November 2022
 
 

RCSI Surgery in collaboration with ISTG will hold a careers day on Saturday, 19 November from 9am to 12:30pm in the Albert Theatre, RCSI.  


RCSI Surgery in collaboration with ISTG will hold a careers day on Saturday, 19 November from 9am to 12:30pm in the Albert Theatre, RCSI.  

 

This careers morning will be aimed at medical students, interns, and SHOs with an interest in a career in surgery. Trainees from each surgical specialty give talks outlining what the training and career in their chosen specialty is really like, with a breakout session after to provide more informal opportunities for discussion.  

 

The Aspiring Surgeons Research Symposium is a pivotal part of the day, providing an opportunity for students and trainees alike to present original works.  

 

For more information, visit: https://istg.ie/home/events/ 

 
 
President’s webinar: Join us on 16 November 2022
 
 

As part of our suite of resources, RCSI hosts a regular, 40-minute webinar series which aims to update surgical teams on the latest developments and what it means for them. These webinars are free to attend. 


As part of our suite of resources, RCSI hosts a regular, 40-minute webinar series which aims to update surgical teams on the latest developments and what it means for them. These webinars are free to attend. 

 

 
 
 
 

16 November 2022 

6pm – 7pm 

 
 

Technology Shaping the Future of Surgery 

 
 

Live webinar 

 
 

Details to follow here 

 
 
RCSI announces new clinical fellowship for surgical trainees and medical professionals with Operation Childlife
 
 

RCSI and Operation Childlife have announced a new Fellowship aimed at supporting surgical trainees or medical professionals in gaining additional expertise by participating in international paediatric healthcare missions.


RCSI and Operation Childlife have announced a new Fellowship aimed at supporting surgical trainees or medical professionals in gaining additional expertise by participating in international paediatric healthcare missions.

Launching in 2023, the Operation Childlife Travel Fellowship will provide surgical trainees and medical professionals with important clinical experience within international regions while providing surgical and/or clinical healthcare to children in developing countries.

The successful surgical trainee/medical professional will join the Opens in new windowOperation Childlife healthcare team, led by Irish-based hospital consultants, doctors and nurses who plan and deliver two-week programmes of care, in Vietnam, Tanzania, Mongolia or Jordan. The successful candidate will receive up to €3,000 financial support towards travel and accommodation costs associated with the placement.

The Operation Childlife Clinical Travel Fellowship is now open for applications. Potential applicants can learn more here.

Applicants must submit both a completed application form and a copy of their curriculum vitae to Caroline McGuinness, Associate Director of Postgraduate Training, RCSI Surgery. The deadline for applications is Monday, 7 November 2022.

 
 
HSE National Policy and Procedure for Safe Surgery launched at RCSI
 
 
L-R: Dr Michael Dockery, Clinical Lead for NCP in Anaesthesia; Aileen O’Brien, Nurse Lead in NCP Anaesthesia; Mr Ken Mealy, Co-Lead for NCPS and Past President of RCSI; and Dr Orla Healy, National Clinical Director of Quality and Patient Safety in the HSE.
L-R: Dr Michael Dockery, Clinical Lead for NCP in Anaesthesia; Aileen O’Brien, Nurse Lead in NCP Anaesthesia; Mr Ken Mealy, Co-Lead for NCPS and Past President of RCSI; and Dr Orla Healy, National Clinical Director of Quality and Patient Safety in the HSE.

The revised National Policy and Procedure for Safe Surgery has been recently launched in RCSI. The Policy, developed by the National Clinical Programmes, endorses the principles of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Surgical Safety Checklist (2008) and the HSE Patient Safety Strategy 2019-2024 to ensure that all patients undergoing surgical procedures, do so safely.


The revised National Policy and Procedure for Safe Surgery has been recently launched in RCSI. The Policy, developed by the National Clinical Programmes, endorses the principles of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Surgical Safety Checklist (2008) and the HSE Patient Safety Strategy 2019-2024 to ensure that all patients undergoing surgical procedures, do so safely.

The guidelines, which are based on best practice and evidence, introduce key safety steps that should be incorporated into the operating theatre department, which will support the development of a safety culture and communication for operating teams. It applies to all patients undergoing surgery in the Irish hospital setting and all healthcare staff involved in the surgical patient pathway.

The safety steps for safe surgery, include briefing and debriefing to accompany sign in, time out and sign out.

Mr Kenneth Mealy, Co Lead for the National Clinical Programme in Surgery at RCSI, said: “Safe patient care should be central to everything that we do in surgery. Understanding that surgical error often arises from both system and individual failure, the HSE National Policy and Procedure for Safe Surgery 2022 defines ‘best practice’ at an organisational level in order to support surgical teams in their work. While the original WHO Surgical Safety Checklist forms the basis of this policy, the COVID-19 pandemic has reminded all of us of the need to periodically update and adapt all healthcare policies to reflect local use and changing circumstances. I urge all perioperative governance groups to disseminate this updated Policy and Procedure for Safe Surgery to all those working with patients along the surgical pathway.”

The HSE has committed to supporting services to maintain safe practices of care within high-risk environments such as surgery, to ensure that the correct procedure is performed on the correct patient and on the correct site on every occasion. Every member of the healthcare team involved in the patient pathway has a role to play in ensuring patient safety.

Dr Michael Dockery, Clinical Lead, National Clinical Programme for Anaesthesia, HSE, said: “This policy is an important update which will further improve the safety of patients undergoing surgery in Ireland and is to be welcomed for that reason.” 

Mr Paddy Kenny, Joint Clinical Lead for the National Clinical Programme for Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, HSE, said: “The programme welcomes and is delighted to support the updated policy on safe surgery. This is an important piece of work as patient safety is a key priority for the national clinical programme. The development of a checklist will ensure better communication within the team and better patient outcomes.” 

Dr Orla Healy, National Clinical Director of Quality and Patient Safety, HSE, said: “The National Quality Patient Safety Directorate are very pleased to endorse the launch of this policy. This policy forms a critical component in supporting the HSE patient safety vision that all patients will consistently receive the safest possible care, while recognising the complexity and risks associated with the delivery of that care. This policy provides guidance for safe practice throughout the surgical patient pathway and introduces key safety steps that can be incorporated into the operating theatre. Patient safety can be maximised and incidents minimised. The critical safety steps proposed are intended to support the development of a safety culture for operating departments and teams.”

The National Policy and Procedure for Safe Surgery 2022 provides a framework for improving communication and teamwork in surgical departments. It can also assist in changing the culture in operating departments by emphasising the importance of listening to all team members and valuing their contribution. 

This review was coordinated by the National Clinical Programmes for Anaesthesia in collaboration with the National Clinical Programme for Surgery, the National Clinical Programme for Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, stakeholders and patient representatives. 

The revised National Policy and Procedure for Safe Surgery and the accompanying audit tool are available to view here.

 
 
Professor Oscar Traynor inducted into American College of Surgeons Academy of Master Surgeon Educators
 
 

Professor Oscar Traynor, Professor of Postgraduate Surgical Education at RCSI, has been inducted into the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Academy of Master Surgeon Educators, an honorary distinction that recognises surgeon educators who have devoted their careers to surgical education and are considered premiere leaders in their respective fields.


Professor Oscar Traynor, Professor of Postgraduate Surgical Education at RCSI, has been inducted into the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Academy of Master Surgeon Educators, an honorary distinction that recognises surgeon educators who have devoted their careers to surgical education and are considered premiere leaders in their respective fields.

The ACS Academy of Master Surgeon Educators works to advance the science and practice of education across all surgical specialties. The Academy has more than 50 international members, representing 24 countries outside of the US.

Members actively engage in advancing the Academy’s programmes and goals, which included advancing the science and practice of innovative lifelong surgical education, training and scholarship, fostering the exchange of creative ideas and collaboration and positively impact quality and patient safety through lifelong surgical education and training.

Spanning more than 20 years, Professor Traynor's career in RCSI and Irish surgical training has been long and distinguished. During his tenure as Dean of Postgraduate Surgical Training and Education, Professor Traynor oversaw many changes in the delivery of surgical training in Ireland, including structured operative skills training, surgical boot camp for new core trainees, the establishment of a centralised application and selection process using innovative aptitude and objective measurement techniques, the implementation of the intercollegiate surgical curriculum across all specialties and the creation of online e-learning programmes for surgical trainees.

Professor Traynor founded the Irish Liver Transplant Programme with the Department of Health in 1990 and served as Director of the programme for more than 25 years until he retired from clinical practice. Under his leadership, the centre performed more than 1,000 liver transplant procedures expanding from 14 transplants per year in 1993 to more than 65 transplants per year, with outcomes that match the best results obtained in the United Kingdom and Europe.

He guided the centre to become the nationally designated centre for pancreatic cancer surgery, and the principle centre for major hepatobiliary resectional surgery. 

Professor Laura Viani, President of RCSI, said: “I wish to extend my sincerest congratulations to Professor Traynor on the occasion of his induction into the American College of Surgeons Academy of Master Surgeon Educators. Professor Traynor is a leader in surgery, in research and in surgical education. As a result of his innovations in surgical training, Ireland is now world-renowned in training surgeons of the highest quality. As a member of the Academy, Professor Traynor will influence surgical education globally and we wish him every success with this important work.”

Ajit K. Sachdeva, MD, FACS, FRCSC, FSACME, MAMSE, Director of the ACS Division of Education and co-chair of the Steering Committee of the Academy, said: “This Academy of preeminent surgeon educators has been making landmark contributions to surgical education and is introducing many transformational changes in surgical education that will endure into the future.

“We look forward to leveraging the expertise of the members as we explore innovations that will continue to advance the field of surgical education and positively impact the careers of surgical educators.”