Dear Colleagues,

As we celebrate the Christmas season, I want to take a moment to extend my gratitude for your unwavering dedication to surgical training throughout the past year. Your commitment to nurturing the next generation of surgeons is the cornerstone of the success of our surgical training programme. This dedication is reflected in the programme's remarkable reputation, evidenced by a record number of applications for the 2025 intake.

Looking ahead, we are pleased to announce a planned increase in training opportunities, with 100 places in core surgical training for next July. Furthermore, the ever-evolving landscape of surgery, driven by advancements in technology, has prompted the RCSI to introduce a Robotic Training Programme and expand simulation-based training. Over the next year, we will be developing Regional Simulation Training sites to enhance accessibility and provide state-of-the-art learning environments.

The establishment of surgical hubs in Cork, Dublin, Waterford, Limerick, and Galway represents another step forward. These hubs will improve the delivery of surgical services across Ireland and also create opportunities for training by ensuring access to cases unimpeded by bed availability.

Of course, the delivery of surgical training is not without its challenges. Pressures within the service, including winter demands on A&E, bed shortages, and financial constraints, persist. However, surgeon-led initiatives such as the growth of same-day admissions, the increasing number of day-case procedures, and the adoption of new technologies are helping to mitigate these challenges and support both service delivery and training.

As we look ahead to 2025, there will undoubtedly be obstacles to navigate. However, with your continued commitment and dedication to excellence in training, I am confident that we can make it another successful year.

Mr Kieran Ryan,

Managing Director, RCSI Surgical Affairs