As the year draws to a close, I would like you to take a moment to reflect on your ongoing training journey. Each year brings its own set of challenges—both clinically and academically—and 2025 has been no exception. Whatever obstacles you have encountered, please remember that the RCSI remains committed to supporting you at every stage of your surgical training and throughout your future career.

No matter where you are in your training pathway, you are now one step closer to your goal of becoming a consultant surgeon. I encourage you to take pride in your achievements over the past year, whether that was success in examinations, the development of new competencies, or meaningful progress in your clinical practice. Your dedication to delivering safe, high-quality patient care is deeply appreciated, and the patients and families you support benefit enormously from your professionalism and compassion.

This year has also seen continued innovation in surgical practice, particularly in the rapid expansion of robotic-assisted surgery. The RCSI is proud to contribute to this advancement through the development of a dedicated Robotic Surgery Training Programme. As surgeons and trainees, we are strongest when we support one another through collaboration and learning.

The RCSI Robotic Surgery Curriculum; A National Framework for Soft Tissue Robotic Surgery Training in Ireland will be officially launched at the Charter Day Meetings on February 12th 2026. I would encourage as many of you as possible to attend this event including the robotic village.

Wishing you a Happy Christmas, and every success in the year ahead.