We are delighted to announce a new selection process for the 36th Annual VideoSurgery Meeting, taking place next February during Charter 2026. We invite abstract submissions showcasing interesting and educational surgical cases with a strong teaching focus.
We are delighted to announce a new selection process for the 36th Annual VideoSurgery Meeting, taking place next February during Charter 2026. We invite abstract submissions showcasing interesting and educational surgical cases with a strong teaching focus.
Authors of successful abstracts will be invited to submit video presentations for inclusion in the 2026 VideoSurgery meeting. These videos will also become part of our Video Teaching Library, serving as valuable learning resources for medical students and surgical trainees, and will be shared across our online platforms.
This is a great opportunity to highlight real-world clinical decision-making, share surgical tips, and contribute to medical education.
What We’re Looking For
We welcome video submissions that:
Present an interesting real case
Include a clear teaching or learning point
Are suitable for either medical students or surgical trainees
Are concise, engaging, and educational
Open, Laparoscopic, Robotic, Endoscopic or Percutaneous are all accepted
Abstract Submission Portal – How to Apply
Create an account on the submission portal and complete your contact details.
Upload your abstract following the step-by-step guide on the portal.
Ensure your submission meets the attached abstract format requirements.
Abstract Submission Deadline:Friday, 21st November
Who Can Submit?
There are two categories:
Consultant Surgeon Presenter
Surgical Trainee Presenter (SpR – ST4 and above) Please indicate your category when submitting your abstract.
Awards
Trainee Winner: Medal and certificate of recognition
Consultant Winner:Faculty Recognition Award (voucher or equivalent)
Join us for an IN -PERSON PANEL DISCUSSION and NETWORKING EVENT hosted by the RCSI Early Career Surgical Network (ECSN) and the Irish Surgical Training Group (ISTG). This event is aimed at those who are in the final stages of Surgical Training, specifically ST7 or ST8 trainees or those currently on Fellowship.
You have a Consultant Post? Now What?
Join us for an IN -PERSON PANEL DISCUSSION and NETWORKING EVENT hosted by the RCSI Early Career Surgical Network (ECSN) and the Irish Surgical Training Group (ISTG)
19:30, Friday, 5th December 2025 Boardroom, RCSI, St. Stephen's Green
The Irish Surgical Training Group (ISTG) are delighted to announce that applications are open for the 2025 ISTG Future Trainers’ Fellowship Grant.
Created in 2024, this fellowship bursary aims to recognise a surgical NCHD who has made significant contributions to technical skills teaching and peer mentorship during their training. For 2025, a grant of up to €10,000 is available for an NCHD(s) embarking on post-CCST fellowship. Specific eligibility criteria and details on the application process are available through the ISTG website. The successful recipient(s) will be chosen by an independent committee based on the strength of their completed application form, CV, and consultant and peer references. Applications are welcome from both HST and non-scheme candidates. The closing date is April 31st 2025.
The Future Trainers’ Fellowship Grant will be presented at the 2025 ISTG Silver Scalpel Award Dinner in June. The inaugural Future Trainers’ Fellowship Grant was shared by Mr Noel Donlon and Mr David Brinkmann.
Join RCSI on Wednesday, 15 April 2026 for our Masterclass in Basic and Advanced Hepatobiliary Surgical Techniques aimed at HPB Registrars, General Surgeons and Surgical NCHDs who have completed at least two years of surgical training.
Join RCSI on Wednesday, 15 April 2026 for our Masterclass in Basic and Advanced Hepatobiliary Surgical Techniques aimed at HPB Registrars, General Surgeons and Surgical NCHDs who have completed at least two years of surgical training.
This course is being led by Professor Tom Gallagher, Consultant HPB Surgeon in St Vincent's University Hospital. The course will include short didactic sessions in combination with
Intra-operative video
Laparoscopic surgical techniques
Open HPB surgical techniques
The main focus of the masterclass will be on hands-on simulation which will be proctored by experienced HPB surgeons.
The hands-on sessions will give attendees an introduction to both advanced and basic HPB procedures including Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and Laparoscopic liver resection.
RCSI and Operation Childlife are working together to support surgical trainees or medical professionals 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.
Applications now open – Operation Childlife Clinical Travel Fellowship 2026
RCSI and Operation Childlife are working together to support surgical trainees or medical professionals 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 EMTrainees, RCSI Medical, Nursing and Physician Associate Graduates and other Irish-based practicing healthcare professionals in the area of care of the child.
RCSI is proud to announce the ratification of the National Robotic Surgery Curriculum by the Irish Surgical Postgraduate Training Committee (ISPTC) — a major milestone for surgical education in Ireland, and possibly the first fully integrated national robotic training programme in the world.
A New Era in Surgical Training: National Robotic Surgery Curriculum Ratified
RCSI is proud to announce the ratification of the National Robotic Surgery Curriculum by the Irish Surgical Postgraduate Training Committee (ISPTC) — a major milestone for surgical education in Ireland, and possibly the first fully integrated national robotic training programme in the world.
This three-year, cross-specialty programme will provide trainees with structured, incremental training in robotic surgery — progressing from foundational simulation-based skills to advanced procedural techniques, using both high-fidelity and tissue models. It integrates non-technical skills such as human factors, communication, and teamwork, and ensures minimum simulator hours are completed and verified. Each phase includes robust assessment and certification, ensuring readiness for clinical practice.
This national framework guarantees that all trainees are equipped with the essential foundations to perform robotic surgery safely and effectively, regardless of platform or specialty.
Special thanks to Mr. Kieran Ryan, Managing Director of Surgical Affairs, whose vision and leadership were instrumental in making this programme a reality. We also gratefully acknowledge the support of Professor Cathal Kelly, CEO of RCSI, in championing this bold and future-focused direction for surgical training.
Ms Kassandra Gressmann, ST2 Trainee at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, gives us insight into the surgical training programme, what a day as an ST2 looks like, and how she balances training and mental health.
Ms Kassandra Gressmann, ST2 Trainee at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Can you tell us a little about yourself and why did you choose surgery as a career?
I’m a Canadian who moved to Ireland to attend medical school in the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, and stayed in Ireland for my surgical training. I was always interested in the surgical field and participated in shadowing days and research in different surgical specialties. The more I learnt about the surgical field, the more I was certain it was the career path for me.
Training & Experience
What has been the most challenging aspect or your surgical training?
The most challenging aspect of surgical training is the vast amount of knowledge you have and want to continuously learn. This takes a lot of time outside of work hours when you’re already very busy!
Can you describe a typical day as an ST2 trainee?
A typical day as an ST2 trainee starts with the daily ward round of all inpatients with the team and establishing what needs to be done for their care. If the day involves a surgical list, the SHO then will then admit and ensure all elective patients are prepped for surgery. If the day involves clinic, the SHO will review patients and discuss with the senior team for their future care.
What has been the most rewarding time over the past 2 years?
The most rewarding times over my surgical training are times when I have performed a surgical procedure independently. No matter how small the procedure, it takes several times watching, assisting, and performing under supervision before you feel confident enough to perform it on your own. It’s always a massive achievement for surgical trainees.
Skills & Growth
What are the key skills that you think every surgical trainee needs to develop?
Every surgical trainee needs to continue to develop and practice their surgical skills. You can always improve no matter at what level of experience, and it’s important to always aim to improve your skills.
How has your confidence as a surgeon evolved since you started training?
When I started surgical training, the expanse of knowledge to learn felt very intimidating. I found my confidence continues to evolve when I see how my knowledge improves with every new patient that I review.
Can you share a case or experience that had a significant impact on you?
My experiences shadowing in surgery as a medical student had a significant positive impact on me. When surgical mentors would teach me practical and knowledge skills, it further encouraged me to aim for a career in surgery. They helped me to gain confidence that I could follow this career path.
Mentorship & Support
What advice would you give to medical students considering surgical training?
Medical students interested in surgical training should aim to expose themselves to surgery by shadowing surgical trainees as much as possible. This is the best way to understand what being a surgeon will entail.
How do you support your fellow trainees in difficult times?
All surgical trainees are very supportive of one another. We understand that things can feel overwhelming, but we have all been in that position previously. We help each other with small jobs and cover each other wherever possible, because we always want each other to succeed.
Work-Life Balance & Well-being
What strategies do you use to maintain your well-being and mental health?
I try to maintain my well-being by doing fun activities outside of work. It can be hard to feel separated from work even when I’m not working. I find that creating small plans allows me to keep many interests outside of surgery, and allows me to focus on surgical training better when I’m in work.
Final Thoughts
What’s one piece of advice you wish you had received before starting training?
The advice I wish I had received before starting training would be to talk with handover surgical teams before switching jobs to better understand a new hospital’s administrative system. Learning a new hospital can feel overwhelming, so if someone can briefly explain it further in advance, you feel more prepared to enter a new hospital.
If you could give one message to first year trainees, what would it be?
I would encourage first year trainees to be as open-minded as possible to all surgical specialties. Most trainees have a good idea of what surgical subspecialty they want to pursue, but I’ve known several trainees who have changed their minds. If you remain open-minded, you may find a subspecialty you prefer! It will also help you to learn more about all specialties, and make you a more well-rounded surgeon.
What’s next for you?
As an ST2 trainee, I will be applying for the HST scheme this year. The application and preparation is my biggest focus for this year!
RCSI is pleased to announce that we have now opened expressions of interest (September 2026 intake) for our inter-disciplinary and global online PG Diploma in Human Factors in Patient Safety.
RCSI is pleased to announce that we have now opened expressions of interest (September 2026 intake) for our inter-disciplinary and global online PG Diploma in Human Factors in Patient Safety.
Scholars on our fully-flexible programme have gained a comprehensive set of knowledge and core competencies within Human Factors in Patient Safety which have led to scholars gaining new Human Factors specific roles, working on new healthcare projects within clinical practice and pro-actively implementing systematic workplace changes to the benefit of patient care.
Scholars from a diverse range of healthcare backgrounds will attend online interactive sessions and workshops one day per month. The rest of the multi-disciplinary programme including didactic teaching, discussion boards, reading, and resources are offered online, which you can access in your own time.
RCSI Millin Meeting is taking place in less than 3 weeks, on Friday 14 November. From world-renown keynote speakers, our annual RCSI National Surgical Research Competition, Presentations and Surgical Trial updates, RCSI’ sessions dedicated on supporting surgeons and trainees, our prestigious 48th Millin Lecture and more.
Theme: Shaping Future Surgical Research and Training
Please note that registrations are now open for RCSI’s established RCSI Millin Meeting which will take place on less than 3 weeks, on Friday, 14 November 2025.
The Millin will focus on surgical research and training, with an eye to topical issues. For surgical trainees, the meeting will provide important insights about how to develop better academic research skills and how to integrate research into the surgical career path in a way that supports your career goals.
For surgical researchers, the update from the National Surgical Research Support Centre and the competition for the RCSI National Surgical Research Medal will be of particular interest. For consultants and surgical trainers, the morning session will update on the supports available to improve the quality of research in your department, both for your trainees but also showing ways to assist you in increasing your professional networks and collaborations.
RCSI is delighted to announce that our two keynote lectures for this year’s Millin meeting will be delivered by:
Professor Shirley Potter, Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, St James’s Hospital & Blackrock Clinic; Clinical Professor, School of Medicine, University College Dublin; National Training Programme Director, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, RCSI
Professor Declan Devane, Professor of Health Research Methodology and Deputy Dean of the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Galway
Professor Jennifer Cleland, Lee Kong Chian (LKC) School of Medicine, Singapore and Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, UK
Professor Mary Dixon-Woods, Director of The Healthcare Improvement Studies (THIS) Institute, University of Cambridge
Join the RCSI Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine for the upcoming webinar 'Pregnancy & Physical Activity' on Saturday, 8 November from 10.00am to 12.00pm, online. This webinar will be co-chaired by Prof Wilby Williamson, Consultant in Sports and Exercise Medicine, & Professor of Physiology, Trinity College Dublin & Dr Frank O’Leary, Consultant Sports & Exercise Medicine Physician, UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic (UPMC SSC), Santry, Dublin.
Join the RCSI Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine for the upcoming webinar 'Pregnancy & Physical Activity' on Saturday, 8 November from 10.00am to 12.00pm, online. This webinar will be co-chaired by Prof Wilby Williamson, Consultant in Sports and Exercise Medicine, & Professor of Physiology, Trinity College Dublin & Dr Frank O’Leary, Consultant Sports & Exercise Medicine Physician, UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic (UPMC SSC), Santry, Dublin.
The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland is pleased to announce that our Bonus Millin Meeting episode featuring Professor Shirley Potter is out now.
The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland is pleased to announce that our Bonus Millin Meeting episode featuring Professor Shirley Potter is out now.
In this bonus episode, Dr Conor Toale, Higher Surgical Trainee in General Surgery speaks with an RCSI Millin Meeting keynote speaker, Professor Shirley Potter, Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, St James’s Hospital & Blackrock Clinic; Clinical Professor, School of Medicine, University College Dublin. This episode gives insight into Professor Potter’s keynote lecture “The Future of the Clinician Scientist”.
Interested in significantly improving your Core Communications skills to perform exceptionally within Communication Stations within the MRCS Part B OSCE Examination?
Register today – Brand New MRCS Part B Preparation – Core Clinical Communication Skills for Aspiring Surgeons – Tuesday 9 December 2026
Interested in significantly improving your Core Communications skills to perform exceptionally within Communication Stations within the MRCS Part B OSCE Examination?
RCSI’s interactive 1-day MRCS Part B preparation course is designed to support aspiring surgeons not trained in Ireland in developing essential communication skills critical for clinical practice and examination success.
Participants will focus on key areas including establishing rapport, gathering and delivering information effectively, and communicating by telephone.
Through realistic mock patient interviews, MRCS Part B candidates will have the opportunity to apply these skills to enhance both confidence and performance.
Gain essential skills and knowledge to enhance your teaching skills as a clinician – Clinicians as Educators – Effective Teaching Skills (Micro-credential) - 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) - Open to doctors including Interns, NCHDs and Surgical Trainees
Please note applications for our brand-new online micro-credential “Clinicians as Educators – Teach Skills” are now open for January 2026 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 placesso 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.
New research led by RCSI, published in JAMA Network Open, shows that a straightforward four-step handover system - SIPS (Sick patients; ISBAR; Prioritise; Summarise) - improves patient safety in surgical settings.
A simple, structured handover system can make surgery safer.
New research led by RCSI, published in JAMA Network Open, shows that a straightforward four-step handover system - SIPS (Sick patients; ISBAR; Prioritise; Summarise) - improves patient safety in surgical settings.
The study, which was supported by The MPS Foundation and Bon Secours Hospital, Dublin, was conducted across two tertiary hospitals. Through their evaluation of more than 2,200 patients, the researchers found that introducing SIPS led to:
Better patient vital signs at 12- and 24-hours post-handover
Fewer handover-related safety incidents, as reported by staff
No increase in handover duration, demonstrating the system’s practicality in busy clinical environments
Importantly, the SIPS system was widely adopted and sustained over time, offering strong evidence that standardising handover communication can enhance surgical safety while integrating seamlessly into routine practice.
