Ms Rachel Serraf, 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 currently an ST2 Core Surgical Trainee in ENT at the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Cork. I feel fervently drawn to surgery because of the privilege it affords in being able to meet someone at a deeply vulnerable point in their life and being able to make a difference in the course of their illness. I am called by the responsibility, immediacy and dexterity that being a surgeon entails.

What specialty do you hope to pursue a career in?

I am ardently drawn to the breadth of conditions, anatomy and technicality that is inherent in otolaryngology. It is profoundly patient-centred, as it is a speciality that is predicated on the fundamentals of how people experience life: hearing, speech, swallowing and breathing.

Training & Experience

What has been the most challenging aspect of your surgical training?

Core surgical training involves moving between hospitals, specialties and teams. Each rotation brings a new way of working, new expectations and a different set of skills to develop. It can be challenging to repeatedly start again, but it has also taught me to be flexible, adaptable, to learn from different surgeons and to become more confident in unfamiliar environments.

What has been the most rewarding time over the past 2 years?

Some of the most rewarding moments in my training have come from caring for patients with head and neck cancer. Their treatment of which may affect speech, swallowing, appearance and identity. Supporting someone through that journey has been incredibly meaningful.

Skills & Growth

What are the key skills that you think every surgical trainee needs to develop?

I believe adaptability and humility are essential. Surgery demands the ability to respond calmly when circumstances change, while humility keeps you receptive to feedback, learning and reflection.

How has your confidence as a surgeon evolved since you started training?

My confidence has grown through experience, but also through learning to trust myself. I have had the privilege of learning from some exceptional consultants who continue to shape my journey as a surgical trainee.

Have you had any surgeons who have influenced your journey? How did they shape your journey?

I have been so very fortunate with the consultants I have worked with thus far at South Infirmary. From early on, they have made me feel so supported, inspired and encouraged. Their willingness to teach, give honest feedback and trust me with increasing responsibility has had a real impact on my confidence and surgical journey thus far.

Mentorship & Support

What advice would you give to medical students considering surgical training?

Surgery requires consistent discipline, learning and growth. I’d advise them that this journey is akin to a marathon rather than a sprint; where we become lifelong learners in the pursuit of becoming the best surgeons we can be. I’d advise them to enjoy this marathon, and to be gentle on themselves throughout the challenges it may bring.

How do you support your fellow trainees in difficult times?

I hold this responsibility in very high regard as I believe the growth and success of trainees is strongly shaped by the quality of support available. I am honoured to be one of the two ISTG representatives for my ST2 year group. This allows me to be a platform for trainees to safely voice concerns and struggles, and in turn be an advocate in addressing those concerns to the respective training bodies at large.

Work-life Balance & Well-being

How do you balance your personal life with the demands of surgical training?

I am blessed with wonderful family and friends who are gracious in their endless support and encouragement throughout this journey. Making moments as intentional as possible allows me to give my best in both my surgical training and my personal life.

What do you do to relax and unwind outside of work?

You’ll find me playing the piano or harp, or going for farm walks at sunset.

Final Advice

What changes or advancements in surgery excite you the most?

I am particularly excited by the potential for technology and artificial intelligence to complement surgical judgement. Within ENT, advances in minimally invasive surgery, robotics and precision oncology are especially compelling. At the same time, surgery will remain deeply human. Technology may refine how we diagnose, plan and operate, but trust, communication and compassion will remain central to patient care.

What’s one piece of advice you wish you had received before starting training?

Allow yourself to be a beginner. Growth often feels like uncertainty before it feels like progress.

If you could give one message to first year trainees, what would it be?

Be dependable, be teachable, own your mistakes and enjoy every step of the journey.

What’s next for you?

Over the coming year, I hope to continue developing my surgical skills, deepen my experience in ENT/head and neck surgery and ultimately pursue my dream in higher surgical training in ENT