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.