A training initiative in the Scottish Highlands is using a novel approach to deliver education in a time-constrained system

In May, the College joined forces with healthcare and educational organisations from across Scotland to deliver a training event with a twist – the first Highland Surgical Boot Camp.

In May, 19 junior doctors from hospitals across the West Bank travelled to Augusta Victoria Hospital in East Jerusalem for the RCSEd’s two-day Basic Surgical Skills course. Although it lasted just two days, the planning and organisation for the course was a major task that started with a family trip to the West Bank in 2009 by course organisers Robin and Magdalena Kincaid.

Close friend and colleague, Colonel Ian Greaves pays tribute to Professor Sir Keith Porter, Chair of the RCSEd’s Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care

Just in case anyone gets the wrong idea form the tone of this article, I am delighted to say at the beginning that Sir Keith is not only alive and well but playing a pivotal role in the management of military personnel injured in service in Afghanistan and enjoying immense personal happiness with Lady Porter and his new daughter.

The College’s online Masters in Surgical Sciences is enjoying record student numbers and has a growing international reach

The Edinburgh Surgical Sciences Qualification (ESSQ) programme delivered its first group of Masters Graduates in July 2010 and, since its launch three years earlier, has consistently demonstrated that the format meets with strong approval from enrolled surgical trainees.

The College has hosted its first ever facial aesthetic dissection course designed to provide multidisciplinary training

Roger Currie looks at the College’s growing Regional Surgical Adviser programme

The Regional Surgical Adviser (RSA) programme is continuing to expand and be a voice for the College, representing Fellows and Members in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland. At present we have 36 RSAs throughout the UK, covering all surgical specialties with the exception of neurosurgery.

I am hopeful that by the Council meeting in May we will have reached 40, with all the SAC-recognised specialties represented. We are fortunate to have a diverse range of talent and experience within the RSA group, which includes a Postgraduate Dean and a number of Training programme and Foundation directors as well as many senior examiners.