Funding education

Surgeons need detailed anatomical knowledge and precise manual dexterity skills, making surgical education unique in medicine. The Royal College of Surgeons of England provides training courses for surgeons at all stages to ensure they can perform complex operations safely to the highest standard.

These range from basic courses in surgical skills, such as suturing for surgical trainees, to masterclasses for senior consultants. To continue delivering the highest surgical standards we need to:

• develop educational courses in line with advancing technology and knowledge;
• train surgeons in new procedures;
• maintain state-of-the-art teaching facilities to train surgeons;
• secure leading experts to teach young surgeons;
• expand our overseas programmes to raise clinical standards abroad.

 All educational activities require support from charitable funding or sponsorship. For further details, please email fundraising@rcseng.ac.uk or call 020 7405 3474.

Supporting the Future of Surgery through Educational Bursaries

Since 2008, The Worshipful Company of Needlemakers has generously offered an educational bursary scheme, providing vital support to surgical trainees early in their careers. At a time when the cost of training is high and study budgets are limited, the Needlemakers’ bursaries have become incredibly valuable and highly sought after by trainees eager to access quality surgical education.

These bursaries enable trainees to attend specialised courses, helping them develop essential operative and non-operative skills. The impact of this support is evident not only in the skills gained by the recipients but also in the confidence and skills they bring back to the NHS.

One bursary recipient shared, "Upon returning to work after this course, it was apparent that my skills had improved, and I felt more dexterous and confident in the operating room."

Another reflected on how the course shaped their ability to manage acute care: "The course has developed my confidence in approaching complex cases and has facilitated my progression as part of a trauma team treating life-threatening injuries."

The Royal College of Surgeons of England extends its deepest gratitude to the Worshipful Company of Needlemakers for their ongoing support, which empowers surgical trainees to improve their skills and deliver better patient care.