Working group for a new skills based course

Call for volunteers 

Are you passionate about surgical education and training? We are seeking enthusiastic volunteers to join a working group that will shape the future of surgical training through the development of an innovative new course.

The Royal College of Surgeons of England is developing a comprehensive two-day course focused on emergency surgery and human factors, specifically designed to support surgical trainees and SAS surgeons in their first six months at ST3 level. The course will encompass crucial areas including general surgery, trauma and vascular surgery, laparoscopic techniques, and human factors in digital and robot-assisted surgery.

Your role and impact: 

As a working group member, you will have the opportunity to:

• Shape the course design and content development
• Create educational materials
• Collaborate with educators, editors, and designers
• Potentially appear in course videos
• Contribute to e-learning storyboards
• Deliver pilot programmes in your region with exemption from our usual licensing fees

Time commitment and support:

• Regular virtual meetings with occasional in-person sessions
• Long-term commitment of approximately one year
• Full expenses covered
• Support from our experienced learning team
• Recognition of your contribution in CPD credits and formal acknowledgment

Hackathon:

As part of this project we will be holding a three-day hackathon with the working group at the College. A hackathon is an intensive, collaborative event where experts come together to quickly develop and test new ideas. 
 
In this process, participants will work together to:

• Design the course
• Create a working prototype
• Test the prototype with real participants

This approach is inspired by a design method originally developed by Google Ventures and adapted for this specific project. The goal is to transform an initial concept into a functional prototype in just three days, allowing for quick innovation and immediate feedback.

We welcome applications from:

• Consultant surgeons
• SAS surgeons
• CT2 & ST3 trainees

We are committed to creating a diverse working group and encourage applications from individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences who can demonstrate a strong interest in surgical education and training.

Benefits:

• Influence the future of surgical training
• Network with colleagues and education specialists
• Gain valuable experience in medical education development
• Receive formal recognition from RCS England
• Full expense coverage for all activities

To apply: 

Please submit your CV along with a covering statement detailing:

• Your motivation for joining the project
• Relevant experience you can bring to the working group
• Your specific areas of interest within the course scope

Applications can be sent to: educationinnovation@rcseng.ac.uk

Please also feel free to contact us if you’d like an informal discussion before applying.

The closing date for applications has been extended to 20th February.