Yorkshire surgeons win national surgical prize

Trainee surgeons Ata Jaffer, from Northern General Hospital in Sheffield, and George Mori, from Bradford Teaching Hospital, have spoken of their pride after winning national surgical competition, 'Are You Cut Out for It?’. The competition, supported by the Royal College of Surgeons, saw over 50 talented trainee surgeons from around the country compete for the annual prize.

Competitors were required to don their surgical gowns, gloves and masks and show they had the best suturing and keyhole surgical techniques in the country. To win the competition, surgeons had to complete a number of tasks in their pairs, including removing a lump or cyst from an artificial skin pad and stitching it back together again; as well as using laparoscopic equipment to remove the legs of a jelly baby, and stack sugar cubes.

Vice President of the Royal College of Surgeons Mr Stephen Cannon MBE, said:

“This competition is fast becoming a must enter for surgeons at the beginning of their career. Not only is it a great way to meet other like-minded surgeons, but it also provides a real test of their surgical skills and ability to work well under pressure.

“We are thrilled to be supporting such a great competition and I would urge all surgeons in their final year of core surgical training to apply when next year’s competition opens for application.”

George Mori, of Bradford Teaching Hospital, and one half of the Yorkshire team said:

“I’m absolutely elated. I was not expecting to even get to the final stage initially and just entered out of the spirit of competition. It really tested my technical and clinical knowledge and was a great day to be a part of. I would absolutely recommend this to other surgical trainees.”

The competition, which is now in its fifth year after being set up Kat Ford and Lilli Cooper when they were core trainees, was judged by a panel of consultant general surgeons and saw the winners take home a £500 prize generously donated by The Honourable Society of Knights of the Round Table. The competition was also sponsored by Limbs and Things, who provided the medical simulation products for the contestants. The final followed 12 regional heats, which took place across England and Wales.

The runners up in the competition were Harry Dean and Joel Tay from Severn. They each receive £250. 

Notes to editors

The Royal College of Surgeons of England is a professional membership organisation and registered charity, which exists to advance surgical standards and improve patient care.

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