Big interview
‘I’m proud of our reputation in leading on professional examinations’ – John Hines
Examinations are an integral part of the work of RCSEd, the new Dean of Examinations tells Navnit Makaram

Big interview
Lessons, leadership, legacy: an evening on postgraduate surgical education with Professor Jon Lund
Michael Okocha finds time with RCSEd’s new Dean of Education to discuss surgical education and the professor’s plans for his time in post

Patient safety
Why I have campaigned for Martha’s Rule
After the avoidable death of her daughter in hospital, Merope Mills has campaigned for a patient safety initiative that is already saving lives but also seeks a revolution in medical culture
Patient Safety Learning and RCSEd collaborate to improve patient safety in surgery
Charity Patient Safety Learning and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh are working together on a new wave of education, resources and support to empower surgical teams to embed safety into every aspect of their practice, Helen Hughes explains
People
Mindfulness in clinical practice for surgeons
Mindfulness could be the ultimate tool for helping surgeons manage the demands of this high-stress profession, writes Ananda Kumar Dhanasekaran
Heritage
A female surgeon in 17th-century Edinburgh
The remarkable story of Issobell Cairnie, who secretly operated a private surgical practice following the death of her surgeon husband
Professional development
All UK medical schools reach final of Surgical Skills Competition
This was the first year that students from all of the UK’s medical schools made it to the final – and we also celebrated our very first female champion
Graduated surgical skills training: time for a new paradigm?
John Taylor and David O’Regan explore the many similarities between martial arts and surgery
Training tomorrow’s surgeon: skills beyond the scalpel
Rapidly evolving technology will continue to shape the medical landscape but how can we prepare future surgeons for inevitable change?
Celebrating sports and surgery: two milestone RCSEd events
Earlier this year, RCSEd hosted two joint conferences highlighting the links between golf, sport and health. Here the convenors recap some of the highlights
Surgical examinations: the examiner’s perspective
An insight into the MRCS examination from a lay examiner’s viewpoint
The role of RCSEd Surgical Specialty Boards
Collaboration and partnerships are the key to success, writes Chelliah Selvasekar of the Specialty Board in General Surgery
For trainees, by trainees
The National Foundation Trainees Surgical Societies and Core Trainee Forum
Bridging the divide in vascular surgery
A pioneering course in Kenya teaches the principles of vascular assessment and operating
The evolving role of SASLED surgeons in cardiothoracic surgery
Cardiothoracic SAS and LE doctors are keen to take on more responsibility through alternative pathways and autonomous practice. Recognition will promote engagement and retention, write Nishan Fernando and Maheshi Gunasekara
Empowering the next generation of surgeons
The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh conducts the MRCS Preparatory Course at Aga Khan University in Karachi, Pakistan
RCSEd in Calicut – reporting from ‘God’s own country’
A busy-week long visit to India saw the College carry out invaluable work
Dental
Dental Dean: Fellowship of the Faculty of Dental Surgery
Dental Dean Professor Grant McIntyre sets out the importance of College Fellowship and celebrates the life of Dr Geoffrey Howard Moody
Strengthening the dental workforce
Ulpee Darbar explores RCSEd Diplomas and the development of Level-2 performers
Working for future generations: Dr Richard Cure and Dr Claire Morgan on the aims of RCSEd Dental Council
Surgeons’ News catches up with Dr Richard Cure and Dr Claire Morgan to find out why they joined Dental Council and what they hope to achieve in the years ahead
The College
Why has the College changed its governance?
The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh was required to modernise its laws to comply with charity legislation and best practice guidelines, splitting responsibilities between a new Trustee Board and the Council. Robin Paton explains more
Anyone can be a surgeon, but it takes real talent to be a footballer
Chanté St Clair Inglis, Director of Heritage and Estates, talks to Robin Paton, RCSEd Honorary Secretary and author, about his new book
RCSEd Quincentenary celebrations: 20 years on
Funding and recognition opportunities
All the latest Fellowships, Grants and Bursaries from RCSEd
Diploma listings
Congratulations to all our Fellows and Members who were presented with diplomas and awards in December, January and February
Surgery on screen
Severance
Surgeons’ News reviews memorable depictions of surgery in media and film. In this issue, Mark Hughes weighs in on the memory-altering procedure in season one of Severance
Surgeons' News Archive
Read the previous issues of Surgeons' News here
Editor Emma Stapleton
Social and content coordinator Terri Borthwick
Published by:
Wonderly, a division of Haymarket Media Group
Bridge House, 69 London Road,
Twickenham, TW1 3SP
Tel: (020) 8267 5000
On behalf of
The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh,
Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9DW
Registered Charity No. SC005317
contributions@surgeonsnews.com
Tel: +44 (0)131 527 1600
For editorial enquiries contact: surgeonsnews@rcsed.ac.uk
Design and production
Editor Alex Rapson-Ballinger
Senior reporter Marese O'Hagan
Art Director Aubrey Smith
Junior Designer Holly Bulbrook
Production editor Maria Ainley-Taylor
Medical sub editor Dr Arshad Makhdum
The views expressed in Surgeons’ News are not necessarily those of the editorial team or the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Information printed in this edition of Surgeons’ News is believed to be correct at the time of going to press. The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh permits single copying of individual articles for private study or research. Multiple copying of individual articles for teaching purposes is permitted without specific permission. For copying or reproduction for any other purpose, written permission must be sought from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Exceptions to the above are those institutions and non-publishing organisations that have an agreement or licence with the UK Copyright Licensing Agency or the US Copyright Clearance Center. Access to the magazine is available on the College website rcsed.ac.uk.