For the past two years I have had the privilege of serving as a lay examiner for the Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) examination, an experience that has not only broadened my professional horizons but also deepened my appreciation for the rigorous standards upheld by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. This role has provided me with a unique opportunity to contribute to a profession outside my own, reinforcing my commitment to quality, equality, diversity and inclusion in education and assessment.

As the founder of the Berkshire School of English and the Community Interest Company Educafe, my background lies in teaching English and delivering resettlement programmes to non-native speakers, refugees and asylum seekers. I hold AIQA status with Laser Learning Awards and have always placed quality improvement and inclusivity at the heart of my work. These principles align closely with those of RCSEd, which has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to ensuring that all candidates, regardless of background or location, experience a consistent and fair examination process. The MRCS examination is conducted with meticulous attention to detail, seamlessly delivered by a dedicated administrative team and a cohort of clinicians who volunteer their time to uphold the integrity of the qualification.

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a lay examiner is the opportunity to observe the evolving landscape of medical professionalism and communication. My role involves assessing how candidates engage with patients and clinicians, focusing on their ability to listen, respond appropriately and convey information with clarity and empathy. Over the past two years, I have noticed a significant improvement in how candidates approach patient interactions. Increasingly, they prioritise active listening and patient engagement over rapid information gathering, demonstrating a deeper understanding of the importance of patient-centred care. In addition, their ability to transition seamlessly between patient communication and professional discussions with clinicians has been particularly impressive.

Beyond the examination room this role has also offered me the chance to travel, not just across the UK but internationally, exposing me to diverse cultures and their approaches to surgical training and examination. This global perspective has reinforced the universal nature of medical professionalism and the crucial role that standardised assessments have in maintaining excellence in surgical practice worldwide.

The importance of lay examiners in the MRCS process

Including lay examiners in the MRCS process is vital to ensuring a well-rounded and objective assessment of candidates. While clinicians assess technical knowledge and surgical skills, lay examiners bring an external viewpoint, focusing on communication, professionalism and patient interaction. This perspective is crucial in assessing how candidates translate their medical expertise into compassionate and effective patient care. Lay examiners help to ensure that examinations reflect the expectations and concerns of the wider public, reinforcing the principle that a skilled surgeon must not only possess technical excellence but also the ability to engage with patients in a respectful and empathetic manner. By maintaining a strong emphasis on these qualities, the MRCS examination guarantees that future surgeons are not only clinically competent but also equipped with the interpersonal skills necessary to provide high-quality patient care.

Being part of this process is an honour. It is immensely reassuring to witness at first hand the dedication and skill of the future generation of surgeons, knowing that those who pass the MRCS will carry forward a strong foundation of professionalism, empathy and clinical excellence. My experience as a lay examiner has not only enriched my understanding of surgical education but has reaffirmed the essential role of examinations in shaping the careers of those entrusted with the future of surgical care.

I am a Senior Lecturer (Education) and Subject Lead for Anatomy in the Medical School at Queen’s University Belfast. As an anatomist, I specialise in the teaching of whole-body anatomy to undergraduate and postgraduate students and have expertise in cadaveric dissection. In addition, I oversee the running of the Body Donation Programme as Designated Individual. I hold a Doctorate in Education (EdD) and Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA).

It was back in 2012 when I came across a call for examiners of the basic sciences to examine for the MRCS for The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. This was a role that really interested me, and I very quickly contacted my very good friend and colleague, Professor Roy Spence, to seek his views. A long-term examiner for the FRCS for the College, Roy wholeheartedly encouraged me to apply and the rest, as they say, is history! 

On a cold February evening in 2013, I set off on my first journey to the College, jetting off from Belfast City Airport. I remember arriving in a very foggy Edinburgh and making my way by taxi to Ten Hill Place Hotel. The next morning, I walked over to the Quincentenary Building, where I attended examiner training. This was my introduction to the world of MRCS examining! The first exam that I attended as examiner was in Edinburgh in October 2013 and, since then, I have examined numerous times both nationally and internationally. 

I am fortunate to have a job that I love and I get the same level of enjoyment and satisfaction from my role as MRCS examiner. As an expert in anatomy, I
will run an anatomy station in an examination circuit, assessing candidates on their knowledge of the subject and ability to apply anatomy clinically. It is always interesting to observe the full spectrum of candidates in terms of their anatomical knowledge – from those who clearly have a deep understanding of the subject to those whose knowledge is at a more superficial level. 

I take my role as examiner extremely seriously and I often recall the words of a surgical colleague during examiner training: “Your role is to protect the public.” This very much steers my decision-making, particularly when it comes to giving my judgement regarding a candidate being a passing, borderline or failing candidate. The role that we have as examiners is, therefore, of critical importance and our decision-making has the potential to impact so many individuals we will never meet.

This role as MRCS examiner has given me so many opportunities to travel, which I never anticipated when I applied in 2012. I have been both honoured and privileged to be invited to examine at a number of international locations: New Delhi, Borneo, Chennai, Cairo and, shortly, Islamabad. I have made many very good friends over the past number of years, and I have always felt most welcome by everyone. I look forward to continuing to support the College for many years to come. To any colleagues who may be considering applying to be an examiner, I would advise you to put your application in – and I wish you every success.