As we approach 2024, we reflect on the College's diploma ceremonies throughout the past year.
Diploma ceremonies are one of the most popular events in the College calendar. Each ceremony sees diplomates travel from all corners of the globe with their loved ones to celebrate their RCSEd membership. In 2023, the College held 12 diploma ceremonies - 10 at our Edinburgh site, and 2 overseas (Kuala Lumpur in August and Hong Kong in November). We welcomed almost 1,000 diplomates to these ceremonies, each with their own unique career paths and stories.
28 special awards were presented by RCSEd in 2023 at these ceremonies, including installation of new Regents to the College Council, Fellowship ad hominem, Fellowship in Surgery without Examination (Surgical and Dental), and a Companion of the College. Numerous medals were also presented throughout the year across a range of surgical and dental specialties.
A total of 1,543 guests visited the College in 2023 for diploma ceremonies, with almost 500 children also in attendance. We held two large diploma dinners in June and November for diplomates, their families and other VIPs.
Speaking about the year's ceremonies, RCSEd President Professor Rowan Parks commented:
One of my most enjoyable experiences during my first year as College President has been presiding over our diploma ceremonies. These are wonderful occasions to recognise the achievements of our diplomates, and to share the experience with their families and friends. The majority of these have been held in the historic Playfair Hall in Edinburgh, but also in Kuala Lumpur and in Hong Kong in collaboration with the College of Surgeons of Hong Kong. It has been wonderful to welcome so many surgical, dental and allied health professionals into the College family, and to know that the future delivery of healthcare globally is in safe hands.
Please find below a selection of images from our year of diploma ceremonies. We look forward to welcoming diplomates to the College again in 2024!
Edinburgh Diploma Ceremonies
A diplomate capturing memories with loved ones
Tari Lang, who was installed into the College’s Court of Regents this year
Shireen McKenzie and and Claire Murphy, who were both awarded with Fellowship of the FST
A diplomate celebrating surgical Membership with family
A Member of the Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care
Tr & Orth Fellow Alastair Faulkner pictured with 'Trauma'
2022 recipient of the Tyson Medal, pictured with Eva Tyson, wife of the late Dr Kenneth Tyson, in whose honour the medal was established
Kuala Lumpur Diploma Ceremony
Diplomates with their diplomas during the ceremony
Diplomate preparing for the ceremony with a loved one
Diplomates posing for photographs
A group of dental Members celebrating
