Registration is now open for the 2024/25 RCSEd Surgical Skills Competition, sponsored by Medtronic. The 2023/24 competition winner, Tom Adamson, discusses why he thought the competition was a great opportunity.
Hi! I'm Tom, a second year Medical Student from Newcastle. I am also the most recent winner of the RCSEd Surgical Skills Competition.
I started, like everyone, by testing my knowledge on the first-round quiz, a mixture of surgical knowledge and College-related trivia. I was then sent a box with a high-quality set of surgical skills instruments. I spent some time practicing on the provided suture pad, before taking the leap and having a go on a banana. Naturally, the first attempt was shocking, but after a few more goes I was ready to submit my videos.
A few weeks later I received an email inviting me to the final in Edinburgh. I was overjoyed (and glad I'd checked my spam folder!). The final was one of the best weekends of medical school so far! All my travel was booked by a dedicated team, and when I arrived at the hotel there was a gift bag waiting for me with RCSEd merch in it on my bed.
On the first night there was a meal with all of us together. It was slightly nerve wracking, especially as I was the youngest person there, but once we started chatting we all quickly got along! The opportunity to meet other medical students not only made the competition enjoyable, but also gave me insight as a second year into what was to come in the later years.
In the morning, we looked around the incredible College Museum, getting in some last-minute practice on the laparoscope trainer in the museum. This also gave me a chance to chat to my new friends and calm my nerves. Then we were called into the competition room.... and greeted by some incredibly smiley, knowledgeable and friendly staff, who were supportive and kind at every station.
We were tested on suturing, our major trauma skills, laparoscopy and even our 'Operation' board game skills (although I'm not sure I'll ever have to remove a rocking horse from an abdomen again!). The environment was incredibly friendly and not at all like an OSCE, the examiners wanted you to succeed, so they gave helpful advice and supported us every step of the way.
There was a formal lunch and some commemorative photos in the College before the prize ceremony. Overall, I made some amazing friends and learned many new skills taught by experts in the field. The whole experience has made me realise how friendly the community is and has definitely encouraged me to pursue a surgical career.
I want to congratulate my fellow competitors and thank the College for the time and effort they put into the competition. I hope anyone looking for a career in surgery takes this opportunity, not only as a portfolio filler, but as a chance to learn new skills, make new friends and represent your medical school! I look forward to seeing the photos from the next competition!
Discover more about the 2024/25 RCSEd Surgical Skills Competition here.
