Apologies for delay in postings. Completed the basic surgical skills course at Queen Elizabeth hospital last week. It was the first time the course has been trialled to run over 2 days outside the Royal College of Surgeons (normally 2.5 days). This of course meant earlier start (8am), late finish (1800), and shorter lunch break (30mins). Of course any surgical doctors will agree the above timetable almost feels like a holiday.
The course content was not altered in anyway,and there were plenty of time allowed to complete all the tasks. At the end of the course, 100% of participants preferred the 2 day course over the 2.5 days as it meant less annual leave/study leave were required to complete the course.
Having completed a similar course as an undergraduate (instructed by Mr Paraskeva at Imperial college), i found it relatively straightforward course, and it greatly helps if the candidates are familiar with the 'Reef knot'.
I particularly enjoyed the 'debridement of necrotic tissue' part of the course, as well as stacking the sugar cubes using laparascopic instruments in a box trainer. I was slightly dissapointed with my 'tower of 8', as the 9th cube slipped from the grasper and then ricochet off the sidewall and flattened my hard work.
Although the basic surgical skills course deals a low blow to the bank balance (currently ranging from £650-£700), If the 2 day course is implemented it might mean a reduction in cost. However, the course it self uses up a lot of resources including many consultant's time who have to give up their clinic/theatre list in order to tutor the trainees.
In summary, a very useful and a thoroughly enjoyable course that is not just for surgeons, but for any medical professionals who perform minor surgery (GP, Dermatologist, A&E etc).
The courses are usually very popular, and sell out months in advance, so i recommend contacting centres at the earliest oppurtunity to reserve your place.
Please visit the royal college of surgeons website for more information regarding the course http://www.rcseng.ac.uk/education/courses/basic_surgical_skills.html?searchterm=bss
Romesh
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Totally agree with Rom. I did the course at Charing cross in december and it was massively useful. Got to practise bowel anastamoses, tendon repairs and debridement on real animal tissue. Also get supervised by consultants/associate specialists who give you helpful tips and feedback on your technique. I especially enjoyed the vascular patch graft bit. It also seems that some of these skills do come up in part B of the MRCS exams which helps if you have been taught them as per royal college guidelines. It is rather pricey (I paid £625) but I reckon well worth it and you get to take home a DVD as well as booklet.
Amel
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