Basic Surgical Principles and Practice Certificate

• High-quality, consultant-delivered education sessions
• Flexible learning with a blend of synchronous and asynchronous formats
• Learning designed to fit busy clinical schedules
• Syllabus-based education covering the core surgical curriculum and MRCS syllabus
• A mix of clinical, technical and non-technical skills
• Emphasis on clinical judgement and decision-making
• Education focused on developing skills for safer, better-quality patient care
• Access to a community of learners to enhance cohesion and collegiality
• Opportunities to connect with the NTSD group across Ireland
• Alignment with RCSI as a training buddy
• Pastoral care through access to personal well-being and career coaching
• Mentorship from a team of surgical and coaching experts

The programme consists of five modules as follows:

Module 1: Case Based Discussions

Case based discussions: A consultant surgeon will discuss a surgical topic which is highly relevant to clinical practice and will cover not only clinical surgery but also the basic sciences, including relevant anatomy, physiology and pathology.

• 9 x 1-hour monthly sessions = 9 CPD credits

Module 2: Virtual Ward Rounds

Module 2 is delivered as a simulated virtual ward round. Participants work in small peer groups to review clinical cases, including vital signs, medications, and investigations. The group discusses differential diagnoses and presents the case to a consultant, replicating a real ward‑round setting. Structured feedback is provided by the consultant. Simulated virtual ward rounds are a key method of clinical skills training and form an important learning outcome within the Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Programme (Capabilities in Practice). Teaching for this module includes a blend of pre‑course work and live online classes.

• 8 x 1.5 = 12 CPD credits

Module 3: Basic Surgical Skills

This is a two-day Basic Surgical Skills training module held face-to-face in 26 York Street, RCSI Dublin with surgical faculty leading both training days. This module also includes skill development in theatre etiquette.

• 2 days per year  = 14 CPD credits

Module 4: Professional Behaviours and Patient Safety 

As part of the programme, you will complete five sections from the RCSI online course ‘Professionalism in 21st-Century Medical Practice’. Each section takes about five hours to complete and is due every three months. For each section, you must complete the module and submit the certificate on Moodle. Each section is worth five CPD credits, which you should upload to your PCS portal when finished. This module aims to deepen your understanding and awareness of key issues in patient safety.

• 25 CPD credits

This course includes online live sessions on 'Caring for Yourself in Surgery' and 'Lifestyle Medicine'. All students will be offered monthly group drop-in sessions with a consultant surgeon and a surgical educationalist to consolidate learning from the clinical theme of the month.

Access to surgical mentorship, career coaching, personal well-being coaching and educational progression coaching will be provided by an expert team. The team consists of a surgeon and life coach, a surgical educationalist and life coach and a psychotherapist and coach.

Who can apply for the Basic Surgical Principles and Practice Certificate?

To be considered eligible for the programme, you must be:

1. Registered on the RCSI Continuous Professional Development Support Scheme (CPD-SS)
2. Working within the public health service
3. A surgical SHO.

What is the structure of this programme?

This is a one-year, part-time programme delivered between September 2026 and June 2027. The mode of learning will be 80% online and 20% in-person. Classes take place in the evening for one or one and a half hours, once a week.

Where does the in-person component take place?

The in-person component of the programme requires students to attend a two-day Basic Surgical Skills training course in 26 York Street, RCSI.

Is there any funding for this programme?

Yes, the cost of this programme is €2,240 – all of which is covered through the training funds that are available to NCHDs from the HSE.

• €990.00 is covered via the NCHD CPD funding which will be claimed directly from the HSE on behalf of the NCHDs. 
• The remaining balance of €1,250, which must be paid for the NCHD, can be covered by the Training Support Scheme (TSS) – a fund NCHDs will claim back directly from their hospitals TSS fund (this has been approved by HSE National Doctors Training and Planning).

How can I manage payment for this programme?

Payment can be made in instalments and the HSE have committed to pay any claims by the NCHD within four weeks of receipt.

What is the payment due date if I opt to pay the course fee in three instalments?

1 September, 1 November and 1 February.

If I am offered a place, how do I accept?

To accept your place on the Basic Surgical Principles and Practice Certificate, the first instalment of €500 must be paid by 1 September. Candidates may qualify for tax relief on fees paid and further information is available at revenue.ie.

How will this course help me in my career?

• Technical skills: Developing essential surgical skills, such as suturing, knot-tying, and the use of surgical instruments. These skills are fundamental for any surgical procedure.
• Safety and efficiency: By focusing on clinical judgement and decision-making.
• MRCS syllabus: The course content is aligned to the MRCS syllabus.
• Professional connections: Participation in the programme can provide networking opportunities with experienced surgeons, mentors, and peers, which can be invaluable for career advancement.
• Mentorship: Engaging with mentors can offer guidance, support, and advice on career development.

What times and days does this course take place?

Sessions take place virtually in the evening:

• Tuesdays: 5:30–6:30pm (1 hour online monthly session)
• Thursdays: 5:30–7pm (1.5 hour online monthly session)

What are the CPD credit points for this course?

Completion of this programme equates to 50 CPD Credits.

Are there limited spots on the programme?

Yes, limited places are available to ensure small class size. Early application is advised.

For further queries, please email the programme administrator at spp@rcsi.ie.