100 surgical trainees have taken part in the 2026 annual Surgical Bootcamp, which took place at the RCSI National Surgical and Clinical Skills Centre. The intensive course immersed the surgical trainees in the technical and non-technical skills they will need as they begin their practice as surgeons.

Now in its 14th year, the programme was developed by RCSI based on feedback from consultant surgeons and surgical trainees and is designed to better prepare trainees for their early clinical rotations.

This year’s programme was supported by over 40 faculty members from across a range of surgical specialities and emergency medicine, led by Dr Dara O’Keeffe, Director of Postgraduate Surgical Simulation and Skills. The programme has developed year-on-year, with this year’s bootcamp including a new anatomy lab session.

Ms O’Keeffe said: "Bootcamp 2026 has been a tremendous success. This innovative and hands-on programme is delivered by the team at Surgical Affairs, the Simulation team and our consultant surgeon trainers who, year after year, demonstrate unwavering commitment and enthusiasm.”

Technical skills including suturing, excision of skin lesions, bowel anastomosis and laparoscopic skills, were taught by experienced surgical faculty in a high trainee-to-trainer ratio.

Non-technical skills including teamwork, communication for informed consent and crisis management were also taught using interactive discussion sessions and high-fidelity simulation.

The format of the bootcamp ensures close feedback and guidance as these trainees learn new skills essential to surgical practice. All sessions were delivered in the state-of-the-art training facility at 26 York Street, with online work provided pre and post-course to reinforce the in-person training.

The Surgical Bootcamp programme builds surgical foundations for trainees and prepares them for their clinical rotations.

Surgical Bootcamp is supported by the Core Surgical Training and Education team with technical support from RCSI’s Simulation team.