The programme consists of five modules as follows:
Module 1: Core Knowledge and Clinical Judgement
Case-based discussions: A consultant surgeon will discuss a surgical topic that is highly relevant to clinical practice and will cover not only clinical surgery but also the basic sciences, including relevant anatomy, physiology and pathology. This module builds off the Core Knowledge and Clinical Judgement module found in the BSPP with a focus on increasing the variety, depth and complexity of the cases while introducing ethical concerns.
- 10 x 1-hour monthly sessions (10 CPD points)
Module 2: Clinical Skills
Module 2 is delivered in the format of a virtual ward round. You will be assigned groups at the start of the year and will continue to work in these groups throughout the course. This will allow you to work together with peers in small groups to review clinical cases including vital signs, medications, and investigations. The group discuss differential diagnoses and then presents the case to the consultant as if presenting on a ward round. Feedback is provided by the consultant.
Simulated virtual ward rounds are an important means of clinical skills training and form important learning outcomes in the new Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum programme (Capabilities in Practice). These teaching sessions will include a blend of pre-course work and online classes.
- 10 x 1.5-hour sessions per year (15 CPD points)
Module 3: Personal and Professional Well-being
This module comprises of four half-day sessions (9:30am-1:30pm) focusing on emotional well-being, peer to peer support skills and emotional intelligence in both personal and professional settings.
- 4 x 1/2 day online sessions per year (15 CPD points)
Module 4: Clinical and Professional Communication Skills
Module 4 consists of two in-person OSCE style workshops. One full-day session will be held at the beginning of the year to evaluate students’ current communication skills and one full-day session at the end of the year to evaluate students improvement. These workshops will focus on clinical handover skills, calling in a consultant, breaking bad news and error disclosure.
Your skills will be evaluated by a consultant and a member of the Human Factors faculty, who will provide feedback on your performance from both a clinical and psychological standpoint
- 2 x full-days (in-person) per year (12 CPD credits)
Module 5: Critical Thinking and Professional Development
Critical thinking encompasses a journal club run four times a year focusing on important and new literature in the surgical field. You will learn how to critically assess these articles and use this information to adjust your practice, focusing on evidence-based medicine.
Professional development comprises one in-person day split between a CV clinic and a mock interview panel. You will receive a workshop on how to write and edit your current CV. This workshop will be held in April or May to allow you to adjust your CVs before applying for posts. You will also have the opportunity to attend a mock interview where you will apply for a position and be interviewed by consultants who will provide feedback on your performance and highlight areas of improvement.
- 4 x 1-hour sessions and 1 x full day session (in-person) per year (10 CPD credits)
You will also have access to an RCSI online course on Professional Behaviours and Patient Safety. Completion of this module provides a certificate worth 10 CPD credits. This module is not compulsory but is highly encouraged.
