The programme consists of five modules as follows:
Module 1: Core Knowledge and Clinical Judgement
A consultant surgeon leads case-based discussions on surgical topics relevant to clinical practice. These sessions cover clinical surgery and the basic sciences, including anatomy, physiology and pathology. This module builds on the Core Knowledge and Clinical Judgement module from the Basic Surgical Principles and Practice (BSPP) programme, with a focus on greater variety, depth and complexity of cases, and the introduction of ethical concerns.
- 10 x 1-hour monthly sessions (10 CPD points)
Module 2: Clinical Skills
This module uses a virtual ward round format. You will be assigned to a group at the start of the year and will work together throughout the course. Groups review clinical cases, including vital signs, medications and investigations. The group discusses differential diagnoses and presents the case to the consultant, as on a ward round. The consultant provides feedback. Simulated virtual ward rounds are a key part of clinical skills training and are important learning outcomes in the Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum (Capabilities in Practice). Sessions include 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 includes four half-day online sessions (9:30am–1:30pm) focused on emotional well-being, peer support skills and emotional intelligence in personal and professional settings.
- 4 x 1/2 day online sessions per year (15 CPD points)
Module 4: Clinical and Professional Communication Skills
This module includes two in-person OSCE-style workshops. One full-day session takes place at the start of the year to assess your current communication skills. A second full-day session is held at the end of the year to evaluate your progress. These workshops focus on clinical handover, calling a consultant, breaking bad news and error disclosure.
Your skills are assessed by a consultant and a member of the Human Factors faculty, who provide feedback on your performance from both clinical and psychological perspectives.
- 2 x full-days (in-person) per year (12 CPD credits)
Module 5: Critical Thinking and Professional Development
Critical thinking is developed through a journal club held four times a year, focusing on important and new literature in surgery. You will learn to critically assess articles and apply evidence-based medicine in your practice.
Professional development includes one in-person day, split between a CV clinic and a mock interview panel. You will take part in a workshop on writing and editing your CV, scheduled in April or May to allow time for updates 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 and highlight areas for 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.
