PROGRESS Women in Surgery Fellowship
RCSI has a strong record in surgical training, with our graduates holding leading roles worldwide. We have led the way in developing transparent selection for future surgeons.
However, despite over 20 years of gender parity among medical graduates, the number of female consultant surgeons in Ireland remains low. Almost a decade ago, we published the PROGRESS report, highlighting this issue and recommending actions to make surgery an attractive career for all.
Published in 2017, this comprehensive report from the Gender Diversity Short Life Working Group outlines key drivers for change to achieve gender parity in surgery in Ireland.
Download the report Download the reportAbout the fellowship
As part of our work to improve career pathways for women, we have offered the PROGRESS Women in Surgery Fellowship. The recipient of this bursary receives a one-year €45,000 Fellowship, the RCSI PROGRESS Fellowship Medal and their name on the Fellowship in Surgery board at RCSI. The award is presented at the annual RCSI Charter Day Meeting and is supported by Johnson & Johnson MedTech.
How to apply
Among the criteria which the selection board will consider in making recommendations will be:
- Academic and training record of the applicant
- Reputation of the international host institution
- Defined curriculum and learning outcomes of the Fellowship
- Value of learning experience to surgical practice on the island of Ireland
- How the applicant will use their time, during and after the Fellowship, to promote female participation in surgery
Eligibility
Applications will be considered from the following:
Applicants who have received a confirmed offer of an international fellowship opportunity that will commence no later than the end of 2025.
and
Female Fellows of RCSI (in good standing), who have been awarded their CSCST in the island of Ireland within the previous five years
or
Female surgical trainees who, at the date of application, are at such an advanced stage of surgical training on the island of Ireland that they will be in receipt of a CSCST on or before the end of December 2026 and are also Fellows of RCSI (in good standing)*
* The assessment board reserves the right to contact the TPD and JCST to ensure that there is no impediment to the applicant receiving a CSCST on or before the end of 2026.
Applications are now closed for the 2026 Fellowship. Applications for 2027 will open in due course.
The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Provide the College with a full report within three months of completing the Fellowship
- Provide the College with regular updates during the Fellowship, which can be used in internal and external communications by RCSI
- Use the Fellowship to promote a career in surgery for females
- Present a report of the Fellowship at two or more RCSI or international meetings
- Acknowledge the support of RCSI in any publication arising as a result of the Fellowship
- Return to substantial public practice in Ireland after completing the Fellowship
