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Back to the Scalpel

Why take this course?

Back to the Scalpel is a new two-day immersive programme, designed to support surgical trainees returning to training after time away.

Returning successfully isn’t just about sharpening surgical skills—it’s about rebuilding confidence, balancing life, and feeling supported every step of the way.

This pilot programme is designed to make the transition smoother, safer, and stronger.

Surgeons share why supported return to work matters, and the advice they’d give to trainees walking this path.

  • £150.00
  • 2 Days
  • 9.00 CPD Points
£150.00
2 Days days
9.00 CPD Points

Suitability

The programme is suitable for all surgeons who have been out of training for at least four months.

The programme is open to:

  • specialty registrars
  • core surgical trainees
  • SAS surgeons
  • consultants
  • surgeons currently out of training.

Learning Outcomes

After attending this course, you will be able to:

  • List common challenges faced when returning to surgical practice and outline strategies to address them.
  • Demonstrate procedural responses encountered when returning to work in a safe scenario-based environment.
  • Describe support networks or resources available to returning surgical professionals, explaining how they can be accessed.
  • Apply non-technical surgical skills such as communication, teamwork and situational awareness during simulated surgical scenarios.
  • Create a personalised transition plan, outlining practical steps for reintegration into surgical practice.
  • Demonstrate leadership, assertiveness and conflict resolution skills.
  • Engage in reflective practice, producing reflections that show an insight into personal growth and peer support experiences.
  • Demonstrate increased confidence and personal style through role-play, peer feedback and reflective journaling.
     

Format

The course will include simulated scenarios, building situational awareness, observation and debriefing.

Day 1: The psychology of returning, work–life balance, reigniting research, SUPPORTT resources.

The day will include panel discussions and breakout sessions in small groups.

Day 2: Immersive AR simulation exploring non-technical skills and real trainee-led scenarios in the new Extended Reality Lab.

View the full programme


Additional Information

Course content

You will cover a variety of topics during this course, including:

  • Practical skills when returning to work
  • Overcoming barriers
  • Work-life harmony and surgical career progression
  • Reigniting research and professional development
  • The psychology of returning back to clinical practice
  • Reducing burnout risk on return.
 

Booking Options

Royal College Of Surgeons Courses

Fri
07
Nov
2025
-
Sat
08
Nov
2025
£150.00
LONDON, United Kingdom

07 Nov 2025
-
08 Nov 2025

Here is an overview of the programme

£150.00

Pricing notes:

Full price: £150.00
Fellow: £120.00 (20% Discount)

Course Fees:

Please note, we require full payment upon booking. Take a look at the cancellation policy first.

LONDON, United Kingdom

Location:

RCS - Bjorn Saven Centre for Surgical Education
LONDON
WC2A 3PE
United Kingdom
View in Google Maps

Book online

Before booking at the centre, please ensure you are logged in to your account or, if you do not have an account, have registered.

Before booking at the centre, please ensure you are logged in to your account or, if you do not have an account, have registered.

If you are interested in future dates, please email educationinnovation@rcseng.ac.uk.