Geordie score: the next generation of surgeons awarded for surgical skills

Two resident doctors in surgery from North East England, Larne Jones Whiting and Shreyas Supparamaniam have clinched the winning title in a national surgical skills competition, with 11 teams competing from across the UK. The winners of the 13th ‘Are You Cut Out For It?’ Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS England) surgical skills competition claimed the Louis Solomon Knights Award for Surgical Skills. They went head-to-head with competitors Matthew Brazkiewicz and Alok Mathew from the East Midlands, who were close runners up. 

Held at the RCS England headquarters in London, on Saturday 26 April, the national final saw teams compete in four initial rounds which tested their knowledge of anatomy, surgical ability, use laparoscopic surgery techniques, and communication and patient management skills. The final round was a head-to-head, in which they were assessed on their ability to perform more complex general and orthopaedic surgical procedures against the clock. 

The national competition is sponsored by Limbs & Things and The Honourable Society of the Knights of the Round Table. Founded by RCS England members Kathryn Ford and Lilli Cooper, the competition has expanded from a few regions to encompass teams in core surgical training from surgical schools across the United Kingdom. It is designed to put competitors, who are members or affiliate members of RCS England, through their paces in a friendly and collegiate environment.  

The winning duo who called themselves “Scalpel upon Tyne” were delighted with their success. Shreyas Supparamaniam who is currently working at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle said, “It was a wonderful learning opportunity. The competition was well-organised, and the stations were more sophisticated than I thought they would be. It was great to meet some of the core trainees from around the country.” 

This year’s competition was overseen by volunteer consultant judges, including Mrs Dorothy Kufeji, RCS England Council member. Commenting on the competition, she said: 

“It has been fantastic to see so many enthusiastic surgeons in training competing this year. It was inspiring to witness such skill, creativity and professionalism from all the finalists. 

“As a neonatal and paediatric surgeon, and previously a surgical tutor for RCS England, I know first-hand the dedication and commitment required to excel in this field. 

“The calibre of participants this year gives me great confidence in the future of our profession, and I look forward to seeing these talented individuals continue to thrive.” 

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. The Royal College of Surgeons of England provides world-class education, assessment, and development to 30,000 surgeons, dental professionals, and members of the wider surgical and dental care teams at all stages of their careers. Our vision is to see excellent surgical care for everyone. We do this by setting professional standards, facilitating research, and championing the best outcomes for patients. 
2. This competition is sponsored by Limbs & Things and The Honourable Society of the Knights of the Round Table. 
3. Photos of the winning duo are available on request. 
4. For more information, please contact the press office: telephone: 020 7869 6053/6054/6047; email: pressoffice@rcseng.ac.uk; out-of-hours media enquiries: 0207 869 6056. 

Notes to editors

The Royal College of Surgeons of England is a professional membership organisation and registered charity, which exists to advance surgical standards and improve patient care.

For more information, please contact the Press Office:

• Telephone: 020 7869 6047/6052
• Email: pressoffice@rcseng.ac.uk
• Out of hours media enquiries: 07966 486832