We support your journey into and through a surgical or dental career, providing guidance, resources and opportunities at every stage of training and professional development.
From school pupils and medical or dental students exploring future careers, to trainees progressing through structured training pathways, and surgeons advancing in their careers, we provide tailored support to help you build skills, gain experience and plan your next step.
Whatever your stage, you can access information, training opportunities and College initiatives designed to support your development and progression in surgery and dentistry.
Explore how RCSEd can support your surgical career, discover the benefits of joining the College and take the next step towards becoming a member.
SupportEd
Welcome to SupportEd, the College’s support hub for individuals working in dental and surgical teams and for organisations involved in the development, delivery and regulation of surgical services. SupportEd will guide you through the various toolkits and support packages on offer from RCSEd.
SupportEd - Individuals
The College’s support hub for individuals working in dental and surgical teams. SupportEd will guide you through the various toolkits and support packages on offer from RCSEd.
Learn moreSupportEd - Organisations
The College’s support hub for organisations involved in the development, delivery and regulation of surgical services. SupportEd will guide you through the various toolkits and support packages on offer from RCSEd.
Learn moreStudents
As a student exploring a future in surgery or dentistry, you are beginning to build the knowledge, insight and experience that will shape your career.
We support you at this early stage with access to learning resources, career guidance and opportunities that help you explore clinical practice, understand training pathways and develop your interest in the profession.
Across our student community, you can connect with peers, access educational content and engage with opportunities that support your journey towards Affiliate membership and future progression into surgical or dental training.
Career Advice for Medical Students
Considering a surgical specialty? Explore our guidance to help inform your decision beyond graduation.
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Career Advice for School Pupils
Explore our career advice tailored for school pupils interested in pursuing a future in surgery.
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Edinburgh Surgery Online - Postgraduate Programmes
Run in partnership with the University of Edinburgh, the Edinburgh Surgery Online suite of Postgraduate eLearning programmes offers a range of options for surgeons at various stages of their training.
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RCSEd National Surgical Skills Competition
The RCSEd national surgical skills competition offers medical students the opportunity to demonstrate their surgical skills through a series of tests, competing against their peers from across the UK in a national setting.
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RCSEd National Dental Skills Competition
The RCSEd national dental skills competition offers dental students from across the UK and Ireland the chance to demonstrate their dental skills and represent their dental school in a national competition.
Learn moreTrainees
As a trainee, you are developing the skills, experience and confidence that will shape your future as a surgeon or dental professional.
We support your progression through training at every stage, from early career development through to preparing for examinations, building clinical capability and working towards Membership, with access to structured learning opportunities, guidance and professional support.
Across training, we provide opportunities to connect with peers, engage with experienced surgeons and access mentoring, networks and educational resources that support your development throughout your surgical career.
Trainees' Committee
The Trainees’ Committee of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh is dedicated to representing and advocating for trainees. It ensures that trainee perspectives are considered in all College activities.
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Foundation Trainees Surgical Societies UK (FTSS - UK)
The Foundation Trainees Surgical Societies UK (FTSS - UK) offer a forum and a platform for all junior doctors considering training in and a career in surgery. It also offers insight in to transitioning on to core surgical training.
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Intercollegiate Surgical Logbook
The Intercollegiate Surgical Logbook is managed by RCSEd and is a collaborative project of all four surgical royal colleges. The logbook has strong links to the JCST and the specialty associations. It provides a lifetime service to surgeons of all grades and specialties, as well as a growing number of allied healthcare professionals and students.
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Core Trainee Forum
The Core Trainee Forum was established by core surgical trainees, with the mission to enhance surgical training for those at the beginning of their careers.
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Surgical Education Research and Innovation Lab (SERI Lab)
In 2024, the College has launched a new group focused on surgical education research and innovation. The aim of the SERI Lab is to build a body of academic work to understand how best to equip tomorrow’s surgeons and teams to care for tomorrow's patients effectively, compassionately, excellently and safely, and to enjoy long and rewarding careers.
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Consultation Skills that Matter for Surgeons (CoSMoS)
The Consultation Skills that Matter for Surgeons (CoSM0S) page highlights the COSMOS programme, focusing on improving surgeon-patient communication, shared decision-making and cultural competence through structured training modules.
Learn moreMembers and Fellows
Our Members and Fellows are part of a global surgical community committed to advancing surgical practice, developing skills and contributing to excellence in patient care throughout their careers.
We support surgeons at every stage of their professional journey, from training and early career development through to senior leadership and fellowship, with access to guidance, structured training pathways and professional development opportunities.
Across both Members and Fellows, we provide opportunities to stay engaged with the College through mentoring, volunteering and participation in educational and professional activities that support the continued advancement of surgical standards worldwide.
Return to Work
Supporting surgeons returning to clinical practice with structured guidance, pathways and resources to rebuild confidence, refresh skills and re-engage with training, courses and professional development opportunities.
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Younger Fellows' Group
A network of younger consultants and senior trainees that connects members socially and professionally, supports involvement in College life and provides a platform to contribute views on key professional issues through the Younger Fellows’ Committee.
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Professional Reviews
Expert, independent advice provided by the College to support Trusts, Health Boards and healthcare organisations in addressing surgical performance concerns, improving practice standards and enhancing patient outcomes through structured professional review processes.
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Volunteering
Opportunities to contribute to the College’s mission through roles in education, training and examinations, including examiner, ambassador, committee and Council positions that support professional development and strengthen surgical standards.
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Surgical Mentoring Scheme
A structured mentoring programme connecting surgeons with trained mentors across the UK, designed to support career development, improve confidence and help participants progress towards training, examinations and key professional milestones.
Join hereInternational Students and Trainees
As an international student or trainee, you are exploring opportunities to develop your surgical or dental career within the UK training environment.
We provide guidance on training routes, eligibility and development pathways for international medical and dental graduates, helping you build experience, develop skills and progress within UK healthcare settings.
Through the International Postgraduate Deanery and related programmes, you can access structured support and opportunities to help you on your professional journey.
International Postgraduate Deanery
The International Postgraduate Deanery (IPD) is dedicated to supporting International Medical Graduates (IMGs) in their training within the UK, as well as assisting NHS Trusts and Health Boards in the development of international doctors.
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Learning Resources
The RCSEd Learning Resources hub provides access to a variety of educational materials, including webinars, e-learning modules, podcasts and videos.
Library and Archive
The College Fellows, Members and Affiliates have access to a well-resourced medical and surgical library, offering the latest in texts, journals, electronic resources and a wealth of fascinating historical stock dating from the 15th century to the present.
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Lightning Learning
The Lightning Learning series of concise yet informative educational vignettes aim to deliver impactful learning in just 5 to 10 minutes. Whether you’re a trainee or an established specialist looking to refresh your knowledge or gain new clinical insights, Lightning Learning is designed with you in mind.
Watch here
Acland Anatomy
A membership benefit providing access to a high-quality online anatomy resource, featuring over 300 narrated videos of real specimens to enhance anatomical knowledge.
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SHINE Surgical Ward Round Toolkit
The Surgical Ward Round Toolkit, aimed at enhancing patient safety on surgical wards, was developed through a collaborative effort between the Patient Safety Board of The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.
Learn moreNon-Technical Skills for Surgeons (NOTSS)
The non-technical skills of surgeons (NOTSS) play a significant role in patient safety. RCSEd is at the epicentre of an initiative to build a taxonomy and training system and raise awareness of the importance of NOTSS. This demonstrates our commitment to patient safety and why we support the World Health Organisation’s World Patient Safety Day.
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Professional Volunteer Appointments
Professional Opportunities
Find details of professional opportunities which may be of interest to you and your career. Learn more about each of our Professional Appointments and any current closing dates.
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Regional Surgical Adviser Vacancies
As the Regional Surgical Adviser Network goes from strength to strength we are inviting applications from UK based Fellows to join the Network. We are recruiting in all regions across the UK for succession planning. View the list of our current RSAs on the link below.
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Examiner Vacancies
Support excellence in healthcare by applying for examiner vacancies at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. We are seeking experienced surgical and dental professionals to join our expert panels and help shape the next generation of practitioners.
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Advisory Appointment Committees
Advisory Appointment Committees (AACs) are the process through which non-Foundation Trusts in England advertise and fill consultant level posts and function in accordance with the NHS (Appointment of Consultants) Regulations 1996 and Good Practice Guidance 2005. Find out more and become and AAC Participant below.
Learn moreFunding & Awards
The College is proud to support our surgical and dental community through an extensive portfolio of funding and award opportunities.
The portfolio, grounded in RCSEd’s aspiration to champion scientific innovation and encourage healthcare improvement, offers a wide range of funding for research, education and career development, as well as a large number of prestigious awards.
Proudly, our funding and awards portfolio has been made possible through partnerships with donors, charities and educational institutions across the globe.
Funding & Awards
Explore our funding and recognition portfolio, including research fellowships, travelling fellowships, grants, scholarships and bursaries. We also celebrate achievements through a prestigious portfolio of medals, lectureships, prizes, professorships and awards. Opportunities are open to Members and Fellows across all career stages and specialties.
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