Showcase Your Surgical Skills
The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) National Surgical Skills Competition is a prestigious annual competition designed to test and celebrate the practical abilities of medical students across the UK. Since 2011, this flagship event has inspired future surgeons, offering a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience, receive expert feedback and enhance your CV with national recognition.
Competitors demonstrate essential surgical techniques, from suturing and knot-tying to basic laparoscopic skills, in a supportive but competitive environment.
RCSEd National Surgical Skills Competition 2026/27
Put your surgical skills to the test and compete against medical students from across the UK in the RCSEd National Surgical Skills Competition. Develop your practical skills, gain expert feedback and showcase your potential as the next generation of surgeons.
Registration closed on Monday 12 October 2026.
Why Take Part in the RCSEd National Surgical Skills Competition
- Gain recognition from one of the world’s leading surgical colleges.
- Receive feedback and mentorship from experienced clinicians.
- Enhance your clinical skills and career prospects.
- Compete for prizes, including free affiliate membership with RCSEd.
Who Can Enter
The competition is open to medical students from UK medical schools who are interested in developing their surgical skills and exploring a future career in surgery.
What Our Previous Students Say
Hear from previous students about their experience taking part in the Surgical Skills Competition, what they learned and how the competition helped them develop their surgical skills and confidence.
Got to learn new skills myself that I would not get the opportunity to explore in this much depth at my medical school. It has motivated me to pursue a career in surgery.
Chandani R
I feel so much more equipped and have gained invaluable feedback on my skills from incredible surgeons. I have made friends for life who will hopefully be future colleagues. I feel even more determined to pursue a career in surgery, more motivated to enter more competitions and practice my skills.
Jodie B
I have gained confidence in my abilities and so now can arrive in theatre able to assist more often and more effectively
Charlie T
I have really gained a lot from this competition in terms of exposure and experience. Seeing peers who are driven and share common goals and dreams, everyone coming together to learn from each other. I would say that is the main takeaway for me. I strive to continue to grow and improve as every opportunity is a learning experience.
Chim W J
The competition has encouraged me to pursue more opportunities to learn and practise surgical skills at conferences and clinical skills session, and to be more involved in theatres, such as helping to close a wound with sutures. It has also helped me to consider specialties of interest more and the types of skills they will involve and hearing different peoples' experiences and work-life balance.
Marcelina G
This competition helped me polish my suturing skills and encouraged me to network with other medical students and aspiring surgeons. I was very inspired to further hone my technical skills due to the difficulty level of the stations. This competition helped me meet consultants from RCSEd who were all very encouraging and inspiring.
Khyatee M S
I have had the opportunity to network and meet some incredible people, which I know will benefit my future career. I have also greatly enhanced my overall surgical skill set.
Sandrina V
Past Winners of the Surgical Skills Competition
Competition Highlights and Gallery
UK Surgical Skills Competition
2025/26 RCSEd Surgical Skills Competition
RCSEd hosted the 2025/26 surgical skills competition, culminating in a grand final on 14 March 2026. Final year medical students from across the UK showcased their skills through quizzes, video submissions and live surgical challenges in Edinburgh.
Read here
2024/25 RCSEd & Medtronic Surgical Skills Competition
In partnership with Medtronic, RCSEd hosted the 2024/25 surgical skills competition, culminating in a grand final on 15 March 2025. Final year medical students from across the UK showcased their skills through quizzes, video submissions and live surgical challenges in Edinburgh.
Read here
2023/24 RCSEd & Medtronic Surgical Skills Competition
In partnership with Medtronic, RCSEd hosted the 2023/24 surgical skills competition, culminating in a grand final on 15 March 2024. Final year medical students from across the UK showcased their skills through quizzes, video submissions and live surgical challenges in Edinburgh.
Read here
2022/23 RCSEd & Medtronic Surgical Skills Competition
In partnership with Medtronic, RCSEd hosted the 2022/23 surgical skills competition, with thirty seven medical students competing. Richard Huynh from Newcastle University School of Medical Education won the title and received a prize trip to London to attend a Medtronic training event at the Centre of Excellence, along with a £200 Amazon voucher.
Read hereJoin the RCSEd Surgical Affiliate Network
Surgical Affiliate Network
Are you a student, foundation doctor or trainee? Affiliate with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and we will lead and support you at every step of your career journey. Being part of our affiliate network will also give you access to a wide range of benefits and opportunities that you might otherwise miss out on.
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