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 opens: Thursday 27 August 2026
Registration closes: Monday 28 September 2026
Registration
Deadline: 28 September 2026
Click the button below to register for the 2026/27 RCSEd National Surgical Skills Competition.
Register hereWhy 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.
RCSEd Suturing Pack Instructions and Video Guide
Learn how to make the most of your competition suturing kit. Watch the instructional video below for step-by-step guidance.
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.
Join now