The RCSEd Surgical Skills Competition offers final-year 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.
Challenges range from suturing and knot-tying to basic laparoscopic techniques.
Running since 2011, the competition is a highlight of the College calendar and a valuable opportunity for the College to engage with and support the next generation of surgeons. Students benefit not only from national recognition and feedback from experienced clinicians but also by gaining hands-on experience, enhancing their CVs and developing confidence in their surgical abilities.
Previous Competition Winners
2024/25 Surgical Skills Competition
The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd), in partnership with Medtronic, proudly hosted the 2024/25 Surgical Skills Competition, culminating in a Grand Final on Saturday 15 March 2025. Designed to test and celebrate the practical abilities of final-year medical students, the competition began with an online quiz, followed by a video submission of suturing techniques using a surgical skills kit. The top student from each medical school was invited to Edinburgh to take part in a series of hands-on surgical tasks assessed by experienced clinicians.
Congratulations to all this year’s finalists. Check back later this year for details on how to enter the 2025/26 competition.
Competition Highlights
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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