RCSEd National Student Surgical Skills Competition Finalists 2016-2017
Name |
University |
Heat |
Quote |
---|---|---|---|
Jonathan Strickland |
University of Aberdeen | Aberdeen |
"It was wonderful surprise to have made it through after an afternoon working with some fantastic surgeons and other students. I feel proud to have had people for whom I have such high respect, praise me for my surgical skills. |
Conor Aldworth |
Queen's University Belfast | Northern Ireland | "I was initially quite surprised but am truly delighted to have made it through to the final. I felt there were a lot of strong candidates at the Belfast heat, all the participants in my circuit appeared to be sailing through the tasks so I really was not expecting to hear my name when the winner was announced. However, winning the heat has given me great confidence and motivation to compete in the final. I wish to pursue a career in Orthopaedic surgery and I hope that my success in the competition reflects some aptitude for this. The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh is a world renowned organisation with a reputation for excellence in surgical practice. Making it through to the final of an RCSEd competition will undoubtedly be a strong addition to my CV that will hopefully attract the attention of interviewers when applying for a surgical training programme." |
Chris Barr |
University of Bristol | Bristol |
"Winning a competition like this, as an undergraduate, would have fantastic CV boosting prospects. I'm very committed to a career in surgery and I hope that getting involved in events like this shows that commitment. I think it's really fantastic that everyone who came gets affiliate membership and a certificate as that will really show interest in a surgical career started early whilst still at medical school." |
Charlotte Maden |
Cardiff University | Cardiff | |
Alex North |
University of Dundee | East of Scotland | "It was a great experience overall. It was fantastic to witness the high standard of surgical skills on show from the students at Dundee University, and it is a testament to the surgical professionals who enthusiastically give their time, and also to the surgical society (DUSS) who run many great events to engage students in surgical teaching. I was surprised to win, it hadn’t really occurred to me that I would have a chance of qualifying for the final from a heat of such talented individuals." |
Ben Jones |
Brighton and Sussex Medical School | Eastbourne |
"I’m looking forward to going to Edinburgh for the Final. It’s really encouraging to have won as I’ve always felt deficient in basic skills like suturing and knot tying so I’ve got more confidence to be a junior doctor in A&E now! |
Deep Sarode |
University of Edinburgh | Edinburgh |
"I thoroughly enjoyed this experience as it allowed me to become more comfortable with the wide variety of skills taught and tested. The staff and other competitors were extremely friendly and this helped to create a relaxed learning atmosphere. Some tasks were definitely very challenging, though I feel that learning through experience is a great way of picking up and developing skills. |
Sophia Nemer |
University of Glasgow | Glasgow |
"It is fantastic to have the opportunity to compete in the final. I was very surprised at winning the Regional Heat as there were many strong participants but I am very much looking forward to seeing what challenging tasks the final brings. |
Niamh Brady |
University of Manchester | Lancashire |
"I feel very lucky to have made it through to the final as it is a singular opportunity to gain hands on experience. I found the experience of competing in the regional round a fascinating and engaging experience. This experience will greatly help me gain insight into what a surgical career entails. Affiliating with the College will be a fantastic way to be part of a prestigious network which has already provided me with a unique experience. Being in with a chance in the final is a very exciting prospect." |
Marina Ransome |
University of Leicester | Leicester |
"I am very pleased, I did not expect to do anywhere near as well as I did and was actually attending the competition as a learning opportunity. I found certain aspects of the competition challenging, the laparoscopic station in particular got my heart going. It was an excellent opportunity to experience a little bit of what laparoscopic surgery is like. |
Jack Gao |
King's College London | London |
"I am both excited and surprised to have secured a place in the final round of the Surgical Skills Competition. I initially entered the competition because it sounded like an interesting experience, offering me the opportunity to practise skills that I would not encounter as frequently at medical school. Attending the final round will offer me the privilege of challenging myself further with new experiences as well as allowing me to visit the beautiful and historic city of Edinburgh. |
Dan Pearson |
University of Liverpool | Mersey | "It was a complete shock to me to make it to the final of the Surgical Skills Competition. This experience has certainly given me confidence in my surgical skills and stokes the motivation to one day become a surgeon. I feel that this competition would definitely enhance the C.V. of any application received for a surgical post in the future. It would be wonderful to achieve this and to have the rare opportunity to demonstrate both your hands-on skills and your passion for a career in surgery." |
Rashpal Singh Reehal |
Newcastle University | North of England | "I know a few of the other participants and knew that they were very skilled; we did a laproscopic skills competition at Newcastle University in April of this year, which I won by a narrow margin. From this, I knew that those guys and girls would come in strong, so I wasn’t really expecting to win. To make it through to the finals means a lot to me and I’m very proud of the achievement." |
Lynn Zheng |
Cambridge University | Norwich |
"I was impressed by the high quality of all the competitors at the East of England heats and therefore it was a real surprise to be awarded first place. I am delighted to be able to represent Cambridge in the nationals and am looking forward to meeting other students with similar interests from around the country who I am sure will be among my colleagues one day! |
Eirion Slade |
Oxford University | Oxford |
"Surgeons have a unique privilege in being able to make a huge difference to the lives of their patients with a single operation. It was this that drove me to abandon a promising career in physics and spend another four years studying to become a doctor. In such circumstances, it was natural to be a little anxious about my innate ability in the skill that I staked my career on. It is therefore an enormous relief to have my surgical skills validated, and be given the opportunity to develop them further, especially in a competitive context." |
Conor Jones |
Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry | Plymouth |
"It is a real honour to have made it through to the final of this competition. I am excited to meet the other finalists and look forward to whatever challenges await us in the final. |
Christian Grimes |
University of Southampton | Southampton |
"I had some experience in performing basic surgical skills before, so the practical aspects of the competition were really enjoyable and allowed me to relax a little. However, the NOTSS section was unusual and pretty challenging, relying on keeping calm under pressure. |
Zach Shellman |
Keele University | West Midlands |
"I was shocked initially but that’s given way to a real sense of accomplishment. More than anything I feel it’s a privilege to represent Keele University and the West Midlands at a national competition. I think reaching the final of the Surgical Skills Competition demonstrates an early proficiency in manual and instrumental techniques vital for a career in surgery." |
Alexandra Yates |
University of Sheffield | Yorkshire |
"I am delighted to have qualified for the final. This achievement is a great impetus for me to continue my pursuit of a surgical career, and it is highly rewarding to receive feedback that I have demonstrated an aptitude for some of the skills that are central to the field. |