Professor Robin Paton, RCSEd Vice President, writes on how the current uncertainty and instability in the world can affect the successful delivery of certain examinations.
The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh undertakes Surgical and Dental examinations in many countries around the globe. In addition to organising examinations, there may be examiner assessments, hospital accreditations and educational activities in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Qatar, China, Egypt and the UAE. Surgical examinations include the Intercollegiate MRCS & until recently the Intercollegiate International FRCS. The Joint Surgical Fellowship FRCSEd (in several surgical specialities) is run with partner organisations in Hong Kong, Singapore and in Malaysia. The Faculty of Dental Surgery uses many international centres for their extensive suite of speciality examinations. The College has an international office Putrajaya, near Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. This is our international hub in the ASEAN region.
Unfortunately, due to the many conflict zones around the world, examinations in some countries have had to be suspended indefinitely as the safely of our staff and volunteers must be paramount. These countries include Sudan and Myanmar. In March and April, due to increasing political tensions and regional instability, two examinations had to be cancelled: Membership in Implant Dentistry in Dubai and the MRCS Part B in Karachi.
In the spring of 2026, the escalation of the current global tensions caused major disruption to the flights serving the Middle East and Indian Sub-Continent. The British Government released travel advice informing British Citizens not to travel to the UAE and insurance cover was withdrawn for those planning to travel to this region. The examination department sprang into action and aided by Surgeons Quarter Travel, they worked long hours reviewing the existing travel arrangements and where necessary booked alternative flights that avoided the Middle East airport hubs. Where UK examiners were unable to travel to upcoming international examinations, local examiners were recruited. This was not an easy task; rerouted flight availability was changing rapidly, and costs were rising by the hour. I would like to thank them for their dedication and engagement in completing these onerous tasks. The College very much appreciates their skills, positivity and professionalism in running our extensive suite of examinations in the UK and internationally. I would also wish to thank the volunteer examiners and assessors for their understanding, help and cooperation in dealing with this complex situation. These examinations are only possible due to their skills, knowledge and dedication.
There are interesting lessons from the past. The Covid pandemic prevented international travel. However, by working innovatively with our partners abroad, there was the successful completion of some international dental and surgical examinations diets. A good example of this innovation was in the Hong Kong JSF FRCS T&O examination. The viva voce part of the exam in Hong Kong was undertaken by experienced local examiners who were ably supported by local cross specialty assessors. In Edinburgh, QA assessors reviewed the viva part of the examination by video link. This required interacting with the examination process at 3.00 am in the morning in the UK, due to the time differences between the two centres! Both the Edinburgh and the cross-speciality assessors completed QA reports confirming that the high standard of the examination was maintained.
The future of international travel is currently uncertain. Most examinations should be able to continue, though flights to the examination centres may become more circuitous and expensive. As always, the College will be flexible and shall adapt to the environment, but without reducing standards. The dedication and skills of the College staff, volunteer examiners and assessors are key to the successful delivery of international examinations and College educational activities.
Professor Robin Paton, RCSEd Vice President