In this blog, one of our finalists from the previous RCSEd National Surgical Skills Competition, Charlie Thompson shares his highlights from the competition. He explains why making it to the finals proved to be such a memorable experience for him and how entering the competition showed him how exciting a career in surgery can be.
So glad to have been a finalist in the RCSEd Surgical Skills Competition for 2025/26, representing Peninsula Medical School.
It was one of those experiences that really drives home just how much there is left to learn, and how varied and exciting a career in surgery can be. We moved from very familiar suturing stations to more applied skills such as tendon repair, external fixation, and laparoscopy. Then there were the slightly more unexpected challenges, including tourniquet application and even a game of Operation!
The most valuable part of the competition for me was being supervised so closely by consultants. It is amazing that we now live in a time where you can learn the basics of surgical skills at home through YouTube - but having a consultant watch every movement and draw on years of experience to point out the smallest adjustments is something completely different. They gave their full attention while assessing us, then highlighted ways to improve that I would never have noticed on my own.
Outside of the competition, it was just as special. Meeting students from every medical school across the UK made it a really memorable weekend. The RCSEd museum was a highlight, and getting to try the da Vinci system for the first time was great fun. Although it’s safe to say I will stick to training with my own hands for now before trusting myself with a robot!
A huge thank you to the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh for organising such a brilliant event, and for providing our travel, accommodation, catering, and celebration afterwards. That support enabled many of us to attend who otherwise may not have been able to do so. It meant a lot to feel so valued and be part of something that invests so much in our learning and future careers.
Charlie Thompson, Surgical Skills Competition 2025/26 Finalist
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 closes: Monday 28 September 2026
