The College

Championing the highest standards of surgical and dental practice worldwide since 1505.

The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh

What We Do

As one of the world's leading surgical colleges, we are dedicated to developing the people behind our profession. We are here to support our members throughout every stage of their career. 

Education & Exams

The College offers a diverse range of Exams and Courses for healthcare professionals across various surgical specialties and dentistry. Explore the full selection of courses and exams available at RCSEd.

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The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh - Education & Exams

Career Hub

The College offers a variety of support and development opportunities for our membership and the wider healthcare community, covering various disciplines and career paths.

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The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh - Career Hub
The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh - Our Vision, Mission and Values
Our Vision, Mission and Values

Our policy and guidelines hub has a range of essential resources covering various topics pertinent to professional practice and surgical excellence.

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Global CARE Logo
Global CARE

Global CARE exists to address healthcare inequality worldwide by building sustainable surgical and dental capacity in communities suffering from chronic shortages of care. Through strategic partnerships and targeted initiatives, we ensure our projects create sustainable, long-lasting, and widespread impact.

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The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh - Patient Safety Group
Patient Safety Group

The Patient Safety Group (PSG) exists to ensure that the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) core professional standards, training and educational activities are focused on continuously improving patient safety and reducing harm, while coordinating the College’s approach to this global health priority.

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Our History

The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh - History and Vision
Our History

Discover the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd), the oldest surgical college in the world, and its journey since 1505 in advancing patient safety and surgical excellence.

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The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh - About Us
About Us

The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh is dedicated to improving patient safety and championing the highest standards of surgical and dental practice. Find out how we achieve this through our professional activities.

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The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh - History and Vision
History and Vision

Established in 1505, the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh is the oldest surgical College in the world. Learn about the origins of the College and how it has developed over the years.

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Clare McNaught
Our President

Dr Clare McNaught is the 177th and current president of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd).

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RCSEd Motto: 'Hinc sanitas' - 'From here, Health'
Code of Conduct

The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh's Code of Conduct reflects the College values and sets out the expected standards of ethics, probity and behaviour expected from the membership of the RCSEd.

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Leadership and Steering

Our Council 2025-2028
Our Council

The College’s Council Members come from a range of disciplines and represent the diverse interests across the profession.

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Our Board of Trustees

Our Board of Trustees is the governing body of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, responsible for the College’s governance and finances.

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The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh - Our Committees
Our Committees

The College hosts several committees that guide and give voice to various disciplines and topics of focus within the membership.

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The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh - Court of Regents
Court of Regents

The Court of Regents exists to provide informed but informal advice to the College on key areas of strategic importance, critical challenges and arising opportunities.

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The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh - Surgical Specialty Boards (SSBs)
Surgical Specialty Boards

Interest groups and surgical specialties are represented by 11 Surgical Specialty Boards (SSBs), which ensure that the membership's specialist professional interests have a voice within the College.

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The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh - Our Groups and Networks
Our Groups & Networks

The College has a range of groups and networks that members at all career stages can get involved with.

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Our Senior Leadership Team

The RCSEd Senior Leadership Team consists of the Chief Executive and six Directors, each leading a key department. Together, the team drives the College’s strategic vision, ensures high standards in surgical education and training, supports members and fosters partnerships to advance the College’s impact globally.

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RCSEd Hunter Doig Medal
Hunter Doig Women in Surgery Group

Through advocacy, mentorship and policy work, the group supports career growth and champions inclusive practice for women in surgery and dentistry.

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Our Faculties

Faculty of Dental Surgery
Faculty of Dental Surgery

The Faculty of Dental Surgery (FDS) promotes excellence in global oral health through education, examination and engagement. The Faculty's mission is for people across the world to have access to high quality dental care wherever they live.

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Faculty of Dental Trainers
Faculty of Dental Trainers

The purpose of The Faculty of Dental Trainers (FDT) is to enhance patient care and safety by promoting the highest standards of training in dentistry and to support trainers in developing their roles.

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Faculty of Surgical Trainers
Faculty of Surgical Trainers

The Faculty of Surgical Trainers (FST) is the first of its kind in the UK and its purpose is to help support and develop surgeons in their role as surgical trainers. It works to increase the profile and recognition of surgical education and training.

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Faculty of Perioperative Care
Faculty of Perioperative Care

Surgical Care Practitioners (SCPs) and Surgical First Assistants (SFAs) are an integral part of the modern surgical workforce. The aim of the Faculty of Perioperative Care (FPC) is to offer support and career development opportunities.

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Faculty of Pre Hospital Care
Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care

Pre-hospital care is a well-established branch of medicine practiced by a broad range of practitioners. The Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care's (FPHC) aim is to set and maintain clinical standards for all practitioners in this evolving specialty.

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Faculty of Remote, Rural and Humanitarian Healthcare
Faculty of Remote, Rural and Humanitarian Healthcare

The primary objective of the Faculty of Remote, Rural and Humanitarian Healthcare (FRRHH) is to improve the health outcomes of individuals living and working in remote, rural, austere and life threatening areas of the world.

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Membership

Join RCSEd as an Affiliate, Member or Fellow and make your mark in an organisation dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in surgical practice.

The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh - Join Us

Our Offices

Our offices support RCSEd Members and Fellows across the UK and internationally, with regional hubs in Birmingham and Kuala Lumpur.

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The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh - Our Office

Work For Us

The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh has a long and distinguished history, and is committed to providing a first class service to all its stakeholders. The College values the talents and abilities of its employees and seeks to foster an open, co-operative, friendly and dynamic environment in which employees and the College alike can thrive.

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The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh - Work For Us

Library and Archive

The College Fellows, Members and Affiliates have access to a well-resourced medical and surgical library, offering the latest in texts, journals, electronic resources and a wealth of fascinating historical stock dating from the 15th century to the present.

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The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh - Library and Archive