Basic Surgical Principles and Practice
The RCSI Basic Surgical Principles and Practice Certificate is a blended learning programme that has been specifically designed for surgical doctors who are not currently on a formal training scheme. The programme provides structed educational support based on the blueprint of the Intercollegiate Core Surgical Curriculum and MRCS syllabus.
The certificate programme includes high quality, consultant led online sessions built around clinical cases. These cases are mapped to the surgical specialties, pathophysiology, and core skills outlined in the MRCS syllabus. Teaching methods include Case Based Discussions and Virtual Ward Rounds. The programme also includes the Basic Surgical Skills module which will be held face to face in 26 York Street over two days, where participants will cover technical surgical skills on 3 main areas: Open Surgery, Endoscopic Surgery and Laparoscopic Surgery.
RCSI is acutely aware of the work and family pressure placed on surgical doctors. To alleviate concerns about class attendance during this busy schedule, Module five is a self-directed module which will be based on the Human Factors curriculum and Professionalism and Patient Safety. Students can complete these modules on their own schedule.
The course also incorporates wellbeing supports to ensure participants are supported throughout their learning journey. These include an online session focused on maintaining musculoskeletal health in surgery, as well as access to life coaching sessions with a qualified professional coach, helping participants develop the resilience, balance, and professional skills required to become well rounded surgical trainees.
Participants will gain a blend of clinical, technical, and non-technical skills designed to support safer, high quality patient care, including:
• Clinical judgement and decision making
• Technical and practical surgical skills
• Communication, professionalism, and teamwork
• Case based learning aligned with the MRCS syllabus
• Access to a supportive network of NCHD learners across Ireland
• Alignment with RCSI as a trusted training and educational partner
Linda Keegan, PA-IC, MSc, BSc
Surgical Education
Specialist
Basic and Intermediate Surgical Principles and Practice Lead
Overview
The Basic Surgical Principles and Practice Certificate (BSPP) for NCHDs has been specifically designed for surgical doctors who are not currently on a formal surgical training programme. The purpose of the programme is to provide educational support in a structured way based on the blueprint of the Intercollegiate Core Surgical Curriculum.
Theprogramme covers the broad areas of:
1. Core Knowledge and Clinical Judgement
2. Clinical Skills
3. Basic Surgical Skills
4. Professionalism and Patient Safety
Aims and Objectives
This programme offers a comprehensive educational support system for NCHDs across Ireland. This support system will be delivered online primarily and will be housed on Moodle. This certificate course will be a high-quality structured programme which will deliver both live (synchronous) and asynchronous education episodes on a regular basis throughout the academic year.
Completion ofthis programme equates to 60 CPD points.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
This programme will utilize a blended approach to teaching. Teaching resources will be housed on the Moodle platform. Technical skills training will be delivered face to face on campus for two full days.
The online sessions will be live (synchronous) with Faculty present in the class. Pre-course reading and post course exercises will be required to be undertaken on top of attending online classes.
Duration
The Basic Surgical Principles and Practice Certificate is a one-year 80% online programme delivered between September 2026 and June 2027. Those whocomplete this successfully will become eligable for the next stage of the programme -RCSI’s Intermediate Surgical Principles and Practice programme.
I had a positive experience with the Basic Surgical Principles and Practice Certificate Programme!
The structure and content of the course seem to be well-aligned with the needs of surgical NCHDs, particularly in non-training posts. Having a curriculum that mirrors the Intercollegiate Core Surgical Curriculum and the MRCS examination syllabus is a valuable aspect, as it not only has helped me prepare for exams but has also improved my clinical practice.
The knowledge gained from the course has boosted my confidence and readiness for Specialty Training.
I highly recommend this course and encourage all non-training surgical NCHDs to consider this program as a means to enhance their skills and knowledge
Dr Syeda Amna Azim
Basic Surgical Principles and Practice Certificate, Alumni
Scholars Will Gain
• High-quality, consultant delivered education sessions
• Flexible learning, incorporating a blend of both synchronous and asynchronous
• Learning to fit in with busy clinical schedules
• Syllabus-based education. (Core Surgical Curriculum and MRCS syllabus)
• A blend of clinical, technical and non-technical skills
• A focus on clinical judgement and decision-making
• Education and learning which is geared towards the skills needed to provide safer and better-quality care for patients
• Access to a “community of learners” to enhance cohesion and collegiality among the NCHD group across Ireland
• Achieve alignment with RCSI as a training buddy
• Pastoral care through access to personal wellbeing career coaching and mentorships from a team of surgical and coaching experts
• Live online session titled “Caring for Yourself in Surgery,” featuring lectureled tips and studies to help surgeons maintain their musculoskeletal health
• Programme also offers the opportunity to book an online coaching session with a qualified coach
Modules
MODULE 1: CASED BASED DISCUSSIONS
The Case Based Discussions Module will build on the trainees core knowledge and clinical jugement. A Consultant Surgeon will discuss a surgical topic which is highly relevant to clinical practice and will cover not only Clinical Surgery but also the basic sciences, including relevant Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology. 9 x 1-hour monthly sessions, giving 9 CPD points.
MODULE 2: VIRTUAL WARD ROUNDS
Module 2 is delivered in the format of a virtual ward round. Participants work with peers in small groups to review clinical cases including vital signs, medications, and investigations. The group discuss differential diagnoses and then present the case to the Consultant as if presenting on a ward round. Feedback is provided by the Consultant. Simulated Virtual Ward Rounds are an important means of clinical skills training and form important learning outcomes in the new Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Program (Capabilities in Practice). These teaching sessions will include a blend of pre-course work and online classes. 9 x 1.5-hour sessions per year, giving 14 CPD points.
MODULE 3: BASIC SURGICAL SKILLS
This is a two-day Basic Surgical Skills training module held face-to-face in No 26 York Street, RCSI, with surgical faculty leading both training days. This module also includes skill development in Theatre Etiquette. 2 days per year giving 14 CPD points.
MODULE 4: PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOURS AND PATIENT SAFETY
As part ofthe programme,you will complete five sections from the RCSI online course“Professionalism in 21st-Century Medical Practice”. Each section will take approximately 5 hours to complete and will be due every three months.For each section,you are required to complete the module and submit the corresponding certificate on Moodle. Each section is worth 5 CPD credits,which should be uploaded to your PCS portal upon completion.The primary aim ofthis module is to deepen your understanding and awareness of key issues related to patient safety.
Wellbeing Supports
This course will include online live sessions on “Caring for yourself in surgery” and “Lifestyle medicine.” Access to Surgical Mentorship/Career Coaching/Personal Wellbeing Coaching/ Educational Progression Coaching will be provided by an expert Team consisting of a Surgeon/Life Coach, Surgical Educationalist/Life Coach and a Psychotherapist/Coach.
COACHING (OPTIONAL)
Coaching is different to psychotherapy or counselling in that it is present and future focused and does not spend too much time dealing with the past. Coaching is also not advice: rather, through the powerful coaching process, answers will come to you from deep within yourself. Coaching is practical and focuses on taking the next right step. If you seek clarity, feel stuck or need change, Coaching is a great solution-focused way of finding what you seek.
In order to make the most of your coaching session, keep these tips in mind.
• Have an open mind and be open to new perspectives
• Challenge your traditional way of thinking
• Be vulnerable and honest with your coach
• Follow-up on any actions outlined in your coaching session
• Identify your core values and what’s most important to you
Benefits of coaching
• Better self-confidence.
• A growth mindset.
• Improved self-awareness.
• Improved relationships and communication skills.
• Better clarity and purpose.
• Improved overall well-being.
• Lower stress levels (and better resiliency).
• In essence all coaching is aimed at selectively changing behaviours to get better results.
However, the following distinctions may help you better understand some important differences between life, wellbeing and career coaching.
Life Coaching may include
• Life coaching serves as a guide through various aspects of your life
• Life Coaching is focused on personal growth and professional development
• Life Coaching focuses on achieving goals, behavior changes, shifting perspectives, and overall self-improvement.
• Life coaching may focus on personal growth, finances, relationships – family and friends
Wellbeing Coaching may include
• Actively pursuing higher levels of health
• Healthier Eating
• Exercise
• Stress Management
• Sleep
• Connections
Career Coaching may include
• Guidance around how to make a career change
• Ways to formalize your career planning goals
• Identifying career objectives
• Creating a plan to help land your dream job
• Interview and job search strategies
Cost €300. Evening sessions available.
https://rcsi.arlo.co/w/courses/1230-career-wellbeing-coaching
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
To be considered eligible for the programme, you must be:
1. Registered on Continuous Professional Development Support Scheme (CPD_SS)
2. Work within the Public Health Service
3. Surgical SHO
(Doctors working in the private health service will also be considered for this programme.)
FEES
The total cost is €2,240
€990 is covered via the NCHD CPD funding which will be claimed back directly from the HSE on behalf of the NCHD’s.
Candidates will need to pay the remaining balance of €1,250 which can be paid in three instalments. NCHDs can claim the €1,250 fee back directly from their hospitals as this certificate is approved by HSE NDTP under the Training Support Scheme (TSS).
As a Core Surgical Trainee and former Non-Consultant Hospital Doctor (NCHD) outside the formal training scheme, I can genuinely attest to the value the Basic Surgical Principles and Practice Certificate brought to my career development.
The program served as a cornerstone during a critical period in my surgical journey, bridging the gap between clinical service and structured training. The comprehensive curriculum, including virtual ward rounds, case-based discussions, and exposure to various surgical subspecialties, was both engaging and highly practical. It encouraged clinical reasoning, teamwork, and adaptability in simulated settings that mirrored real-life challenges. These experiences not only enhanced my critical thinking and technical knowledge but also strengthened my communication and leadership skills—key attributes for succeeding in surgical training.
The insights and confidence I gained through BSPP supported my successful application and interview for Core Surgical Training in Ireland. It gave me a competitive edge and a strong foundation to build upon as I take this next step in my career.
I would highly recommend this program to any NCHD with aspirations to pursue surgery. Whether you're preparing for CST or simply seeking to refine your surgical acumen, this well-structured course offers the tools, exposure, and mentorship needed to grow and thrive in today’s dynamic surgical environment.
Dr Kristali Ylli
Basic Surgical Principles and Practice Certificate, Alumni. Current Core Surgical Trainee, Ireland
Provisional Course Schedule 2026-2027
Please note: This schedule is provisional. Dates may change.
The course administrator will send you the confirmed schedule upon registration.
Theme/Topic
September:
General Surgery / Urology
October: Colorectal Surgery
November:
General Surgery / Emergency Surgery
January: Colorectal Surgery / Emergency Surgery / Urology
February: Colorectal Surgery
Day and Date
Thursday, 3 September 2026
Tuesday, 15 September 2026
Thursday, 24 September 2026
Tuesday, 6 October 2026
Thursday, 22 October 2026
Tuesday, 3 November 2026
Thursday, 19 November 2026
Tuesday, 12 January 2027
Thursday, 28 January 2027
Tuesday, 9 February 2027
Thursday, 18 February 2027
Thursday, 25 February 2027
Friday, 26 February 2027
Induction
BSPP Core Knowledge/Clinical Judgement – Case Based Discussion
March:
General Surgery / Hepatobiliary Surgery
Tuesday, 9 March 2027
Thursday, 25 March 2027
BSPP Core Knowledge/Clinical Judgement – Case Based Discussion
Virtual Ward Rounds
BSPP Core Knowledge/Clinical Judgement – Case Based Discussion
Virtual Ward Rounds
BSPP Core Knowledge/Clinical Judgement – Case Based Discussion
Virtual Ward Rounds
BSPP Core Knowledge/Clinical Judgement – Case Based Discussion
Virtual Ward Rounds
Basic Surgical Skills
Basic Surgical Skills
Virtual Ward Rounds 17:30–18:30 17:30–18:30 17:30–18:30 17:30–18:30 17:30–18:30 17:30–19:00 17:30–19:00 8:3017:00 8:3017:00 17:30–19:00 17:30–19:00 17:30–18:30 17:30–18:30
BSPP Core Knowledge/Clinical Judgement – Case Based Discussion
Virtual Ward Rounds
17:30–18:30 17:30–18:30
Theme/Topic Session
April: Upper GI Surgery
May: Emergency Surgery
June: Emergency Surgery
Day and Date
Tuesday, 6 April 2027
Thursday, 22 April 2027
Tuesday, 4 May 2027
Thursday, 20 May 2027
Monday, 7 June 2027
Thursday, 15 June 2027
BSPP Core Knowledge/Clinical Judgement – Case Based Discussion
Virtual Ward Rounds
BSPP Core Knowledge/Clinical Judgement – Case Based Discussion
Virtual Ward Rounds
Caring for Your Musculoskeletal Health
BSPP Core Knowledge/ Clinical Judgement - Case Based Discussion 17:30–18:30 17:30–18:30 17:30–18:30 17:30–18:30 17:30–18:30 17:30–18:30
BASIC Surgical Principles and Practice Certificate (BSPP)
To be considered eligible for the programme, you must be:
• Registered on Continuous Professional Development Support Scheme (CPD-SS)
• Work in the Public Health Service
• Work as a Surgical SHO
INTERMEDIATE Surgical Principles and Practice Certificate (ISPP)
Applicants who have previously successfully completed the BSPP programme will be automatically eligible to the ISPP and will be given preference upon application. This programme is aimed at experienced SHOs (2 years experience) and junior Registrars.
COMING SOON >>> Advanced Surgical Principles and Practice Certificate (ASPP)
The Advanced Surgical Principles and Practice Certificate will be open to those that have successfully completed the Intermediate level.
RCSI