Let's Talk Surgery: The RCSEd Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, host Sesi Hotonu speaks to Miss Felicity Arthur, post CCT paediatric surgery fellow in colorectal surgery on the FRCS (Paeds) examination. They discuss general preparation advice, the format and structure of the examination, key revision resources, and top tips for success including self-care and dealing with failure.

Enjoyed this episode of Let’s Talk Surgery from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh?

• Listen to Let's Talk Surgery: The RCSEd Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other major platforms.
• Feedback or topic suggestions: lts@rcsed.ac.uk
• Become an RCSEd member: rcsed.ac.uk/the-college/join-us
• Courses, exams and training opportunities: rcsed.ac.uk/education-exams
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Everyone needs a mentor and everyone should be a mentor to someone! Emma Stapleton (RCSEd Lead for Mentoring) and Lisa Hadfield-Law tell you all you need to know about the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh's mentoring scheme, emphasising the importance of defining mentoring distinctly from coaching and other forms of support. The speakers discuss the transition to online mentoring, the expectations of mentees, and the significance of diversity in mentoring relationships.

The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh's mentoring scheme offers a structured approach to mentorship that empowers trainees and young consultants.

If you want to be a mentor or a mentee, click here to sign up RCSEd Surgical Mentoring Scheme

Enjoyed this episode of Let’s Talk Surgery from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh?

• Listen to Let's Talk Surgery: The RCSEd Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other major platforms.
• Feedback or topic suggestions: lts@rcsed.ac.uk
• Become an RCSEd member: rcsed.ac.uk/the-college/join-us
• Courses, exams and training opportunities: rcsed.ac.uk/education-exams
• Follow RCSEd for news and updates: Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok

"A Coffee Room Chat in ENT", from RCSEd and ENT UK, returns with a discussion on attic reconstruction in Cholesteatoma surgery and how to get it right. Produced in collaboration with the British Society of Otology, this episode features expert insights from Mr Peter Monksfield and Ms Pria Achar, introduced by Mr Amar Rajgor, ENT UK Trainee Podcast Lead, and Mr James Tysome, ENT UK Director of E-Learning.

Enjoyed this episode of Let’s Talk Surgery from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh?

• Listen to Let's Talk Surgery: The RCSEd Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other major platforms.
• Feedback or topic suggestions: lts@rcsed.ac.uk
• Become an RCSEd member: rcsed.ac.uk/the-college/join-us
• Courses, exams and training opportunities: rcsed.ac.uk/education-exams
• Follow RCSEd for news and updates: Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok

In this episode of Surgical Crossroads, the podcast ventures into the high-stakes world of neurosurgery with guests William Taylor, Aditaya Kumar, and Sanskrithi Sravanam. Consultant William Taylor shares insights from his 35-year career, reflecting on the evolution of neurosurgical training and his shift from spinal to skull base surgery. Aditaya, a senior trainee in Glasgow, explores the intricate approaches to skull base pathologies and draws philosophical parallels to surgical practice. Sanskrithi, an FY1 doctor with international exposure and a passion for diversity, offers a fresh perspective from the early stages of training.

The episode emphasizes neurosurgery’s competitiveness, the value of diverse skills like music or sport, and the necessity of genuine passion to thrive in such a demanding specialty.

Hosted by Greg Ekatah, Sesi Hotonu and Sadie Khwaja produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub Ltd.

On the back of the recent World Patient Safety day, Tom Weiser, Trauma and General Surgeon at Stanford joins the Let’s Talk Surgery Podcast to talk some of his landmark patient safety initiatives including developing the WHO Surgical Checklist, and Lifebox (www.lifebox.org).

Extremely fascinating, charismatic and inspiring reflections of his journey and the impact of these patient safety initiatives as well as what the future holds. One top tip shared - “When you don’t know what to do, do what you know until you know what to do…”

In this Surgical Crossroads episode, the spotlight is on orthopaedic surgery with guests Sanjay Anand, Haroon Rehman, and FY1 doctor Dillon Vyas. Sanjay, a specialist in knee and sports injuries, combines clinical work with academic research and is passionate about teaching through collaborative team meetings. Haroon, an ST8 registrar and advocate for training and patient safety, draws satisfaction from the tangible impact orthopaedics has on patients’ recovery. Dillon, originally interested in neurosurgery, found his calling in orthopaedics and actively contributes to medical education through award-winning initiatives.

The discussion highlights the specialty’s diversity, the power of mentorship, and the importance of seizing developmental opportunities, with the enduring message to follow your genuine interests to find your path.

Hosted by Greg Ekatah, Sesi Hotonu and Sadie Khwaja produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub Ltd.

With increasing calls for medical report writing and being an expert witness training to be mandated, Sesi and Greg are joined by Isabel Litherland (Solicitor from Bond Solon), and Aidan Fitzgerald, Consultant plastic surgeon and convenor of education at RCSED. We take a deep dive into all aspects of being an expert witness, tips and pitfalls as well as the upcoming introductory course on expert witness training. Worth a listen!

In this Surgical Crossroads episode of the Let’s Talk Surgery podcast, the focus is on urology, featuring Consultant Neil Fenn and registrar Kamran Hag. Neil, a leader in urological training and minimally invasive surgery in Wales, shares his journey from general surgery to subspecialising in urological oncology, highlighting advancements such as robotic-assisted procedures and his role in curriculum development. Kamran recounts his rapid progression into urology following early exposure during core training and his aspirations in renal cancer.

The episode offers a detailed look at urology’s wide procedural range, the growing importance of robotics, and its reputation for being welcoming and supportive. It encourages early hands-on experience and involvement in professional societies to explore this versatile and rewarding specialty.

Hosted by Greg Ekatah, Sesi Hotonu and Sadie Khwaja produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub Ltd.

In this episode of Surgical Crossroads, hosts Sesi Hotonu and Sadie Khwaja explore general surgery with guests Jane Macaskill, Kellie Bateman, Syed Zaidi, and fellow host Greg Ekatah. Jane, a breast surgeon in Tayside, shares how early inspiration and a passion for patient care led her to her specialty, including global health work in Palestine. Kellie, a registrar in Wales, highlights the supportive environment in general surgery and her involvement in leadership and training improvement. Foundation trainee Syed reflects on the rewarding transition from student to practitioner and encourages hands-on exploration of specialties. Greg offers insight into the training pathway and his enthusiasm for colorectal surgery and robotics.

The episode emphasizes proactivity, persistence, and embracing the diversity and opportunities within general surgery.

Hosted by Greg Ekatah, Sesi Hotonu and Sadie Khwaja produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub Ltd.

In this Surgical Crossroads episode of the Let’s Talk Surgery podcast, hosts speak with cardiothoracic surgeons Sridhar Rathinam, Gill Hardman, and Edward Caruana about their career journeys and insights into this demanding specialty. Sridhar, a consultant thoracic surgeon and educational leader, shares his lifelong passion for surgery and teaching. Gill, a registrar pursuing a PhD in transplantation, discusses her interest in surgical psychology and training. Edward, nearing the end of his training, entered the field by chance and now champions maximizing learning opportunities.

The conversation highlights the specialty’s challenges—such as work-life balance, perceptions, and diversity—while affirming the deep commitment and fulfilment it brings. Their collective advice: start early, seek exposure, and actively connect with the cardiothoracic community.

Hosted by Greg Ekatah, Sesi Hotonu and Sadie Khwaja produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub Ltd.