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?

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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
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• Courses, exams and training opportunities: rcsed.ac.uk/education-exams
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"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
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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.

In this episode of Surgical Crossroads, hosts Sesi Hotonu and Sadie Khwaja explore vascular surgery with guests Andy Garnham, Lauren Shelmerdine, and Tricia Tay. Andy, a consultant and key figure in vascular training development, reflects on the specialty’s evolution and the value of strong patient relationships due to the chronic nature of vascular conditions. Lauren, a registrar in research, emphasizes early exposure and peer support in shaping her path. Tricia, a soon-to-be academic foundation trainee, credits her mentors and experiences at RCSEd events for inspiring her interest.

The episode offers practical tips for aspiring vascular surgeons and underscores the importance of curiosity, composure, and commitment in this intricate and evolving field.

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 Gregory Ekatah and Sadie Khwaja delve into the dynamic field of plastic surgery with guests Jeremy Rodriguez, Sarah Chadwick, and Sakiinah Mungroo. Consultant Jeremy shares how he unexpectedly found his passion for plastics, balancing clinical work with research in patient-reported outcomes. Trainee Sarah discusses her flexible training journey, shaped by family life and academic pursuits, and her interest in microsurgery. Recent graduate Sakiinah, inspired by her own experience as a burns patient, shares her dedication to burns care and advocacy through leadership roles in student surgery networks.

The episode underscores the specialty’s diversity, the value of persistence, and the need for creative, bespoke approaches in this competitive field.

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

The first episode of Surgical Crossroads: Choosing Your Specialty focuses on ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) Surgery, co-hosted by Sadie Khwaja and featuring Consultant Emma Stapleton, Registrar Todd Kanzara, and medical student Eman Hasan. The guests share personal journeys into ENT, from Emma’s emphasis on lifestyle compatibility and professional flexibility, to Todd’s career shift from law to medicine inspired by a chance encounter, and Eman’s early engagement through work experience and placements.

The episode highlights the value of communication skills, the diversity within the specialty, and the importance of visibility and initiative during training. It also explores work-life balance, future tech integration, and advocacy for equality and diversity in surgical careers.

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

"A Coffee Room Chat in ENT", from RCSEd and ENT UK, returns with a discussion on skin cancer and reconstructive considerations. Produced in collaboration with the British Society of Facial Plastic Surgery, this episode features expert insights from Professor Alwyn D’Souza and Ms Sadie Khwaja, 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

The Let’s Talk Surgery podcast by RCSEd launches a new series, Surgical Crossroads: Choosing Your Specialty, aimed at guiding aspiring surgeons through the specialty selection process. Hosted by Greg Ekatah and Sesi Hotonu alongside ENT surgeon Sadie Khwaja, the 11-episode series extends insights from the Health Education England North West Career’s Fair to a wider audience.

Each episode features candid discussions with a consultant, registrar, and medical student from a specific surgical specialty, offering personal stories, practical advice, and reflections on career choices. Designed to inform, inspire, and support listeners at any stage of their journey, the series reveals the diverse paths surgeons take—and how career goals can evolve in unexpected ways.

Sit back and enjoy the breadth of experience captured within this podcast series.

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

Mr Simon Paterson-Brown joins the podcast as co-director of the MSc in Patient Safety & Clinical Human factors to discuss the aims of the course, its inception and applicability in everyday healthcare delivery.

Sesi and Paddy are joined by Ciaran McDonnell, Hannah Travers and Mimi Li, vascular surgeons across the grade spectrum for an interesting and insightful discussion around the workforce challenges that faces vascular surgery both now and in the future but also offer some solutions being considered and implemented by the Workforce Committee, Rouleaux club and the wider vascular community. Listen out for a light-hearted but well off the mark prediction of a famous rugby match from Ciaran!

Paddy and Sesi are joined by Ruth Benson, vascular trainee, and recent past president of the Vascular and Endovascular Research Network (VERN) to discuss innovative research during the COVID pandemic – COVER Study and her’s and VERN’s journey through research.

Ken & Steve along with guest host Rachel Falconer are joined by Professor Roger Kneebone, author of the book ‘Expert: Understanding the path to Mastery’.

Ken and Steve are joined by Hepatobiliary surgeon, scientist and culture change enthusiast, Carol-Anne Moulton from the University of Toronto to explore some of her research work and her personal experiences.

Ken and Steve are joined by Dr Michael Moneypenny, a consultant anaesthetist who talks passionately and with great insight on the use of debrief in simulation and in real life. The hows, whens and pitfalls.

Ken and Steve kick off their performance project series with Iya Whiteley, Director of Centre for Space Medicine, UCL.

RCSEd is pleased to partner with ‘Ken & Steve’ to bring the Performance Project Podcast series. Ken Walker and Professor Steve Yule will be hosting a series of podcast episodes talking to guests from a range of professions between health, psychology, space and others to discuss some of the challenges professional face and how these can be overcome to maximise performance. Worth a tuning in for! Greg and Sesi are joined by Ken and Steve to discuss the upcoming series and what to expect.

Sesi, Greg and Paddy are joined by John and Andrew, vascular registrars, to discuss their innovative work and research projects around critical limb ischaemia and service redesign.

"A Coffee Room Chat in ENT", from RCSEd and ENT UK, returns with a discussion on mastering chyle leak management. Produced in collaboration with the ENTUK Head and Neck Society, this episode features expert insights from Mr James O'Hara and Mr Jai Manick, 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, Greg and Sesi are joined by Patrick Coughlin, consultant vascular surgeon in Cambridge. They discuss the exciting upcoming vascular surgery series on the "Let's Talk Surgery" podcast where the latest in vascular research, practice, training and innovation will be explored.

A consultant colorectal surgeon and a career dedicated to improving the lives of women with complex childbirth injuries, Mhairi Collie joins Sesi and Greg to talk about her journey, the Uganda Childbirth Injury Fund and the recent prestigious award of Global Citizen of the Year. Selflessness, caring, compassion and the strive to make the world a better place for all!

“Inspiring… Bravery… Self-less… Fun” Some of the reflections from Mr Philip Hammond, Consultant Paediatric Surgeon who joins Sesi and Greg on this episode of the podcast. Phil discusses his humanitarian missions as well as a brief stint with the Royal Navy. This is full of interesting insights and useful advice.

Caroline Lamb is the current Chief Executive of NHS Scotland and the Director General of Health and Social Care within the Scottish Government. She joins Greg and Sesi to reflect on her leadership journey but also her experiences of leading through the pandemic in a number of portfolio areas within the Scottish Government. Passionate about leadership, empowering others, and inclusivity, Caroline also touches on the recent International Women’s Day and how we can ensure more women are afforded similar leadership opportunities.

On this episode of the podcast, we meet Tim Graham, consultant cardiac surgeon and leads the Professional Standards Office at RCSED. He discusses his training journey, being a cardiac surgeon, his passions and candid reflections on leading through a crisis / difficult moments as well as gives us a flavour of the role of the professional standards office.

In the second in our four-part leadership series focusing on leading through the crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, Greg and Sesi sit down with Dr David Rosser, Chief Executive of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. As head of one of the largest hospital trusts in the UK, they discuss Dr Rosser's experiences of responding to the clinical challenges posed by pandemic, and the role of innovation in service provision and recovery of services.

Following the recent publication of ‘Patient Safety: Improving Safety Out of Hours’ document, Greg and Sesi are joined by Beth Lineham, Orthopaedic Registrar and co-author of the report, to discuss some of the salient points identified in the survey. They discuss key issues highlighted and some examples of good practice noted in the survey.

A four part series focusing on leadership, in particular leading through crisis within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Greg and Sesi are joined on the podcast by the Scottish Government National Clinical Director, Professor Jason Leitch to discuss his leadership journey and his reflections on the last 12 months.

Sesi is joined by Gillian Hardman from the RCSED Trainees committee in an all-female panel, in commemoration of International Women’s Day, to reflect on how the pandemic has impacted on Medical Students. They are joined by an inspiring group of students to have open, frank conversations on their experiences and hopes for the future. Important lessons on how to help future generations during this difficult period.

In the final episode of the patient safety series, Greg and Sesi welcome Kevin Turner, consultant urologist and chair of the surgical adverse events first aid response working group to discuss patient safety from the lens of resilience in surgeons and other clinicians. We discuss the concept of the secondary casualty following significant adverse events, how we can support clinicians through complications and some of the data coming out of ongoing research in this area. Very insightful and fun discussions.

"A Coffee Room Chat in ENT", from RCSEd and ENT UK, returns with a discussion on olfactory loss & dysfunction. Produced in collaboration with the British Rhinology Society, this episode features expert insights from Mr San Sunkaraneni and Mrs Archana Jaiswal, 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

As our focus on patient safety continues, Greg and Sesi welcome Professor Rhona Flin to the podcast to discuss her journey through psychology, human factors and translation of her work to the frontline of healthcare.

The second instalment of the patient safety series - Out of the darkness of the death of his wife in 2005 came a number of positives – Martin has continued to advocate for patient safety to be at the forefront of all we do in health and social care around the world. The Clinical Human Factors Group, his journey through adversity and how we can aim for a ‘just culture rather than blame culture’ is also explored in this absolutely brilliant episode of the LTS podcast. One of the most passionate, honest and insightful conversations Greg and Sesi have had since the inception of the podcast!

The first of 5 episodes in our patient safety series which looks to interview leading figures in patient safety work across RCSEd and the rest of the UK. Miss Anna Paisley, consultant Upper GI Surgeon and chair of the RCSEd Patient Safety Group joins Greg and Sesi.

In the final episode of the FST Trainer’s series, we sit down with Claire McNaught – RCSEd Honorary Secretary and Colorectal Surgeon to discuss her reflections on training.

On this episode of the Let’s Talk Surgery Podcast FST Series, James Tomlinson joins Greg and Sesi for an exciting, brilliant and informative discussion on training, leadership, and the human side of surgery. Plus some good tips on books to read as well as sage words of wisdom.

Ahead of the upcoming inaugural wellbeing week hosted and organised by the RCSED trainees’ committee, Kellie Bateman and Gillian Hardman join Greg and Sesi on the podcast to talk about the importance of wellbeing both during the COVID pandemic and as we move forward. They also build up to wellbeing week with the development, and some of the highlights of the week. Not to be missed!

On the next episode of the Let’s Talk Surgery Faculty of Surgical Trainers Series, we welcome Chris Caddy, retired Consultant Plastic Surgery who shares his reflections of training from the views of being a trainer.

Professor Robin Paton, consultant paediatric orthopaedic surgeon, joins Greg and Sesi to share his reflections of training from the perspective of a trainer. Important messages and lots of good humour.

This week, we bring the first episode of a new FST series exploring training from the eyes of trainers. Fascinating insight into their training experiences as trainees and also as trainers. Mr. David O’Regan join us this on this episode.

Ahead of the Christmas holiday season, we bring you a mini-Christmas quiz with the College Office Bearers as well as a Christmas message to Fellow, members, affiliates, and our audience. At the end of a tough 2020, we hope to bring some Christmas cheer and light-hearted round table podcast episode.

"A Coffee Room Chat in ENT," from RCSEd and ENT UK, returns with a discussion on the pearls and pitfalls of secondary cavity obliteration in discharging mastoids. Produced in collaboration with the British Society of Otology, this episode features expert insights from Mr Chris Coulson and Ms Codruta Neumann, 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

Greg and Sesi are joined on the podcast by Dr. Jonathan Hanson, Consultant in Sports & Exercise Medicine, Team doctor for Glasgow Warriors Rugby team and member of the Scottish Government Medical Advisory Group on Sports Concussion. He talks about some of the short, medium and long effects of concussions, the work being done to tackle concussions and head injuries in sports and the general public. Giving the recent spotlight on this, one of his key messages is the need to be cautious and trat head injuries with respect as clinical questions continue over the long term implications.

On this week's episode, Greg goes from being the host to the guest - taking us through his leadership experience / journey over the course of a fellowship like no other in the face of the COVID pandemic.

On this week's episode of the RCSEd Let's Talk Surgery Podcast, we sit down with 2 leaders in the field of Paediatric Global Surgery, Professor Kokila Lakhoo and Naomi Wright. Join us for insightful discussions and practical tips on getting involved.