RCOG

What does it take to build an internationally recognised surgical career? Is there a single route to success, or do the best opportunities come from embracing the unexpected? In this episode of Knot to be Missed, we are joined by Professor Jan Deprest, a world-leading surgeon whose career spans fetal surgery, urogynecology, research, innovation and surgical education across both Belgium and the UK. Together, we discuss how to develop a fulfilling surgical career, the importance of mentorship, research and international collaboration, and why innovation begins with asking the right questions. We also explore how different healthcare systems approach surgical training, the growing role of simulation and competency-based progression, and what UK trainees can learn from training models across Europe. Whether you're considering an academic career, interested in advanced surgery, or simply looking for inspiration on how to shape your own career, this episode offers practical advice and insights from one of the pioneers of modern surgical innovation.

What happens when learners and educators come together to rethink how we teach surgery? In this episode of Knot to be Missed, RCOG Surgical Skills Fellows Naomi Harvey and Hannah Pierce are joined by Paul Mills, Rachel O'Donnell and Kyle Fleischer to reflect on the inaugural RCOG Surgical Train the Trainers pilot. Hear first-hand what made the course different, why investing in surgical educators has never been more important, and how this new national programme aims to strengthen surgical training across the UK. Through practical teaching strategies, shared experiences and reflections from both learners and educators, discover why participants believe developing excellent trainers is fundamental to developing the next generation of surgeons. Whether you're an educator, trainee or educational leader, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the RCOG Surgical Skills Project's newest national initiatives.

In this episode, Hannah and Naomi turn the tables and put the RCOG's Vice President for Education and Academia, Melanie Tipples, and Executive Director for Education, Carly Edwards, in the hot seat to answer the difficult questions they are asked time and time again by trainees. Together, they demystify who is responsible for key aspects of training — including curricula, study budgets, simulation, hysterectomy training, course costs and workforce planning — offering an honest insight into how decisions are made and what the future of surgical education could look like.

Are the challenges facing surgical trainees unique to O&G, or is the grass really greener in general surgery?

In this episode, Hannah and Naomi are joined by Mr Raiyyan Aftab, Immediate Past President of the Association of Surgeons in Training (ASiT) and a General Surgical Trainee in Plastic Surgery, to explore the shared realities of surgical training across the UK. Together, they discuss the findings of the ASiT State of Training report, the increasing pressures of service provision, reduced operative exposure, and the balance between training and service delivery. The conversation explores whether the challenges identified through the RCOG Surgical Skills Project are unique to O&G or shared across the wider surgical community, and how organisations such as ASiT and the RCOG can work together to improve surgical education and support the next generation of surgeons. This episode is essential listening for trainees, trainers, education leads, and anyone with an interest in the future of surgical training.

In this practical and thought-provoking episode, hosts Hannah Pierce and Naomi Harvey are joined by Mr James Tibbott, Mr Artur Zanellato, and Mr Srinivas Chintapallata to explore new approaches to surgical education and the future of training. Together, they discuss the value of collaboration between gynaecology and general surgery, the growing challenges facing surgical education, and how training can evolve to better prepare the next generation of surgeons. The conversation highlights the importance of teaching not only technical skills, but also decision-making, operative judgement, problem-solving, and confidence in theatre. This episode is essential listening for O&G professionals, trainees, trainers, and education leads interested in innovative ways to improve surgical learning and support the future workforce.