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Keynote
This opening panel brings together national leaders in surgery, education, and innovation to explore how the profession is evolving in response to clinical, technological and workforce pressures, setting the tone for a day of bold thinking and practical action.
Wellbeing Workforce and training Fireside chat
Discover how you can support your colleagues and teams with compassion and care when things go wrong in surgery.
Surgical innovation Panel discussion
Explore how AI is transforming surgical practice by enhancing precision, improving performance and empowering teams across diverse disciplines.
Global and humanitarian surgery Surgical innovation Demonstrations
The SPEAR team is the MOD’s smallest, most mobile and agile surgical team. Born from a requirement to support small teams working in the most austere environments, at extended timelines outside of the conventional field hospital arena. The demonstration will showcase the work of the team and give attendees an opportunity to see first-hand how this extraordinary team manage casualties in austere environments
Diversity, equity and inclusion Workshop
Discover what you can do and what reasonable adjustments can be taken to support neurodiverse patients and colleagues.
Careers support for SAS and Consultant Surgeons
Drop in session Wellbeing Workforce and training Diversity, equity and inclusion
Professional Development Hub
Join us for an engaging drop‑in careers session designed specifically for SAS and Consultant surgeons seeking guidance, growth, and new opportunities. This informal event brings together expert advisors and experienced clinicians to support you at every stage of your surgical career.
Careers Drop-in:
Oral presentation Innovation within Global Surgery
Insights theatre
Oral presentations from shortlisted abstract submissions.
Oral presentation Clinical Case Studies
Insights theatre
Oral presentations from shortlisted abstract submissions.
Designing for the future. Making an impact today: Building flexibility and compliance into your surgical estate from day one
Insights theatre
Delivered by:
Designing for the future. Making an impact today: Building flexibility and compliance into your surgical estate from day one
Managing surgical estates is a complex balancing act. Trusts are faced with immediate pressures to increase capacity and address backlogs while also planning for the future, as laid out by the NHS 10-Year Plan and New Hospital Programme.
But how do you provide for the immediate need, without compromising on safety and quality as well as staff and patient wellbeing, that traditionally comes with ‘temporary’ solutions?
In this session, Louis Sullivan, Head of Architecture at Darwin Group, explores how strategies in the design of operating theatres and the wider estate can be embedded from the outset to support both short-term operational needs and long-term estate ambitions.
Louis will share practical approaches to creating adaptable healthcare environments that respond to today’s challenges while remaining ready for tomorrow. Plus, share examples from NHS Trusts that are doing this today.
Improving surgical safety through evidence-based gloving practice
Insights theatre
Delivered by:
Improving surgical safety through evidence-based gloving practice
This session presents recommendations designed to enhance surgical safety through improved gloving practice. An independent expert group conducted a systematic review of the available literature and, for the first time, developed a consensus focused specifically on best practice in surgical gloving. Their work examines glove fit, double gloving, indicator systems and optimal glove change intervals across a range of surgical specialties, and participants will learn how consistent, evidence-based practice in these areas can reduce the risk of aseptic breaches and support safer operating environments.
The session will also highlight the clinical and economic burden of surgical site infections (SSIs) within the NHS and show how a simple glove change can influence SSI risk, introducing a new budget impact analysis that demonstrates how adopting a pre-closure glove change can reduce SSI rates and free up valuable capacity within surgical services.
Surgical innovation Lightning presentation
In a rapidly evolving surgical landscape, technology is reshaping how surgeons learn, operate, and lead.
This session will be a series of short presentation discussing the following topics:
Workforce and training Lightning presentation
This session explores how genomic medicine and pharmacogenomics are reshaping the future of personalised care across the NHS. The session will discuss the implementation of genomic medicine services, the integration of pharmacogenomic insights into everyday clinical practice, and how these advances are becoming relevant to all specialties in improving outcomes and patient safety.
Global and humanitarian surgery Workforce and training
This series of talks will highlight how effective innovation and disruptive thinking in global surgery can lead to significant transformative change and offer new ways, insights or opportunities to address the vast unmet need of surgical care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Diversity, equity and inclusion Roundtable
Health inequality remains one of the most significant challenges facing modern surgical care. This session explores the practical actions surgeons can take to identify and address disparities in access, outcomes, and experience across patient populations.
Work Life Balance
Drop in session Wellbeing Workforce and training Diversity, equity and inclusion
Professional Development Hub
This supportive, practical drop‑in session is designed to help surgeons explore ways to create a healthier, more sustainable balance between professional responsibilities and personal wellbeing. Whether you’re navigating a career transition, managing health challenges, or considering alternative working patterns, this session provides space to talk, learn, and access tailored guidance.
Work-life balance:
Insights theatre
Delivered by:
CMR Sponsored Session
Oral presentation Inclusivity and Wellbeing
Insights theatre
Oral presentations from shortlisted abstract submissions.
Integrating extended reality into surgical training
Experience and insights from 10,000 early careers and undergraduate user experience in the U.K. A hands on demonstration of a range of virtual reality (VR) techniques that can be integrated into surgical training including 360video of cadaveric surgical techniques and live surgery with virtual studio overlay, remote and in person synchronsied VR, in person and remote immersive surgical anatomy training, interactive VR for creating assessment tools and 6 degrees of freedom using generative AI for procedural skills
Digital Prehabilitation as the new standard of surgical care
Delivered by:
Digital Prehabilitation as the new standard of surgical care
What if every patient could go into surgery stronger, recover faster and stay healthier for longer? At the Future of Surgery Festival , Professor Tara Rampal, Chief Medical Officer of QuestPrehab, invites you to rethink what “success after surgery” truly means. Discover how prehabilitation—preparing patients physically and mentally before surgery—can reshape outcomes, reduce waiting lists, and drive population health improvements. Professor Rampal will explore why, despite compelling evidence, prehabilitation still struggles for full adoption across the NHS—and how QuestPrehab’s award‑winning digital platform is changing that reality. Aligned with national priorities for surgical recovery, prevention, and health system efficiency, QuestPrehab offers a safe, effective, and fully scalable solution already transforming perioperative pathways. Join this inspiring session to see how digital prehab is redefining surgical care—one empowered patient, one optimised operation, and one smarter health system at a time.
Developing TeleSurgery with the Toumai Surgical Robot
Delivered by:
Developing TeleSurgery with the Toumai Surgical Robot
This sponsored session explores the clinical and technological advances enabling remote surgery with the Toumai Surgical Robot. Building on surgeons’ growing experience with digital and robotic platforms, the discussion will highlight how telesurgical capabilities are transforming collaboration, training, and access to minimally invasive care. Attendees will gain insight into the system’s design principles, connectivity, and safety architecture supporting secure remote operation. Through interactive case discussions and a live Q&A led by the Chair, participants are invited to share perspectives on integrating such innovations into their practice environments. The session aims to connect real-world surgical challenges with emerging robotic solutions, helping delegates envision how telesurgery can enhance surgical precision, patient outcomes, and team efficiency across geographic boundaries.
Diversity, equity and inclusion Panel discussion
Five years after the launch of the landmark Kennedy Review, members of the original review panel reflect on how far the profession has come, and what still needs to change, sharing practical, actionable strategies for embedding DEI in everyday practice.
Workforce and training Diversity, equity and inclusion
This session explores the fellowship model of learning; a dynamic, immersive approach that fosters growth through mentorship, collaboration, and hands-on experience. Whether you're shaping future leaders or stepping into a learning role yourself, discover how fellowships can be a mutually enriching experience.
Surgical innovation
As surgical practice evolves with rapid technological advancements, medical education must keep pace. This session explores how innovation and technology are transforming surgical training. We’ll discuss strategies for embedding these innovations into curricula to ensure medical students and surgeons are equipped for the challenges of tomorrow. Join us to discover practical approaches for creating resilient, forward-thinking educational frameworks that prepare the next generation of surgical professionals.
Global and humanitarian surgery Surgical innovation Presentation
Often the solution is simple. Low cost innovations can save lives at home and overseas. In this session we will showcase the impact of frugal innovation.
Planning for Retirement
Workshop Wellbeing Workforce and training Diversity, equity and inclusion
Professional Development Hub
This practical and supportive workshop is designed to help surgeons plan confidently for the transition into retirement. Whether you’re approaching retirement or simply beginning to think ahead, this session provides expert guidance and time to reflect on the next stage of your career and life.
Oral presentation Innovation: Virtual and Extended Reality
Insights theatre
Oral presentations from shortlisted abstract submissions
Oral presentation Innovation: Robotics
Insights theatre
Oral presentations from shortlisted abstract submissions
Presentation
This session brings together leading experts to discuss how cutting-edge technologies are transforming surgical practice. Talks will explore how innovation is shaping a new era of precision surgery. Attendees will gain insights into emerging tools, real-world applications, and the future landscape of surgical care.
Workforce and training Surgical innovation Presentation
In an era of evolving demands and expectations, surgical leadership is central to driving meaningful transformation.
This session explores how to:
Panel discussion
Delivered by:
This interactive workshop, led by Cambridge Consultants and the i-Hub from RCS England, brings together surgeons and technologists to explore how quantum and AI can be applied to solve clinical challenges. By combining clinical insight with world-leading technical expertise, participants will learn about cutting-edge technologies and identify high-impact applications for the future of surgery.
Workforce and training Diversity, equity and inclusion Workshop
This workshop addresses one of the most pervasive yet rarely discussed challenges facing surgeons across all grades.
Careers support for current and future surgical trainees
Drop in session Wellbeing Workforce and training Diversity, equity and inclusion
Professional Development Hub
This informal, drop‑in session is designed to support surgical trainees at every stage of their career. Whether you're shaping your portfolio, preparing for interviews, or exploring opportunities beyond standard training pathways, this session offers practical guidance and expert insights to help you move forward with confidence.
Careers Drop-in for Trainees:
Oral presentation Digital Surgery and Artificial Intelligence
Insights theatre
Oral presentations from shortlisted abstract submissions
Oral presentation Digital Surgery and New Techniques
Insights theatre
Oral presentations from shortlisted abstract submissions
Innovations in Surgery: The Medicolegal Landscape
Insights theatre
Delivered by:
Innovations in Surgery: The Medicolegal Landscape
Surgical innovation continues to reshape patient care through new techniques, technologies and the emerging role of artificial intelligence. Yet many medicolegal challenges remain unchanged. Issues such as informed consent and shared decision-making, professional responsibility and ethical uncertainty persist regardless of whether a procedure is conventional, novel or AI-assisted. This talk explores how established legal principles apply within an evolving surgical environment. Through case studies, it examines the risks that accompany innovation and how clinicians can navigate them while protecting patient autonomy and safety. Particular attention will be given to the growing influence of AI and its implications for accountability and clinical decision-making.
Surgical training on your terms
Delivered by:
Surgical training on your terms
This presentation positions Laptitude as the personal laparoscopic trainer that puts surgical skill development back in the hands of the surgeon. It highlights a core tension in modern training: limited access, shared resources, and rigid systems that prevent consistent, deliberate practice.
Laptitude reframes training as something you own, not something you wait for. As a portable, affordable, and gamified system, it enables surgeons to practice anytime, anywhere, turning dead time into skill time. Through structured simulations, adaptive challenges, and progress tracking, it supports continuous skill development from foundational techniques to advanced procedures.
Designed for students, residents, and surgeons alike, Laptitude functions as a personal surgical gym—combining accessibility with professional-grade training. The result is a shift from institutional dependence to individual ownership, empowering surgeons to build confidence, prove progress, and enter the OR prepared on their own terms.
Keynote
As Britain's first female fighter jet pilot, Jo will share vivid stories of how her experience has shaped her approach to high-pressure situations while remaining focused when every decision matters. Drawing parallels with surgical practice, she will examine the role of human factors and how it is used to keep teams' goals aligned, colleagues composed, and resilient under pressure. She will consider how advanced technologies, ranging from automation to simulation, can enhance performance when integrated with sound human judgment.
Jo will reflect on how her journey has inspired her to help create safe, inclusive, and innovative workspaces for future generations, highlighting how pilots and surgeons alike “show up” at their best when the stakes are highest.
Keynote
AI will save 10 million lives a year by 2035, and is already used by 95% of health companies. Yet AI will be 1 billion times more powerful by 2060 than today. The AI revolution in drug development, diagnostics, treatment guidance, genetic prophecy, robotics and hospital management will transform every aspect of patient care and surgical practice. AI use will also raise fundamental questions about future medical training, clinical autonomy and medico-legal liability - with future Courts regularly taking the view that clinicians should have followed AI recommendations. What does all this mean for the future of surgery over the next decade and beyond?
Surgical innovation Lightning presentation
Hear short talks from different disciplines in and outside of surgery showing the breadth of application of robotics in medicine.
Diversity, equity and inclusion Panel discussion
Discuss the impact that race, ethnicity and belief has on how we care for patients and colleagues.
Wellbeing Workforce and training Diversity, equity and inclusion Roundtable
In this interactive session, collaborate with peers on how we can make surgery a safer space to work. Discuss the impact of the RCS England Code of Conduct and practical solutions to improve the working environment for all.
Global and humanitarian surgery Presentation
Examine the role of surgical humanitarian missions in responding to global crises. Through discussion and activities, delegates will explore the sustainability of parachute medicine, considering ethical, practical, and long-term strategies for delivering surgical care in humanitarian settings.
Getting involved with RCS England
Drop in session
Professional Development Hub
Discover how you can get more involved with the Royal College of Surgeons of England through a wide range of rewarding volunteering opportunities. This informal drop‑in session is designed for surgeons at all career stages who want to contribute their skills, support the profession, and help shape the future of surgical practice.
Getting involved with RCS England:
Oral presentation Global Education
Insights theatre
Oral presentations from shortlisted abstract submissions
Oral presentation In the Theatre
Insights theatre
Oral presentations from shortlisted abstract submissions
Integrating extended reality into surgical training
Experience and insights from a 10,000 early careers and undergraduate user experience in the U.K.
A hands on demonstration of a range of virtual reality (VR) techniques that can be integrated into surgical training including 360video of cadaveric surgical techniques and live surgery with virtual studio overlay, remote and in person synchronsied VR, in person and remote immersive surgical anatomy training, interactive VR for creating assessment tools and 6 degrees of freedom using generative AI for procedural skills.
The future of robotic surgery training: Rethinking the paradigm
Delivered by:
This presentation explores a fundamental shift in how robotic surgeons are to be trained. While traditional training models—largely driven by industry—have been highly effective, they have also created a degree of monopoly that has limited broader access, leaving many young surgeons without meaningful exposure to advanced robotic systems. A new, academically led approach is emerging, one that is supported by industry but not solely dependent on it. This model leverages high-intensity, high-fidelity training using real robotic platforms, enabling rapid skill acquisition in immersive environments. It incorporates cutting-edge techniques including telesurgery for both porcine and cadaveric models, alongside tele-proctoring to expand access to expert guidance. With next-generation robotic systems offering enhanced capabilities, greater responsibility can be safely delegated to trainees earlier in their learning curve. Critically, these innovations are brought together through networked solutions, creating scalable, connected training ecosystems that have the potential to democratize access and redefine the future of surgical education.
Surgical innovation Lightning presentation
Gain insight into how to transform innovative ideas into practical impactful actions.
Global and humanitarian surgery Workforce and training Roundtable
An opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities that surgical tourism presents. From patient safety and ethical considerations to policy development. Discuss strategies for creating safer, more accountable pathways in surgical care.
Workforce and training Surgical innovation Roundtable
The session will encourage delegates to recognise their agency in shaping more resilient, patient focused, high quality and environmentally responsible surgical actions. The discussion will highlight innovative solutions, including emerging technologies that can enhance workflow efficiency, reduce waste, and improve patient outcomes.
Careers support for SAS and Consultant Surgeons
Drop in session
Professional Development Hub
Join us for an engaging drop‑in careers session designed specifically for SAS and Consultant surgeons seeking guidance, growth, and new opportunities. This informal event brings together expert advisors and experienced clinicians to support you at every stage of your surgical career.
Careers Drop-in:
Oral presentation Global Surgery
Insights theatre
Oral presentations from shortlisted abstract submissions
Oral presentation Decision making in Surgery
Insights theatre
Oral presentations from shortlisted abstract submissions
Suturing practise with Cambridge Surgical Models
This session will provide attendees with the opportunity to practise their suturing skills using Cambridge Surgical Models’ next generation skin pads. Attendees will learn and practice performing simple suturing (interrupted & continuous), mattress suturing (vertical & horizontal) and subcuticular suturing, using state-of-the-art synthetic skin pad simulators.
Surgical innovation Lightning presentation
This session explores the landscape of surgical innovation, balancing visionary ideals with practical realities.
Delegates will hear diverse perspectives on:
Workforce and training Diversity, equity and inclusion Panel discussion
Explore how to build truly inclusive surgical workplaces where everyone can thrive. Learn practical strategies for fostering an equitable culture, including implementing reasonable adjustments and making workspaces accessible to all team members.
Surgical innovation
This session is to introduce you to the core elements of the Stop the Bleed initiative and prepare you to train members of the public in managing life‑threatening bleeding until emergency services arrive. As an instructor, you will play a vital role in ensuring bystanders can respond quickly, confidently, and correctly during trauma incidents.
Research Sandpit
Workshop
Professional Development Hub
Learn how to present research, from abstract submission to how to create compelling oral presentations featuring oral presentations selected from the Poster Competition.
Oral presentation Surgical Careers and Training
Insights theatre
Oral presentations from shortlisted abstract submissions
Oral presentation Audit and Review
Insights theatre
Oral presentations from shortlisted abstract submissions
Integrating extended reality into surgical training
Experience and insights from a 10,000 early careers and undergraduate user experience in the U.K.
A hands on demonstration of a range of virtual reality (VR) techniques that can be integrated into surgical training including 360video of cadaveric surgical techniques and live surgery with virtual studio overlay, remote and in person synchronsied VR, in person and remote immersive surgical anatomy training, interactive VR for creating assessment tools and 6 degrees of freedom using generative AI for procedural skills.
Keynote
In this immersive mock trial, we put Artificial Intelligence in surgical practice under the spotlight.
