Programme

Our programme is structured around five critical themes shaping surgical practice. To maximise your learning and engagement, sessions are delivered in a variety of formats. You can use these themes and formats to easily filter the full programme and find the sessions most relevant to your career stage and interests.

Programme

This event was made possible by sponsorship from commercial organisations, none of which have influenced the event content or the choice of speakers. Sessions delivered with input from these organisations are marked as such on the programme.

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20 April 2026

8am–9am

08:00 - 09:00

Coffee and networking

Networking

9am–9.20am

9.20am–10.15am

10.30am–11.15am

11.15am–11.45am

11:15 - 11:45

Refreshment break

Networking

11.45am–1pm

11:45 - 13:00

Empowering surgeons through technology

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: 

  • What is digital surgery?
  • What digital skills does the modern NHS need to survive? 
  • Intelligent operating theatres
  • Virtual Reality and surgery

11:45 - 13:00

Reevaluating surgical practice through leadership and transformation

Workforce and training Lightning presentation

In an era of evolving demands and expectations, surgical leadership is central to driving meaningful transformation. 

This session explores how to: 

  • Lead and implement safe service change
  • Balance the pressures and opportunities of a portfolio career 
  • Embrace failure as a catalyst for growth

11:45 - 13:00

Closing the gap - how can surgeons work towards eradicating health inequality?

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.

11:45 - 13:00

Redefining the edge - turning imposter syndrome into a strength

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.

1pm–2pm

13:00 - 14:00

Lunch

Networking

2pm–2.40pm

14:00 - 14:40

Learning through fellowships

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.

14:00 - 14:40

Future proofing medical education - the integration of innovation to curricula

Surgical innovation

14:00 - 14:40

Frugal innovation - small changes big impact

Global and humanitarian surgery Surgical innovation Workshop

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.

2.50pm–4pm

14:50 - 16:00

Surgical Genomics 101

Workforce and training Surgical innovation Workshop

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.

4pm–4.30pm

16:00 - 16:30

Afternoon break

Networking

4.30–5.20pm

16:30 - 17:20

Closing keynote

Keynote

5.30pm–6.30pm

17:30 - 18:30

Networking event followed by off-site social

Networking

21 April 2026

8am–9am

08:00 - 09:00

Coffee and networking

Networking

9.15am–10.10am

09:15 - 10:10

Opening keynote

Keynote

10.25am–11.10am

10:25 - 11:10

The impact of race, ethnicity, and beliefs on surgical practice and patient care

Diversity, equity and inclusion Panel discussion

10:25 - 11:10

Creating safe spaces

Workforce and training Diversity, equity and inclusion Wellbeing 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.

10:25 - 11:10

Surgical humanitarian missions - are they sustainable?

Global and humanitarian surgery Workshop

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.

11.10am–11.40am

11:10 - 11:40

Networking Break

Networking

11.40am–12.45pm

11:40 - 12:45

From concept to reality - how to turn ideas into action

Surgical innovation Lightning presentation

Gain insight into how to transform innovative ideas into practical impactful actions.

11:40 - 12:45

Surgical tourism - Building safer pathways through policy and practice

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.

12.45pm–1.45pm

12:45 - 13:45

Networking Lunch

Networking

1.45pm–3pm

13:45 - 15:00

Surgical innovation - vision, risk and reality checks

Surgical innovation Lightning presentation

13:45 - 15:00

Culture matters - creating inclusive workspaces

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.

3pm–3.20pm

15:00 - 15:20

Networking break

Networking

3.20pm–4.20pm

4.20pm–4.30pm