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

10:30 - 11:15

Smart surgery - harnessing AI for precision and performance

Surgical innovation Panel discussion

Explore how AI is transforming surgical practice by enhancing precision, improving performance and empowering teams across diverse disciplines.

10:30 - 11:15

Neurodiversity in surgery - how to support patient and practitioner

Diversity, equity and inclusion Workshop

11.15am–11.45am

11:15 - 11:45

Refreshment break

Networking

11.45am–1pm

11:45 - 13:00

Empowering surgeons to get the most out of 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

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. 

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

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.

14:00 - 14:40

Frugal innovation - small changes big impact

Surgical innovation Global and humanitarian surgery 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.

2.50pm–4pm

14:50 - 16:00

Surgical Genomics 101

Surgical innovation Workforce and training 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.

14:50 - 16:00

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.

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

10:25 - 11:10

The surgeon as humanitarian - how ordinary people do extraordinary things

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.

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

11:40 - 12:45

Surgical tourism - Building safer pathways through policy and practice

Workforce and training Global and humanitarian surgery 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.

11:40 - 12:45

Sustainable surgery and the digital age

Surgical innovation Workforce and training Workshop

This session explores how digital transformation can redesign surgical services to enhance workflow efficiency and improve patient outcomes. We also examine the sustainability of AI in healthcare, balancing innovation with ethical, environmental, and operational responsibility.

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

3pm–3.20pm

15:00 - 15:20

Networking break

Networking

3.20pm–4.20pm

4.20pm–4.30pm