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–9.15am

9.15am–10.05am

10.15am–11.00am

10:15 - 11:00

Smart surgery - harnessing AI for precision and performance

Surgical innovation Panel discussion

10:15 - 11:00

SPEAR - Military medicine demonstration

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

Festival floor

10:15 - 11:00

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: 

  • Job Planning for SAS and Consultant surgeons
  • Setting up Private Practice  
  • Mentoring 
  • Pension Advice  
  • Portfolio Careers in Innovation 

11.05am–11.45am

11:05 - 11:45

Refreshment break

Networking

11.45am–12.55pm

11:45 - 12:55

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 - 12:55

Reevaluating surgical practice through leadership and transformation

Workforce and training Lightning presentation

11:45 - 12:55

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. 

Festival floor

11:45 - 12:55

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: 

  • Less than full-time working
  • Returning to Work 
  • Portfolio careers
  • Managing health challenges

12.55pm–2pm

12:55 - 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

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.

Festival floor

14:00 - 14:40

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.

2.50pm–4pm

14:50 - 16:00

Precision Surgery

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.

14:50 - 16:00

Surgical Genomics 101

Workforce and training Surgical innovation 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

Innovation and disruptive thinking in global surgery

Global and humanitarian surgery Workforce and training

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.

Festival floor

14:50 - 16:00

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: 

  • Portfolio building
  • Interview Tips
  • Out of programme experiences
  • Global surgical pathways
  • Portfolio Careers in Innovation

4pm–4.45pm

16:00 - 16:45

Afternoon break

Networking

4.45–5.30pm

16:45 - 17:30

Closing keynote: Precision under pressure - Lessons from the skies for surgery

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.

5.30pm–6.30pm

17:30 - 18:30

Networking event followed by off-site social

Networking

21 April 2026

7am–8am

07:00 - 08:00

Wellbeing events

Start your day energised by participating in a 5km loop around the canal. This is a great chance for informal networking and a bit of fresh air. Feel free to run or walk the route.

8am–8.45am

08:00 - 08:45

Coffee and networking

Networking

8.45am–9.00am

08:45 - 09:00

Welcome address

9am–9.50am

09:00 - 09:50

Opening keynote: Impact of AI on health care and surgery

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?

10.00am–10.45am

10:00 - 10:45

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

Diversity, equity and inclusion Panel discussion

10:00 - 10:45

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.

Festival floor

10:00 - 10:45

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: 

  • How to get involved in QI 
  • Join the Faculty 
  • Becoming an Examiner
  • Become a Speciality Bulletin advisor 
  • Volunteering

10.45am–11.25am

10:45 - 11:25

Refreshment break

Networking

11.25am–12.25pm

11:25 - 12:25

Surgical tourism - Building safer pathways through policy and practice

Global and humanitarian surgery Workforce and training Roundtable

11:25 - 12:25

Sustainable surgery and the digital age

Workforce and training Surgical innovation Roundtable

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.

Festival floor

11:25 - 12:25

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: 

  • Job Planning for SAS and Consultant surgeons, 
  • Setting up Private Practice  
  • Mentoring 
  • Pension Advice  
  • Portfolio Careers in Innovation

12.25pm–1.35pm

12:25 - 13:35

Networking lunch

Networking

1.35pm–2.45pm

13:35 - 14:45

Surgical innovation - vision, risk and reality checks

Surgical innovation Lightning presentation

13:35 - 14:45

Culture matters - creating inclusive workspaces

Workforce and training Diversity, equity and inclusion Panel discussion

2.45pm–3.25pm

14:45 - 15:25

Networking break

Networking

3.25pm–4.25pm

4.25pm–4.45pm