Barts Cancer Institute MSc Surgical Skills and Sciences
Introduction
The MSc in Surgical Skills and Sciences is run by the Barts Cancer Institute (www.bci.qmul.ac.uk) at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry. The Barts Cancer Institute is ranked 5th in the country for research quality in cancer studies and is based in one of the UK’s top four research focused medical schools (Research Assessment Exercise 2008). The mission of the Institute is to establish a major international centre of excellence in both cancer research and clinical cancer care on the West Smithfield site at St Bartholomew's (Barts) Hospital and in Charterhouse Square. Modernisation of medical education and a shorter period of surgical training essentially reduce training programmes, which will have profound effects on the training of future surgeons. The operating room can no longer be the only ideal classroom for acquiring basic skills, especially for newer video-based procedures. Simulation is the replication and modelling of real-life situations for training, testing, and other purposes. ‘Simulation’ removes the patient from the equation to allow novice learning and skill mastery to occur in a low-stress, high-feedback environment while protecting the patient from procedural inexperience. Facilities in the Centre include state of the art Simbionix Virtual Reality Laparoscopy and Endoscopy Simulators, and bench models for training in Anastomosis and knot tying techniques.
Contents
The Surgical Simulator Centre Programme outline
04 05
• Advantages of simulation in surgical training • Learning objectives • Educational aims • Career prospects Programme structure
06
• Core modules • Assessments Student experiences
07
Further information
07
• Fees • Entry requirements • Information for overseas doctors • How to apply
The information given in this brochure is correct at the time of going to press. The College reserves the right to modify or cancel any statement in it and accepts no responsibility for the consequences of any such changes.
Queen Mary, University of London 03
The Surgical Simulator Centre
The MSc in Surgical Skills and Science will provide students with a unique opportunity to gain postgraduate training in both laboratory and clinical research methodology relevant to surgical practice. The skills component aims to accelerate surgical training and improves surgical skills that are essential for building confidence in clinical practice. Through completion of a dissertation, students should gain experience in research design, methodology, analysis, and presentation of work for publication. It is intended that the programme will provide a valuable opportunity for both home and overseas trainees who wish to gain more experience in understanding basic research methodology, study an area of interest in depth, and writing a dissertation to obtain a higher degree before entering their higher surgical training. This MSc programme will also enable trainees to enhance their surgical skills, thereby fast tracking surgical education. The MSc Surgical Skills and Sciences course is hosted by the Barts Cancer Institute currently consists of six research ‘Centres’:
• Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Professor Fran Balkwill • Centre for Cell Signalling Professor Bart Vanhaesebroeck • Centre for Haemato-Oncology Professor John Gribben • Centre for Molecular Oncology Professor Iain McNeish • Centre for Tumour Biology Professor Ian Hart • Centre for Experimental Cancer Medicine Professor Nick Lemoine
04 Queen Mary, University of London
Programme outline
Awarding body/institution Queen Mary, University of London Teaching institution Barts Cancer Institute Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary, University of London Name of final award Master of Science (MSc) Programme Director Mr Bijendra P Patel
Educational aims • To accelerate the development of cognitive and motor skills, using a surgical simulator specifically for: Laparoscopic Surgery and Upper and Lower Gastrointestinal Endoscopy • Learning and practicing anastomosis techniques using non-biological material, synthetic double layer bowel • To develop skills in research methodology with application to clinical methodology and surgery.
Benefits of course
Career prospects
• Hands on training using simulators in skills lab
• Accelerates your surgical training and improves technical skills
• Training and skills acquired to build confidence and competence in an operating theatre • Flexible teaching so that it can be taken alongside your NHS clinical job
Learning outcomes
• Enhances future career prospects in General Surgery • Provides you with clinical and academic training for career enhancement • An excellent foundation for MRes/PhD studies.
From the MSc in Surgical Skills and Sciences you will gain experience in the methodology and principles of conducting research with application to clinical medicine and surgery. At the same time you will improve your surgical training using simulation and accelerate the development of your spatial skills and eyehand coordination. On completion of the course you will have ability to: • Perform basic and advanced laparoscopy tasks • Perform laparoscopic suturing • Perform laparoscopic Cholecystectomy • Perform endoscopic tasks • Understand the tools and methodologies for conducting research. Queen Mary, University of London 05
Programme structure
Programme structure The programme is comprised of the following surgical skills areas and a research/literature project:
Core Modules: • Laparoscopic Skills. This module will provide you with a broad understanding and practical skills on Laparoscopic instrument manipulation e.g. camera manipulation and orientation with precise hand eye coordination, bimanual movement and depth perception. • Laparoscopy Procedural Skills. This module is aimed at developing judgement andlearning interpretation of anatomical and operative findings of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. You can practice complete Lap Cholecystectomy with life like sensations that mimic the feel of an actual lap procedure. • Laparoscopic Suturing Skills. This module teaches proper skills on laparoscopic needle handling and extracorporeal and intracorporeal suturing. • Endoscopy Skills. This module is to develop psychomotor skills required for performing flexible endoscopy. The training exercises will help enhance the hand-eye coordination required for precise manipulation of endoscope camera and tools for performing diagnostic Gastroscopy and Flxible Sigmoidoscopy. • Research Methods. This module will provide you with a clear understanding of the concepts and theories surrounding the issues of research and critical appraisal and the research methodologies required to conduct research. .
06 Queen Mary, University of London
• Dissertation. You will be required to complete a Master’s level dissertation in an appropriate research area. This will be an independent piece of research, requiring you to conceive, plan and execute an appropriate piece of research based on academic foundations, application of relevant theory and methodology and critical analysis of findings.
Conferences and workshops You will be encouraged to attend workshops and conferences throughout the year and will be taken to a national event relevant to the course to enhance knowledge and understanding of the fields of surgery.
Assessment • Practical Skills Assessments by simulation and certification by the course tutor • Written exam for Research Methods module: A final theory exam consisting of short and essay questions • Continuous Assessment • Dissertation project write-up and presentation.
Website Additional information on the course and Institute can be found by visiting the Barts Cancer Institute website: www.bci.qmul.ac.uk
Student experience
“There are few MSc courses which offer such practical and hands-on teaching and training, which can directly be applied to the future practice of trainee surgeons. A thoroughly enjoyable Masters degree for any person with a surgical interest, from a reputable and highly respected institution. Emphasis on both academic and practical aspects makes it a well rounded and interesting course. Highly recommended!” Dr Asim Hasan, Graduate “This was an excellent course. It is one of very few courses in the world where simulators are used for training and assessment. I was lucky to find something of this calibre in the UK’s top university. It was an opportunity not to be missed.” Dr Y Rushdi, Graduate
Further information
Fees • EU students £4,900 plus £8,950 bench fee • Non–EU students £25,350 (bench fee included) • Non-EU Students: 15 month Clinical Attachment £29,000. EU and Non–EU: an additional cost of £1,000–£1,500 only for those doing a lab based research project. (Fees are an approximation and are subject to amendments for the new academic year)
Admission Criteria Both UK and overseas doctors with a degree in medicine are eligible to apply. Some postgraduate experience in surgery is desirable but not essential. Target candidates • Surgeons in training – SHO or post-foundation year trainees and specialist registrars • Non-career grade surgeons – staff grade and associate specialist. Information for overseas doctors In addition to the above criteria, all overseas doctors should provide scores of any English language test, eg TOEFL/IELTS (minimum score required TOEFL 590 and IELTS 6.5).
Queen Mary, University of London 07
Further information (cont)
Note to applicant
Enquiries
It is not essential to have passed PLAB or any Royal College Membership exam (MRCS). This programme does not involve any direct patient contact and hence GMC registration is not necessary.
General enquiries Tel.: 0207 882 2081 email: cancercourses@qmcr.qmul.ac.uk
Training is lab based and surgical skill is acquired by simulation. On successful completion of the MSc in Surgical Skills and Sciences, you are not eligible to apply for GMC registration. Further information on obtaining registration can be acquired directly from the GMC, or you can visit their website for further details at www.gmc-uk.org/index.asp.
How to apply Visit www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply to apply for this course. You must provide your CV, transcript, personal statement and two academic references with your application form.
08 Queen Mary, University of London
Programme Director Mr Bijendra Patel MS, FRCS, FRCS (Gen Surg) Clinical Senior Lecturer (Laparoscopy & Upper GI Surgery) Barts Cancer Institute Queen Mary, University of London Joseph Rotblat Building Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 2081 email: b.patel@qmul.ac.uk
Notes
Scan the QR code below to visit the MSc Molecular Pathology and Genomics mobile friendly webpage. QR readers can be downloaded for free online. Data charges may apply. Please contact your network provider for more details.
Queen Mary, University of London 09
This guide has been produced by Creative Services for the Barts Cancer Institute - Teaching Centre – Pub7808 For further information contact: Barts Cancer Institute - Teaching Centre Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry Joseph Rotblat Building Charterhouse Square London EC1M 6BQ email: cancercourse@qmul.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 2081
The information given in this brochure is correct at the time of going to press. The College reserves the right to modify or cancel any statement in it and accepts no responsibility for the consequences of any such changes. Any section of this publication is available upon request in accessible formats (large print, audio, etc.). For further information and assistance, please contact: Diversity Specialist, hr-equality@qmul.ac.uk, 020 7882 5585