The Irish Surgical Training Group (ISTG) is an independent entity representing surgical trainees and training in Ireland. It is run entirely by surgical trainees and engages with NCHDs and medical students who aspire to become surgical trainees, offering numerous supports along the way in advancing their academic and professional career.
Can you tell us about the ISTG?
The ISTG coordinates and arranges several events throughout the academic year, most notable of which include the ISTG Charter Week session, the Annual Silver Scalpel Dinner and Careers Day, all of which are held at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) campus.
The committee strives to act as a forum to represent the views of trainees and provide a voice with key stakeholders in relation to a wide range of subjects pertaining to surgical training.
The ISTG committee members include a wide range of surgical trainees at all levels including a secretary, treasurer, welfare officer, website manager and education/events officer, with a dedicated representative for each surgical speciality. These speciality representatives are responsible for liaising with trainees in their speciality, promoting key events within their speciality and encouraging aspiring trainees to consider a career in their specialty!
In addition, there are representatives for the Core Surgical Trainees of Year 1 and 2. A nontraining scheme NCHD representative is also appointed on the committee for candidates who pursue parallel training pathways to support their career and examinations. The committee also consists of Public Relations Officers who are responsible for managing all communication to and from the committee, while maintaining the social media accounts. They work closely with the podcast team to publish new episodes once available.
Why should our RCSI Affiliate Members get involved with ISTG?
RCSI Affiliate Members should consider getting involved with ISTG as the committee offers several opportunities to support Affiliate Members at various stages of their career At key events such as Careers Day, Core Surgical Training representatives and speciality representatives have breakout sessions where attendees have the chance to ask any questions and to develop a better understanding of the training pathway in Ireland This year the ISTG plans to run a parallel 'Preparing for consultancy' workshop for those in senior levels of training.
What topics do the ISTG cover?
The ISTG aims to address any issues related to surgical training. Its key events in the year offer a unique opportunity for all to attend and gain more information on topics or career choices. All members of the committee would be delighted to answer any questions or provide guidance to junior colleagues. In addition, the Aspiring Surgeons Research Symposium which is held on Careers Day offers junior trainees and medical students to showcase their original research work The newly developed ISTG podcast aims to address both topics of interest and educational features including preparation for FRCS examination.
In your opinion, what do you think is the value of RCSI Affiliate Membership to a surgical trainee or someone interested in pursuing surgery as a career?
The RCSI Affiliate Membership, led by the RCSI Fellows and Members team, is an invaluable resource for medical students, interns and trainees, allowing them to join a community of over 11,000 Fellows and Members worldwide
It allows those interested in a career in surgery to have access to a range of services, all of which are aimed at supporting and supplementing personal and professional development It is also a method of staying connected with the latest happenings and updates related to surgical training in Ireland. Additionally, Affiliate Members have access to study material for the MRCS examinations
Can you tell me about the Silver Scalpel Award? What is the significance of the award?
The Silver Scalpel Award Dinner is one of the most special days of our calendar, approaching its third decade It is a day on which our exceptional Consultant trainers are honoured and celebrated Each year, the trainee body nominate and vote for a consultant trainer in recognition of their substantial contributions to surgical training over the course of their career Silver Scalpel winners also deliver an exemplary service to their patients, creating a positive clinical environment and learning culture for trainees
Mr Denis Collins, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Beaumont and Cappagh Hospitals was the recipient of the prestigious award in 2023. In an interview, Mr Collins noted that he considers ‘honesty, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn’ as the most important traits of a trainer.
Can you tell me more about the ISTG Careers Day event? Can RCSI Affiliate Members attend?
The Careers Day is a highly successful event attended by many medical students, interns, SHOs and trainees. The day consists of talks by the specialty core surgical training leads of RCSI focusing on each specialty's career pathway. It also includes discussion on the current and future of surgical training in Ireland. A research symposium then takes place in which submissions are open to all, including medical students and affiliate members This provides the chance of presenting your original research work with prizes available for the best work!
This year, the ISTG hopes to re-run its 'Preparing for Consultancy' workshop for senior trainees parallel to having breakout sessions for junior trainees in their specialty of interest. Breakout sessions are led by each of the surgical speciality representatives giving the unique opportunity to ask any general or specific questions related to the specialty or surgical training in general!
Affiliate members are more than welcome to attend the event and we hope to meet you there! Keep an eye on our twitter to find out more details closer to the time!
How do you see the ISTG and RCSI Fellows and Members Team working together to support future surgeons? How can/do we complement each other's work?
The ISTG and RCSI Fellows and Members team have worked closely to support trainees. There is a strong relationship between the two groups, with an excellent opportunity to provide members with shared access to resources, supports and events. As an independent entity representing surgical training in Ireland, the ISTG understands the needs of aspiring trainees and the RCSI Fellows and Members team fulfils this by a wide range of supports
How can RCSI Affiliate Members join the ISTG?
Affiliate Members can find more information about the ISTG at www.istg.ie or by contacting info@istg.ie Stay up to date with ISTG activity by following our social media platform on twitter @ISTGofficial. The committee will also circulate important notices via email.
Upcoming ISTG Events
1. Careers day - January 2024 at RCSI Dublin
2. ISTG Session at Charter Week - Charter Week, February 2024 at RCSI Dublin
3. Silver Scalpel Award and Dinner - June 2024 at RCSI Dublin
All events will be announced well in advance on our social media platforms, with information and details on time, venue and registration.
On behalf of ISTG President Ms Alison McHugh, Vice President Ms Czara Kennedy and committee members, we look forward to welcoming you and speaking to you at our events.
Interview written by: Mr Ahmed Kazi SpR General and Colorectal Surgery, Galway University Hospital/RCSI Public Relations Officer, ISTG