RCSI Member Spotlight July 2023

MR DENIS COLLINS

RCSI FELLOW, CONSULTANT ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON BEAUMONT AND CAPPAGH HOSPITALS

ISTG 2023 Silver Scalpel Award Winner

Congratulations to Mr Denis Collins, Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon, Beaumont Hospital on being awarded the ISTG 2023 Silver Scalpel Award.

The award is approaching its third decade, and is a longstanding event in the Irish surgical training calendar. Each year, the trainee body nominate and vote for a consultant trainer in recognition of their substantial contributions to surgical training throughout their career

As the recipient of the 2023 Silver Scalpel Award we took the opportunity to find out a bit more about Mr Denis Collins, the traits he thinks make an effective surgical trainer, his inspiration and his passion for sailing...

In your own opinion, what do you believe are the most important traits of an effective surgical trainer?

Honesty, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

What advice can you offer those entering surgical training programmes? Or those who are working on their application for a programme?

Talk to surgeons in the speciality to get advice, also talk to the senior trainees but don’t be put off by extreme or negative comments. Focus on the next step e.g. the basic surgical exams, some initial research rather than worrying about 10 years down the road.

The prevalence of burnout amongst surgeons is high, higher than one would like. How do you feel you beat burnout as a surgeon, or do you?

Don't be afraid to ask for help. Lean on your colleagues for support and always discuss problems. I also think it's important to have a hobby and friends outside medicine.

Speaking of hobbies, do you have any hobbies, passions or passion projects?

Yes, I like sport generally, such as golf, skiing and particularly sailing usually in West Cork. Sailing and the maintenance of a boat is a great break from work.

Recommended Read

Can you share the name and author of a book that you enjoyed recently? Why would you recommend others read it?

Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan. A small book about awful things in Ireland in the recent past, that people should not forget. I think everyone should read it.

Who has been your biggest inspiration in your surgical career or in your personal life?

Personally, my parents were a huge early support instilling the importance of education Later, my wife Rosemary for believing in me and supporting me during the HST programme Currently, I have many supportive colleagues in Beaumont/Cappagh and other hospitals that I ask regularly for advice.

What’s next for you? Do you have another career goal you want to achieve? Is there new technology you want to learn about?

I am not planning a different career but outside work I would like to do more sailing - longer distances and hopefully time and health will allow this in the next few years

Regarding surgical training, the evolution of technology/robotics is very interesting and allows hopefully better training.

What has been the best piece of advice you have received? In work, or in your personal life. Don’t take yourself too seriously!

Finally, some say laughter is the best medicine. What is yours? (Wine, holidays, call with friends, etc) Or, tell us your favourite joke?

Laughter is the best medicine, yes I'm not good at jokes but listening to the Cork City humour e g Ask Reggie always make me smile Which reminds me of the statement from a beach outside cork city, 'Help! Help! My Son The Doctor Is Drowning!'