Episode 7: Knot to be missed - The RCOG surgical skills podcast | Laparoscopic simulation training

TOG Editors Jennifer Davies, Deborah Bruce and Natalie Medley discuss the evidence base underpinning the WHO's cervical cancer elimination strategy and highlight novel approaches to the prevention, detection and treatment of cervical disease.

What does it take to build an internationally recognised surgical career? Is there a single route to success, or do the best opportunities come from embracing the unexpected? In this episode, we are joined by Professor Jan Deprest, a world-leading surgeon whose career spans fetal surgery, urogynaecology, research, innovation and surgical education across both Belgium and the UK. Together, we discuss how to develop a fulfilling surgical career, the importance of mentorship, research and international collaboration, and why innovation begins with asking the right questions. We also explore how different healthcare systems approach surgical training, the growing role of simulation and competency-based progression, and what UK trainees can learn from training models across Europe. Whether you're considering an academic career, interested in advanced surgery, or simply looking for inspiration on how to shape your own career, this episode offers practical advice and insights from one of the pioneers of modern surgical innovation.

What happens when learners and educators come together to rethink how we teach surgery? In this episode, RCOG Surgical Skills Fellows Naomi Harvey and Hannah Pierce are joined by Paul Mills, Rachel O'Donnell and Kyle Fleischer to reflect on the inaugural RCOG Surgical Train the Trainers pilot. Hear first-hand what made the course different, why investing in surgical educators has never been more important, and how this new national programme aims to strengthen surgical training across the UK. Through practical teaching strategies, shared experiences and reflections from both learners and educators, discover why participants believe developing excellent trainers is fundamental to developing the next generation of surgeons. Whether you're an educator, trainee or educational leader, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the RCOG Surgical Skills Project's newest national initiatives.

In this episode, Hannah and Naomi turn the tables and put the RCOG's Vice President for Education and Academia, Melanie Tipples, and Executive Director for Education, Carly Edwards, in the hot seat to answer the difficult questions they are asked time and time again by trainees. Together, they demystify who is responsible for key aspects of training — including curricula, study budgets, simulation, hysterectomy training, course costs and workforce planning — offering an honest insight into how decisions are made and what the future of surgical education could look like.

Are the challenges facing surgical trainees unique to O&G, or is the grass really greener in general surgery?