The Theatre: Surgical Learning and Innovation Podcast

In this episode Ibifunke Pegba-Otemolu sits down with Muhammad Haroon Khan and Shahid Khan to discuss their experiences of taking the MRCS examination as overseas participants. Our guests share their personal journeys, highlighting the cultural differences, communication challenges, and nuances they encountered during their exam preparation and taking. This episode aims to provide valuable insights and practical advice for those preparing for the MRCS exam overseas. Hosted by: Ibifunke Pegba-Otemolu Ibifunke Pegba-Otemolu is a Higher Surgical Trainee in the East of Scotland deanery. She is author of Thriving in the NHS an International Medical Graduates Guide to starting in the NHS and convener of the community by the same name. Guest: Muhammad Haroon Khan Muhammad Haroon Khan is a resident orthopaedic surgeon currently working in a busy Level 1 trauma centre. Muhammad has recently navigated the MRCS exam and successfully passed on his second attempt in June 2025. When he is not in theatre or on the wards, he enjoys unwinding by reading, exploring new places through travel, and listening to music.Guest: Shahid Khan Shahid Khan completed his MD degree in Afghanistan and successfully passed the MRCS exam on his first attempt in June 2025. He currently works with the Afghan Red Crescent Society as a medical officer in a busy primary care hospital.Resources:RCS England Intercollegiate MRCS: ⁠https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/education-and-exams/exams/search/intercollegiate-mrcs/⁠ Practice MRCS OSCE: Pathology course: ⁠https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/education-and-exams/courses/search/practice-mrcs-osce-pathology/⁠ Practice MRCS OSCE: Anatomy course: ⁠https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/education-and-exams/courses/search/practice-mrcs-osce-anatomy/⁠ MRCS and DO-HNS Exam Locations and Dates: ⁠https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/education-and-exams/exams/search/intercollegiate-mrcs/mrcs-exam-locations-and-dates/⁠ Surgical Exams FAQ: ⁠https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/education-and-exams/exams/search/intercollegiate-mrcs/surgical-exams-faq/⁠ Exams Guidance: ⁠https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/education-and-exams/exams/exams-guidance/⁠ MRCS  Examinations Intercollegiate Committee for Basic Surgical Examinations (ICBSE): ⁠https://www.intercollegiatemrcsexams.org.uk/⁠ RCS England Anatomy and Pathology Museum MRCS Part B revision sessions ⁠MRCS revision sessions — Royal College of Surgeons⁠ Webinar: Preparing for the MRCS Part B ⁠Preparing for the MRCS Part B⁠ Anatomy eLearning ⁠Applied Anatomy for MRCS Preparation and Surgical Training — Royal College of Surgeons⁠ Produced by: Andrea PearsonWe would love to hear from you so please do reach out to us on social media, or email us at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

In this episode Maria Satchi sits down with Tina Rashid and Tharani Nitkunan to explore surgical leadership, gender bias, motherhood in surgery, and the pursuit of balancing high-pressure careers. For anyone who’s ever wondered if they could lead without losing themselves, this episode offers real stories, honest reflections, and the reassurance that leadership can be both powerful and personal. Host: Maria Satchi Maria Satchi is a Consultant Urological Surgeon with subspecialist expertise in Men’s Sexual and Reproductive Health. She qualified in 2009 from the University of Southampton in 2009 with a Bachelor or Medicine and Bachelor of Science with Honours degree. She has completed advanced training in male fertility, andrology and genito-scrotal reconstruction during the prestigious competitive fellowship at the Institute of Andrology, University College London Hospital. Early in her career she established a regional andrology and male fertility service, introducing advanced microsurgical techniques. In her current practice, she is the Clinical Lead for the Andrology and Male Factor Infertility Service at a tertiary referral centre.  She sits on professional committees as an elected member of the British Association of Urological Surgeons’ national Andrology and Genito-Urethral Surgery Committee and the Andrology Special Interest Group of the British Fertility Society. She currently serves on the advisory board of Fertility Alliance to improve public awareness and access to specialist care and was selected for the 2024 RCS Emerging Leader programme. She is published in the field of urology and andrology and is a member of the editorial board of Trends in Mens’ Health and Urology. Guest: Tina Rashid  Tina Rashid is a Consultant Urological Surgeon with extensive experience in gender surgery, and one of only a small number of surgeons in the UK practicing exclusively in this field. She leads the NHS gender surgery service at Nuffield Health Parkside Hospital and co-leads the service at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Trust, having previously worked as a consultant at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and St George's University NHS Trust. She has been the National Clinical Lead for Gender Dysphoria Surgery at NHS England since 2022, where she is a strategic advisor focusing on national policy, workforce training, and service expansion.  A passionate educator, she developed and leads the London Gender Surgery Fellowship Programme—the first of its kind in the UK—and, as a former Training Programme Director for Urology Higher Surgical Trainees, brings significant experience in training, education, and mentorship to support the next generation of surgeons. A Keith Yates Gold Medal recipient who has performed more than 1,500 lower feminising surgeries, she continues to champion equity, inclusion, and compassion within surgical leadership and practice. Her greatest lessons, however, have come from being a mother to two young children, who remind her daily of the importance of patience, perspective, and purpose—both in and beyond the operating room. Guest: Tharani Nitkunan Tharani Nitkunan has been a consultant urological surgeon since 2013 and specialise in female urology, paediatric urology and HoLEPs. She has been a clinical lead for five years, a BAUS trustee since the beginning of 2025, had various roles in education (foundation year 1 training programme director and member of the urology specialist advisory committee) and audit (BAUS audit steering group). She is a mother to two teenagers and a dog. Resources:sexism-in-medicine-bma-report-august-2021.pdf https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamasurgery/fullarticle/2808894 https://www.urologynews.uk.com/features/features/post/supporting-return-to-clinical-practice https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamasurgery/article-abstract/2768006 https://publishing.rcseng.ac.uk/doi/full/10.1308/rcsbull.2022.23?mobileUi=0 Produced by: Andrea Pearson

In this episode, we delve into the real-life experiences of recent surgical trainees who have successfully navigated the MRCS exam. Our guests share their personal journeys, discussing the challenges they faced, the moments of doubt, and the strategies that helped them build resilience and manage anxiety. This episode aims to provide insights and practical advice for UK-based medical graduates preparing for the MRCS exam. Stay tuned for part two which will explore international medical graduates perspectives.Host: Daniel Ashmore  Danny is an ST6 upper GI trainee with an esophagogastric interest. Having studied in Leeds, he stayed in Yorkshire for his foundation and surgical training, and has since completed a PG certificate in Leadership, as well as a PhD. Danny recalls how he prepared for the MRCS now the next set of exams are round the corner.   Guest: Shreya Saxena Shreya is currently a CT2 in General Surgery working in Thames Valley. She attended medical school at Bristol University and worked through the ranks, taking an F3 and F4 year to end up getting into Core Surgical Training in Thames Valley and now has an ST3 number for General Surgery in the East of England. Guest: Elena Georgiakakis Elena completed her pre-clinical studies at St Andrews and clinical years at Manchester, graduating from a six-year program with both a BSc and MBChB. She then completed her foundation training in London—first year at Chelsea and Westminster, and second year at Ealing. She is currently a CT2 in Cardiothoracic Surgery at Royal Papworth Hospital, having recently completed a 12-month rotation in Trauma and Orthopaedics at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge. She is keen to pursue a career in Trauma and Orthopaedics. Resources:RCS England Intercollegiate MRCS: https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/education-and-exams/exams/search/intercollegiate-mrcs/ Practice MRCS OSCE: Pathology course: https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/education-and-exams/courses/search/practice-mrcs-osce-pathology/ Practice MRCS OSCE: Anatomy course: https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/education-and-exams/courses/search/practice-mrcs-osce-anatomy/ MRCS and DO-HNS Exam Locations and Dates: https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/education-and-exams/exams/search/intercollegiate-mrcs/mrcs-exam-locations-and-dates/ Surgical Exams FAQ: https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/education-and-exams/exams/search/intercollegiate-mrcs/surgical-exams-faq/ Exams Guidance: https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/education-and-exams/exams/exams-guidance/ MRCS  Examinations Intercollegiate Committee for Basic Surgical Examinations (ICBSE): https://www.intercollegiatemrcsexams.org.uk/ RCS England Anatomy and Pathology Museum MRCS Part B revision sessions MRCS revision sessions — Royal College of Surgeons Webinar: Preparing for the MRCS Part B Preparing for the MRCS Part B Anatomy eLearning Applied Anatomy for MRCS Preparation and Surgical Training — Royal College of Surgeons Produced by: Andrea PearsonWe would love to hear from you so please do reach out to us on social media, or email us at ⁠⁠[email protected]

With all the buzz around artificial intelligence in recent years, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why the Innovation Hub team is back—to break down the basics and bring you up to speed on the latest AI tools shaping the future of surgery. In this episode, Ryan Kerstein and Eve McMahon unpack how AI is transforming not just patient care, but the surgical profession itself. From real-time decision support to the emerging “Internet of Surgical Things,” we explore the cutting-edge technologies enhancing precision, reducing risk, and redefining what it means to be a surgeon in the digital age. But with great power comes great responsibility—so how do we ensure these tools are used ethically and effectively? Featuring insights from leading medical innovators and AI experts, this conversation reveals how that future of surgery might be written in code. Hosted by: Ryan Kerstein & Eve McMahonGuest: Umang Patel  Produced by: Andrea Pearson  For more information on the RCS England Innovation Hub please visit our website: RCS England Innovation Hub — Royal College of Surgeons  For more information on RCS England please visit our website: The Royal College of Surgeons of England — Royal College of Surgeons We would love to hear from you so please do reach out to us on social media, or email us at: [email protected]   -ResourcesNHS 10-Year Plan: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6866387fe6557c544c74db7a/fit-for-the-future-10-year-health-plan-for-england.pdf UMass Memorial Health and KATE AI: https://www.ummhealth.org/about-us/newsroom/umass-memorial-health-scales-kate-ai-platform-emergency-departments-systemwide-to-enhance-patient Ping An Good Doctor:  https://www.ft.com/partnercontent/ping-an-insurance/bridges-to-health-for-chinas-people.html Recent Bulletin article on using AI in healthcare: Gupta, S., Edwards, L. “Cracking the code: successfully navigating AI medical device innovation and regulation” The Bulletin of the Royal College of Surgeons of England 107.3 (2025). https://publishing.rcseng.ac.uk/doi/full/10.1308/rcsbull.2025.56 AI playbook for the UK Government MHRA Medical Device Guidance: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/64a7d22d7a4c230013bba33c/Medical_device_stand-alone_software_including_apps__including_IVDMDs_.pdf Dataset biases: Kakish, D.R.K., AlSamhori, J.F., et al. “Transforming Dermatopathology With AI: Addressing Bias, Enhancing Interpretability, and Shaping Future Diagnostics.” Dermatological Reviews, 6: e70018. (2025) https://doi.org/10.1002/der2.70018 Umang Patel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drumangpatel/?originalSubdomain=uk 

Join us for this month’s episode where Rhiannon Richards sits down with Felicity Meyer, Helen Skinner and Jade Whing to explore the challenges and experiences faced by pregnant surgical trainees and how supervisors can play a major role in supporting trainees who are navigating their surgical training whilst pregnant.  Host: Rhiannon RichardsRhiannon Richards is a Yorkshire General Surgical trainee, a former Leadership Fellow for Supported Return to Training and mother to two children. Her leadership work has focused on pregnancy in surgery, improving the process of returning to surgical training after time out and national research into complex phased returns.Guest: Felicity MeyerFelicity Meyer is the current Chair of the RCS England Women in Surgery Forum, having previously been their Flexible Working Advisor. She is a Consultant Vascular Surgeon working across Norfolk and Deputy Medical Director at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn. She has three adult children and is passionate about teaching and training: everyone must have equal access to a fantastic surgical career.Guest: Helen SkinnerHelen Skinner is an ST4 General Surgery trainee working in the Yorkshire & Humber deanery. She was elected to the ASiT Council as Yorkshire and Humber regional Representative in 2021 and joined the Executive Committee in March 2023 as Webmaster & Bursary Liaison. She has an interesting training and education, sustainability and increasing diversity in the surgical workforce. Guest: Jade WhingJade Whing is a perpetual ST6 Vascular Surgery Registrar working in the East of England. She has a keen interest in necrotic legs, trauma, and global surgery, having previously worked in South Africa. Currently on maternity leave, she solo-parents a dinosaur-obsessed two-year-old and a10-week-old baby — all while her partner has spent the past year living away, completing a trauma surgery fellowship and sitting exams. She is exhausted.  ResourcesThe impact of parental and caring responsibilities on surgical careersParents in Surgery ReportDelivering Ambitious Change for Parents in SurgeryJCST– Return to work guidance  Produced by: Andrea Pearson We would love to hear from you so please do reach out to us on social media, or email us at ⁠[email protected]

How do you lead as a woman of colour in surgery? Join us as Hannah Maple sits down with Evelyn Mensah and Sala Abdalla to discuss the experiences of women of colour in surgery from personal stories, the impact of racism, and theirjourneys towards leadership. We delve into the importance of leadership, offering advice for aspiring women surgeons, and emphasise the power of visibility and support. Don't miss this compelling conversation that challenges and inspires!Guest: Evelyn MensahEvelyn (Evie) Mensah, Consultant Ophthalmologist and WRES Expert at London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust is part of the London and Medical WRES Strategy Groups. Evie leads ophthalmology and anti-racism initiatives globally, aiming for equitable healthcare. She championsinstitutional courage. In October 2024, Evie was appointed as the President for the Ophthalmology section of the Royal Society of Medicine. During her two year tenure she hopes to foster closer relationships between ophthalmologists andthe wider multi-disciplinary team.Guest: Sala AbdallaDr Sala Abdalla is a Consultant General, Emergency and Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Surgeon at the London North West University Healthcare Trust. Dr Abdalla is the author of numerous publications in the field of surgery and surgical education including two textbooks; 'A History of Surgery' which she co-authored with Harold Ellis CBE FRCS, showcasing her dedication to exploring the rich history of surgical practices across the globe, and 'Cracking the general surgical interviews for ST3', which serves as a valuable preparatory resource for aspiring surgeons. DrAbdalla is deeply invested in advancing global access to surgical care. She is the founder and director of a surgical charity called Operation International UK which has close collaboration with the Royal College of Surgeons of England. Her charity delivers free surgical care and education tounderserved communities around the world. She has received two national awards for her charitable work and cites her charity as one of her proudest achievements. Hosted by: Hannah MapleHannah Maple is a Consultant Transplant and Dialysis Access surgeon based at Guys and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and the lead for simulation research. Hannah is the past-Chair of the Ethical, Legal and Psychosocial aspects of Transplantation section (ELPAT) of the European Society of Organ Transplantation and completed the Emerging Leaders Fellowship, awarded by the Royal College of Surgeons of England, in 2023. Resources·       Watch Evelyn Mensah’s inaugural address when appointed as the President for the Ophthalmology Section of the Royal Society of Medicine: OPT01 - Equitable, Diverse and Inclusive Ophthalmology through the Eyes of a Geordie Ghanaian - Zoom·       How can I be antiracist·       Cracking the General Surgical Interviews for ST3·       The Kennedy Review·       Medical Workforce Race Equality Standard in England·       GMC data supporting the Medical Workforce Race Equality Standard in England·       NHS Workforce Race Equality StandardNews & Updates from RCS England· RCS England is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Emerging Leaders programme. Applications open on 15 May and closes on 1 September 2025.· RCS England: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion / Interested in getting involved or supporting our work? Please contact: [email protected]· The 2025 UK surgical workforce census is now open. It’s quick, confidential and crucial. Your voice helps us push for real change where it matters most, from tackling workforce shortages to improving wellbeing and training. Take the census now: https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/standards-and-research/surgical-workforce-census/?utm_source=Digital&utm_medium=TheTheatre&utm_campaign=Census2025Produced by: Andrea PearsonWe would love to hear from you so please do reach out to us on social media, or email us at [email protected]

Join us as we sit down with Mohammed Belal, a consultant urological surgeon at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. Mohammed shares his remarkable journey of recovery from a severe spinal cord injury, a life-altering event that saw him transition from surgeon to patient and back again. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that explores the profound resilience required to not only heal but also to return to theatre. Offering insights into the emotional and physical challenges surgeons face when the roles are reversed, Mohammed’s story is a testament of strength, vulnerability, and the intricate connections between our professional and personal lives.  Guest: Mohammed Belal Mohammed Belal is a Consultant Urological Surgeon at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. Hosted by: Andrea Pearson Produced by: Andrea Pearson We would love to hear from you so please do reach out to us on social media, or email us at [email protected] For more information on RCS England please visit our website: https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/ 

In today's episode, Ryan Kerstein and Eve McMahon, from the RCS England Innovation Hub (iHub) sit down with Professor Jag Dhanda and Ameen Mahmood to discuss extended reality, specifically virtual reality in medicine and surgery (VRiMS). Join us as we discuss the world of extended reality and their transformative potential in healthcare. Guest: Professor Jag Dhanda Professor Jag Dhanda is an Oral and Maxillofacial/Head and Neck Surgeon and founder of Virtual Reality in Medicine and Surgery (VRiMS). Guest: Ameen Mahmood Ameen is a medical student at Imperial College London. He is an RAF Medical Officer Bursar and aspiring military plastic surgeon with passions in surgical innovation, medical technology and improving widening access to medicine. He is the co-founder and co-chair of the VRiMS Surgical Society. Ameen contributes to VRiMS through event facilitation, workshops, and developing innovative teaching methods to enhance surgical education. Hosted by: Ryan Kerstein & Eve McMahon Produced by: Andrea Pearson For more information on VRiMS please visit their website: https://www.vrims.net/ For more information on the RCS England Innovation Hub please visit our website: https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/standards-and-research/future-of-surgery/innovation-hub/ For more information on RCS England please visit our website: https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/ We would love to hear from you so please do reach out to us on social media, or email us at [email protected] Referenceshttps://www.xrhealthuk.org/the-growing-value-of-xr-in-healthcareLaver, Kate E., et al. "Virtual reality for stroke rehabilitation." Cochranedatabase of systematic reviews 11 (2017). Bordeleau, Martine, et al. "The use of virtual reality in back pain rehabilitation: asystematic review and meta-analysis." The journal of pain 23.2(2022): 175-195.Please, Helen, et al. "Virtual reality technology for surgical learning: qualitativeoutcomes of the first virtual reality training course for emergency andessential surgery delivered by a UK–Uganda partnership." BMJ OpenQuality 13.1 (2024): e002477.https://www.virti.com/insights/news/evolution-of-virtual-humans-authentic-digital-personas/#:~:text=who%20need%20it.-,Training,scenarios%20more%20accessible%20and%20immersive.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fl13n4TDSQA

Join us as we delve into the world of surgical mentorship, exploring what makes a good mentor through real-life stories and practical tips. We sat down with Michaella Cameron, Ian Kamaly-Asl & Casie Sweeney to discuss the qualities that make a great mentor, the benefits of mentoring for both mentor and mentee, and how mentorship can foster growth, communication, and leadership skills. We also tackle the tricky subject of imposter syndrome - an issue many professionals, including mentors, face. Tune in for an engaging and insightful conversation that highlights the transformative power of mentorship in surgery. Guest: Michaella Cameron Michaella Cameron is an ST6 ENT registrar in London with a strong interest in mentoring and supporting surgical trainees. She is a member of the BRS Juniors Committee and the WINS Forum. As an RCS Emerging Leaders alumna, she is committed to empowering women in surgery and improving diversity for ethnic minority doctors. Guest: Ian Kamaly-Asl Ian Kamaly-Asl is Professor of paediatric neurosurgery at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.  He is the Society of British Neurological Surgeons (SBNS) representative on the Royal College of Surgeons of England Council.  He is the SBNS lead for tackling bullying, undermining and harassment and introduced the SBNS national mentoring scheme. Guest: Casie Sweeney Casie is a CT2 in Orthopaedics and a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps, where she has served for 17 years—proving that career paths don’t always follow a straight line; sometimes, they take detours through war zones. She is passionate about training, mentoring, and leadership, firmly believing that investing in these will save the NHS. When she’s not moving through the hospital like a controlled explosion, she’s a dedicated daughter, sister, and godmother who enjoys running, lifting, and keeping her houseplants (mostly) alive. Hosted & produced by: Andrea Pearson RCS England is currently accepting mentor registrations and will open mentee registrations for our pilot programmes this upcoming spring. Our mentorship programmes are exclusively available to RCS England members. To learn more about the benefits of joining the College and becoming a member please visit our website. We would love to hear from you so please do reach out to us on social media, or email us at [email protected]. For more information on RCS England please visit our website: https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/ 

In our exciting return, we sat down with José Martínez, an emergency department research nurse, who after a traumatic cycling accident found himself in his workplace hospital as a trauma patient. Offering insights into the emotional and physical challenges healthcare professionals face when the roles are reversed, Josés story is a testament of strength, vulnerability, and the intricate connections between our professional and personal lives. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that explores the profound resilience required to heal both physically and mentally.Guest: José MartínezJosé Martínez qualified as a nurse at the Balearic Islands University. He moved to the UK in 2012 where he has spent over 10 years working in the emergency department at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. Following his accident, he has shown a great interest on patient experience in trauma, delivering speeches in conferences in Oxford, London, Las Vegas amongothers. We would love to hear from you so please do reach out to uson social media, or email us at [email protected] more information on RCS England please visit ourwebsite:https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/Hosted by: Andrea PearsonProduced by: Andrea Pearson