Showcase Your Surgical Skills
The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (ºìÐÓÊÓƵ) National Surgical Skills Competition is a prestigious annual challenge designed to test and celebrate the practical abilities of medical students across the UK. Since 2011, this flagship event has inspired future surgeons, offering a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience, receive expert feedback and enhance your CV with national recognition.
Competitors demonstrate essential surgical techniques, from suturing and knot-tying to basic laparoscopic skills, in a supportive but competitive environment.
2025/26 National Surgical Skills Competition Details and Key Dates
Are you considering a career in surgery or just curious about the field? The 2025/26 ºìÐÓÊÓƵ national surgical skills competition is your chance to shine!
Get ready to showcase your skills and represent your medical school on a national stage. As a bonus, all registrants will receive complimentary affiliate membership with the prestigious Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
Don't miss out on this fantastic chance to learn new skills that will benefit you in whatever direction your medical career will take you! 
How does it work
Stage 1 - Register .
Stage 2 - Online Quiz to test your knowledge. The top scoring students from each medical school will move onto step 3.
Stage 3 - Skills Kit - practice a set of skills and upload a video demonstrating the skills to the best of your ability. The highest scoring medical student from each medical student will progress to the Grand Final. The top scoring medical school will be recognised at the Grand Final
Stage 4 - Grand Final - taking place at the College on 14 March 2026. Each finalist will be provided transport to and from Edinburgh and a hotel the evening before the event. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 scoring students
Why Enter the ºìÐÓÊÓƵ National Surgical Skills Competition
- Gain recognition from one of the world’s leading surgical colleges.
- Receive feedback and mentorship from experienced clinicians.
- Enhance your clinical skills and career prospects.
- Compete for prizes, including free affiliate membership with ºìÐÓÊÓƵ.
ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Suturing Pack Instructions and Video Guide
Learn how to make the most of your competition suturing kit. Watch the instructional video below for step-by-step guidance.
Past Winners of the National Surgical Skills Competition
Competition Highlights and Gallery
2024/25 Competition Recap - In Partnership with Medtronic
In partnership with Medtronic, ºìÐÓÊÓƵ hosted the 2024/25 surgical skills competition, culminating in a grand final on 15 March 2025. Final-year medical students from across the UK showcased their skills through quizzes, video submissions and live surgical challenges in Edinburgh. Read more here.
Watch the highlights below.
Join the ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Surgical Affiliate Network
Surgical Affiliate Network
Are you a student, foundation doctor or trainee? Affiliate with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and we will lead and support you at every step of your career journey. Being part of our affiliate network will also give you access to a wide range of benefits and opportunities that you might otherwise miss out on.
Join now