Building the Surgeon of Tomorrow – Keele National Surgical Conference 2026

Saturday 30^th May 2026
Clinical Education Centre and Undergraduate Medical School, Royal Stoke Hospital

Aims and Objectives

To facilitate the sharing of the latest advancements, research findings, and clinical practices in surgery, enhancing the understanding of this multidisciplinary field.
To provide participants with hands-on, practical learning opportunities that improve their technical skills in the application of surgical techniques.
To create a platform for professionals from diverse backgrounds to collaborate, exchange ideas, and build lasting connections, fostering innovation and improving patient care.
To discuss and disseminate the most current, evidence-based practices in surgery, ensuring high standards of patient care and surgical outcomes.
To discuss and find solutions to contemporary challenges and complications in the field, ensuring practitioners are well equipped to handle evolving patient needs.

Fee, Date and Venue

Date: Saturday 30^th May 2026
Time: 0830 – 1730 hours
Venue: Clinical Education Centre and Undergraduate Medical School, Royal Stoke Hospital, Newcastle Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 6QG
Conference Fee: £20.00 from 13^th April to 27^th April 2026, or until the first 30 tickets are sold; £25.00 thereafter.
No. of Places Available: 90
Suitable for: Medical Students and Resident Doctors

Organisers

Miss Catherine Oo - KNSC 2026 Event Lead and Keele Surgical Society Secretary
Miss Anahita Movahedi - KNSC 2026 Event Co-Lead and Conference Lead
Miss Poorva Zope - Keele Surgical Society President
Mr Muhammad Ahmed Nadeem - Keele Surgical Society Vice President (Stoke)
Miss Nutcha Nakwatchara - Social Media Officer
Miss Khadija Gul - Anatomy Teaching Lead
Miss Akankshya Priyadarshini Sahoo - Women in Surgery Lead
Mr Mohammed Ahmed - Research Lead
Miss Sophia Williams - Year 3 Representative
Miss Hannah George - Year 2 Representative
Mr Kofi Opoku Kwofie - Year 1 Representative

About

The Keele National Surgical Conference aims to inspire delegates to pursue careers in surgery. Speakers at the event will share their experiences, discuss career pathways into a broad range of surgical subspecialties, offer guidance on CV building and networking, and explore emerging innovative techniques. The event will include several hands‑on workshops designed to enhance delegates’ skills and build confidence in applying these techniques. Additionally, the conference seeks to provide an environment for networking and mentorship, encouraging open dialogue between students, trainees, and established professionals.

Abstract Submissions

Keele Surgical Society invites abstract submissions for the Keele National Surgical Conference 2026, hosted at the Clinical Education Centre, Royal Stoke University Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent, on 30^th May 2026.

Submissions are welcome from medical students and doctors for both oral and poster presentations, showcasing work in all areas of surgery, including clinical research, audit, quality improvement, education, and innovation.

The deadline for abstract submission is 10^th May 2026.

All abstracts will undergo a formal peer-review process by an academic panel. Selected submissions will be invited for presentation at the conference. Prizes will be awarded for outstanding oral and poster presentations.

Submission link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSflhs-oUosNA_jsyFf9GnEHtogmi2-9hZs55id-7ucxtbHS3Q/viewform

Faculty and Speakers

Keele National Surgical Conference Faculty Lead

Mr Vittal Rao, MS, MD, PGCert (Medical Education), FFSTEd, FRCS
Consultant Upper Gastrointestinal and Bariatric Surgeon, Royal Stoke University Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent
Surgical Lead and Hon. Senior Clinical Lecturer, Keele University
Regional Surgical Ambassador, The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
Member, Bariatric Sub Committee, AUGIS

Keynote Speakers

Professor Robert Kirby, MBChB, MD, FRCS
Emeritus Professor of Clinical Education and Surgery
Keele University Medical School, Stoke-on-Trent

Mr Sankaran Narayanan, MBBS, MS, FRCS
Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon
Royal Stoke University Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent

Mr Bruce Summers, MBBS, FRCS, BA (Hons) Humanities MA MedEd
Consultant Orthopaedic and Spinal Surgeon
The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry

Mr Simon Shaw, MBBS, FRCS, DTM&H
Consultant Neurosurgeon
Royal Stoke University Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent
Clinical Lead Midlands Neurosurgery Network

Mr Mohamed Elkawafi, MbChB, PGME, FHEA, RCPathME, FRCS
Endovascular Complex Aorta Fellow
Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester
President of Rouleax Club UK and Ireland

Faculty

Mr Mohamed Elkawafi, MbChB, PGME, FHEA, RCPathME, FRCS
Endovascular Complex Aorta Fellow
Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester
President of Rouleax Club UK and Ireland

Mr David Luke
Consultant General and Colorectal Surgeon
Royal Stoke University Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent

Mr Alireza Sherafat, MBBS (Hons) PGCert (Med Ed)
NIHR ACF ST2 in Vascular Surgery
University Hospital of Leicester, Leicester

Mr Mohammed Mousa, MD, MRCS
Bariatric Fellow
Royal Stoke University Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent

Mr Kapil Agrawal, MBBS, PGDip (Clinical Education)
Registrar in Colorectal Surgery
Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust

Mr Navid Mohamadzade, MBChB, MSc
CT1 Orthopaedics
Royal Stoke University Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent

Mr Chandra Cheruvu, MB BS, MS (GEN SURG), FRCS(G), FRSC(ENGL), FRCS (GEN SURG)
Consultant in Bariatric, Upper Gastrointestinal and Laparoscopic Surgery
Royal Stoke University Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent

Dr Paul Ingley, BMBS, BMedSci, MSc, PhD
Junior Training Fellow in General Surgery
Royal Stoke University Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent

Mr Spyridon Roditis, MD, MSc, MS
Speciality Doctor in Colorectal Surgery
Royal Stoke University Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent

Mr Nnaemeka Chidumije, MD, PGCert (Med Ed)
Bariatric Clinical Fellow
Royal Stoke University Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent

Mr. Sajith Pankajavihar Sasi MBBS, MS, Mch (Surgical Oncology), FRCS
Senior Clinical Fellow in Colorectal Surgery
Royal Stoke University Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent

Workshops

Bowel Anastomosis
Bowel anastomosis is a key surgical procedure involving the connection of two segments of intestine following resection. This workshop introduces the principles of safe and effective anastomosis, including tissue handling, alignment, preservation of blood supply, and leak prevention. Participants will practice techniques such as end‑to‑end anastomosis and suturing methods used in gastrointestinal surgery. The session is designed to build an understanding of both the technical and physiological considerations required to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Patch Repair
Patch repair is a fundamental surgical technique commonly used in the management of vascular conditions, hernias, and tissue defects. It involves reinforcing a weakened or damaged area with a synthetic or biological mesh to restore structural integrity and reduce recurrence rates. During the workshop, participants will gain hands-on experience in positioning and securing patches, understanding tension‑free repair principles, and appreciating the anatomical considerations essential for successful outcomes. This session is ideal for developing both technical precision and decision making skills in reconstructive procedures.

Subcuticular & Advanced Suturing Techniques
This workshop builds on foundational suturing skills by introducing more advanced techniques, with a particular focus on subcuticular suturing for optimal cosmetic closure. Participants will learn how to perform continuous intradermal sutures, achieve precise wound edge approximation, and minimise tissue trauma and scarring. Additional techniques such as vertical and horizontal mattress sutures, buried knots, and tension-relieving methods will also be covered. Emphasis is placed on refining instrument handling, improving efficiency, and understanding when to select each technique in clinical practice.

Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical approach that utilises small incisions, a camera, and specialised instruments to perform procedures within the abdomen. This workshop introduces participants to the core principles of laparoscopic surgery, including port placement, camera navigation, hand‑eye coordination, and instrument handling. Attendees will practise essential skills such as object manipulation and precision movements, which are crucial for modern surgical practice in abdominal and pelvic procedures. The session highlights the benefits of laparoscopy, including reduced patient recovery time and improved cosmetic outcomes.