South West Orthopaedic Conference 2026

Saturday 7^th February 2026
The RILD, Barrack Road, Exeter, EX2 5DW, England

Aims and Objectives

To advance skills through expert-led lectures and hands-on workshops in key orthopaedic techniques.
To support careers by offering guidance, mentorship, and networking opportunities with leading consultants, helping medical students and resident doctors across the country pursue a career in orthopaedics.
To promote research by sharing delegate abstracts and presentations that showcase innovation and collaboration.

Fee, Date and Venue

Date: Saturday 7^th February 2026
Time: 0825 – 1730 hours
Venue: The RILD, Barrack Road, Exeter, EX2 5DW, England
Conference Fee: £7.50
No. of Places Available: 80
Suitable for: Medical Students and Resident Doctors

Organisers

Mr William Stokes – Co-President
Mr Raman Mobasheri – Co-President
Miss Emily Vhadra – Workshop Coordinator
Mr James Wright – Workshop Coordinator
Mr James Gripton – Workshop Coordinator
Mr Jason Antwi Dicson – Workshop Coordinator
Mr Josh Milne – Lecture Coordinator
Miss Fasika Estefanos – Lecture Coordinator
Miss Ruby Manhota – Treasurer
Mr Kian Gentry – Publicity Secretary

About

The South West Orthopaedic Conference 2026 will take place on Saturday 7^th February 2026 at The RILD, Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, welcoming 80 delegates. Aimed at medical students and resident doctors from across the country, the event combines expert-led teaching, practical skills development, and valuable career guidance.

The morning programme will feature four expert-led guest lectures covering Paediatric Orthopaedics, Orthopaedic Trauma, Women in Orthopaedics, and guidance on entering Core Surgical Training, offering insight into both clinical practice and surgical careers. Delegates will also have the opportunity to submit abstracts, which will be presented during the conference, with prizes awarded for outstanding work.

In the afternoon, delegates will participate in four interactive workshops led by consultant specialists in MAKO Robot-Assisted Total Knee Replacement, Cemented Total Hip Replacement & Hemiarthroplasty, Spine Pedicle Screw Insertion, and Tibial Nailing, providing hands-on experience and expert guidance. The conference also offers excellent opportunities for networking with leading orthopaedic consultants, fostering collaboration, mentorship, and professional development.

Abstract Submissions

Submissions are invited for the Abstract Competition for the South West Orthopaedic Conference 2026.

The deadline for abstract submission is 1100 hours (GMT) on Friday 30^th January 2026.

Abstracts should adhere to the following requirements:

Abstract Length: Abstracts must not exceed 500 words.
Structure: Background, Methods, Results, Conclusion.
Originality: Work must not have been previously published or presented at another regional or national meeting.
Authorship: The presenting author must be clearly identified, registered for the conference, and available to attend on the day to present in person.
Ethical Approval: Where applicable, abstracts must confirm appropriate ethical approval or local governance approval.
Content: Data-driven submissions are encouraged; audits should include a completed audit cycle where possible.

Abstracts must be submitted via email to sworthoconference@gmail.com.

All abstracts will undergo peer review and will be selected for oral presentation based on scientific quality, clinical relevance, and clarity. The scientific committee reserves the right to make the final decision regarding acceptance.

Each accepted abstract will be allocated five minutes for oral presentation, followed by a short Q&A session with a panel of consultants and senior doctors.

Faculty

Mr Al-Amin Kassam, MBBS, BSc (Hons), FRCS (Tr&Orth)
Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon
Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust

Mr Oliver Stokes, MBBS, MSc, FRCS (Tr&Orth)
Consultant Spinal Surgeon
Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust

Miss Kimberley Shuttlewood, MBBS, BSc, MRCS
Speciality Registrar in Trauma and Orthopaedics
Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust

Mr Nathanael Ahearn, MBBS, MSc, FRCS (Tr&Orth), MAcadMEd
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

Dr James Miller, BMBS, AFHEA
Foundation Doctor
Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

Mr Ranjan Vhadra, MBBS, FRCS, FRCS (Tr&Orth)
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
First Contact Health, Guernsey

Dr Ranj Bhakar, MBBS
Core Surgical Trainee
Torbay Hospital, Torquay

Workshops

MAKO Robot-Assisted Total Knee Replacement
This highly hands-on session is delivered by consultant orthopaedic surgeons specialising in MAKO robot-assisted knee replacement. Participants will gain practical, guided experience of the full workflow, with expert insight into techniques that enhance precision, alignment, and surgical consistency.

Cemented Total Hip Replacement & Hemiarthroplasty
This intensive, hands-on workshop is delivered by consultant orthopaedic surgeons with specialist expertise in cemented hip arthroplasty. Participants will use anatomical models, real surgical instruments, and standard operating theatre processes to practise cementing techniques and key procedural steps for both total hip replacement and hemiarthroplasty in a realistic, supervised environment.

Tibial Nailing
This practical workshop is led by orthopaedic surgeons specialising in trauma surgery. Participants will use anatomical models and real surgical instruments to practise the full tibial nailing procedure, focusing on safe technique, implant positioning, and decision-making through a realistic, step-by-step operative workflow.

Spinal Pedicle Screw
This focused practical session provides an immersive introduction to pedicle screw placement, led by experienced spinal surgeons. Through guided use of anatomical models and authentic instrumentation, participants will refine their understanding of spinal anatomy, screw trajectory, and technical accuracy within a simulated operative setting.