Crash Course for Orthopaedic On-Calls

13th October 2025

Doctors Academy International Education and Training Centre (Cardiff), Frazer Building, 126 Bute Street, Cardiff Bay, CF10 5LE

This course is accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.


About

This one-day, intensive and highly-interactive course is designed to equip junior doctors with the essential knowledge, decision-making strategies, and practical skills required to manage trauma and orthopaedic (T&O) emergencies effectively while on-call. Aimed at Foundation Year 1 and 2 Doctors, Core Surgical Trainees (CT1–CT3), early Specialty Trainees, and Trust or Staff Grade doctors working in orthopaedics, the course simulates real-life clinical scenarios that SHO-level doctors are likely to face during T&O on-call shifts.

The programme integrates small-group practical sessions with didactic teaching and simulated clinical decision-making. Delegates rotate through high-yield orthopaedic scenarios including fracture identification and backslab application, septic arthritis management and joint aspiration, wrist and hand injuries, and emergency paediatric orthopaedics. Emphasis is placed on accurate initial assessment, emergency management, appropriate referrals, and safe discharge planning.

Delivered by experienced orthopaedic clinicians in a supportive environment, this course aims to boost confidence and clinical competence in cross-covering orthopaedics and responding to common trauma presentations.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

1. recognise and initiate appropriate management for common orthopaedic presentations, including ankle and wrist fractures, septic joints, and neck of femur fractures.

2. safely perform core procedures such as applying backslabs and joint aspirations, and interpret when surgical intervention is required.

3. appropriately triage and manage patients in the context of admission, fracture clinic referral, or safe discharge.

4. respond to emergency orthopaedic scenarios such as the limping child, open fractures, and neurovascular compromise with confidence and clarity.

5. effectively communicate with seniors, emergency department staff, and orthopaedic teams during on-call shifts.

Key Topics and Teaching Format:

  • Morning Sessions:
    • Navigating admissions, discharges, and fracture clinic planning.
    • Hands-on workshops:
      • Ankle fractures and backslab application
      • Septic arthritis diagnosis and joint aspiration
      • Neck of femur fracture management
  • Afternoon Sessions:
    • Practical stations:
      • Wrist fractures and immobilisation techniques
      • Hand injuries (including nailbed injuries, ring blocks)
      • Minor injuries unit (MIU) orthopaedic cases
    • Emergency orthopaedics:
      • Limping child
      • Red flag signs
      • Open fractures and neurovascular compromise
  • Close of Day:
    • Summary and Q&A session to consolidate key take-home messages.

Target Audience:

  • Foundation Doctors (FY1/FY2)
  • Core Surgical Trainees (CT1–CT3)
  • Early Specialty Trainees (ST3+)
  • Staff and Trust Grade Doctors in Trauma & Orthopaedics

Quick Information
Places are currently available.
Dates 13th October 2025
Venue
Google Maps 		Doctors Academy International Education and Training Centre (Cardiff), Frazer Building, 126 Bute Street, Cardiff Bay, CF10 5LE
Course Fee £95.00
Closing Date Places will be offered on a first-come-first-served basis and therefore we are unable to provide a precise closing date.
No of Places 20
Dress code Professional/Semi-formal
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