About

The FRCS (General Surgery) Section I exam is designed to assess the breadth and depth of knowledge expected of a higher surgical trainee progressing towards consultancy. Success requires more than factual recall. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to interpret clinical information, apply surgical principles, and select the most appropriate answer from a series of closely related options.

This comprehensive two-day course has been developed specifically for candidates preparing for the FRCS (General Surgery) Section I exam. Delivered by an experienced multidisciplinary faculty of consultant surgeons who represent the major surgical subspecialties, the course provides a structured review of the curriculum. This ensures that delegates receive specialist and focused teaching across every area of the syllabus.

Teaching is centred around the application of knowledge to mock SBA questions. Throughout the course, faculty discuss the underlying surgical principles, highlight common misconceptions, explain how questions are constructed, and demonstrate practical approaches to selecting the best answer. Rather than concentrating on isolated facts, the sessions emphasise clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, and the integration of knowledge across different areas of surgery.

Learning Style

• Interactive discussions and active delegate participation
• Focused teaching on high yield topics
• Updates on current guidelines and advances in all sub-specialities
• Solving sample SBA questions
• Discussion on clinical images and pathology specimens
• Practical tips and exam preparation guidance from senior trainees who have recently passed the FRCS Exam

Learning Outcomes

• On completion of this course, delegates should be confident in their preparation for the Section I of the examination.
• Delegates will be familiar with the correct examination techniques.

Eligibility Criteria

ST5 or above/SpR Year 3 or above in General Surgery.
Recommended for trainees planning to sit the FRCS Section I Exam within 12 months.

Topics and Subspecialities

• Colorectal
• Upper Gastrointestinal
• Hepatobiliary
• Transplant
• Breast
• Endocrine
• General, Trauma & Emergency Surgery
• Statistics