Welsh National Surgical Conference 2026

14^th February 2026 (0900-1600 hours)
University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff

Aims

To inspire medical students to pursue surgical careers.
To provide insight into diverse surgical specialties.
To develop technical and practical surgical skills.
To support portfolio and career progression.
To encourage networking between students and surgeons.

Fee, Date and Venue

Date : 14^th February 2026 (0900-1600 hours)
Time : 0900-1600 hours
Venue : University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff
Conference Fee :
£20.00 (Discounted to £15.00 until 31^st December 2025)
No. of Places Available : 125
Suitable for : Medical Students (of All Years), Foundation Year 1 and 2 Doctors

Objectives

To deliver keynote talks showcasing surgical career pathways.
To conduct hands-on workshops in core and specialist skills.
To facilitate portfolio review and MSRA preparation.
To offer mentorship and networking opportunities.
To promote awareness of surgical innovations and research.

About

The Welsh National Surgical Conference 2026 will take place on 14 February 2026 at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff. Now in its 8^th year, this highly anticipated student-led event brings together medical students and junior doctors from across the UK who are passionate about pursuing a career in surgery. The conference aims to provide an inspiring and practical overview of surgical specialties, portfolio development, and the latest innovations shaping the future of surgery.

Delegates will hear from expert speakers including Mr Thomas Bragg, Mr Alexander Durst, Professor Julie Cornish, and Mr Alex Cole, all of whom will share insights into career progression, clinical excellence, and research opportunities within surgery. Attendees will also gain hands-on experience through a diverse range of workshops led by experienced surgeons, including fixation, laparoscopic skills, tendon repair, microsurgery, bowel anastomosis, and ENT airway procedures. A dedicated portfolio clinic and MSRA practice station will further help students strengthen their applications for surgical training.

With its combination of keynote talks, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities, the Welsh National Surgical Conference 2026 offers an invaluable opportunity to enhance skills, build connections, and be inspired by leaders in the field. Previous delegates have praised its engaging content, friendly atmosphere, and tangible career benefits.

Workshops

Fracture Fixation Workshop
An introduction to the basic principles of fracture fixation, focusing on the correct use of plates, screws, and orthopaedic instruments. Delegates will learn about fracture alignment, reduction techniques, and safe handling of surgical tools.

Laparoscopic Skills Workshop
This session provides hands-on experience with key laparoscopic techniques, including instrument handling, depth perception, and knot tying under vision. It aims to familiarise delegates with minimally invasive surgical setups and teamwork in the operating theatre.

Hand-Tying and Suturing Workshop
Designed to develop essential suturing and knot-tying techniques used in all surgical specialties, this workshop will help delegates to practise one- and two-handed knots, instrument ties, and basic wound closure methods under guidance.

Microsurgery Workshop
An introductory session to microsurgical principles using simulation microscopes and fine instruments. Delegates will practise precision, coordination, and delicate handling techniques relevant to plastic, vascular, and reconstructive surgery.

Tendon Fixation Workshop
This practical workshop covers the anatomy and biomechanics of tendons, demonstrating basic repair techniques using tendon models. Delegates will gain an understanding of suture patterns and tension control in tendon repair.

ENT Tracheostomy and Cricothyroidotomy Workshop
During this focused skills session on emergency airway access, delegates will learn the indications, anatomy, and stepwise approach to performing tracheostomies and cricothyroidotomies safely.

Bowel Anastomosis Workshop
Delegates will practise the fundamental steps of bowel resection and anastomosis using simulated bowel models. Emphasis is placed on tissue handling, suture technique, and maintaining lumen integrity.

Portfolio Clinic
An interactive session in which experienced doctors provide individual feedback on surgical portfolios. Delegates will receive guidance on structuring evidence, improving reflections, and demonstrating surgical commitment for future applications.

MSRA Station Practice
Run in collaboration with QuesMed and Passmed, this station will help delegates understand the format and style of MSRA questions. Delegates will practise time management and clinical reasoning under exam-like conditions.

Faculty

Mr Thomas Bragg
Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive and Sarcoma Surgeon
Morriston Hospital, Swansea

Mr Alexander Durst
Consultant Spinal Surgeon
University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff

Professor Julie Cornish
Consultant Colorectal Surgeon
University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff

Mr Alex Cole
Core Surgical Trainee
Morriston Hospital, Swansea

Workshop Tutors

Mr Ahmed Emam
Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
Morriston Hospital, Swansea

Lt Col Guang Yim
Consultant Burns, Major Trauma, and Limb Reconstruction Surgeon
Morriston Hospital, Swansea

Miss Jennifer Waterman
Specialty Registrar in General Surgery
University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff

Organisers

Swansea

Miss Brittany Askew
Mr Hamze Hasan
Mr Yusef Ibraheem
Miss Palesa Ndlovu
Mr Jonson Foo
Miss Jessie Lenton
Miss Mai Wallace
Miss Chloe Lewis
Mr Andrew Nelhans
Miss Maira Xiromeriti
Miss Imani Delani

Cardiff

Mr Jonathan Varghese
Mr Sanay Goyal
Mr Louis Clayton