Leonardo da Vinci
Here is an acclaimed web site for Da Vinci aficionados. It has a collection of quite remarkable material based on various elements of the life and work of Leonardo da Vinci. There is an interesting section on human anatomy. This drawing illustrates his understanding of brachial plexus. Check it out.

Robotic surgery

This is evidently coming of age. You will find a good review of its development here. Also there are some excellent videos of a range of procedures including a Heller’s myotomy, an oesophagectomy, an anterior resection and a range of urological procedures including prostatectomy, pyelopasty, partial nephrectomy, partial cystectomy and even some transplant procedures. Click the image above and follow the Robotic Surgery link on the WebSurg home page

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Joint Reaction
Here is an interesting idea. I have been on the lookout for innovative surgical sites run by individuals and have found it quite difficult to find many to highlight. Joint Reaction is a group of 14 orthopaedic surgeons & 1 Pain Specialist, who work in the same NHS Hospital. They formed Joint Reaction to provide the same team approach for their private patients. It seems to be a well organised outfit with a clear business agenda. See what you think.

MRCS Examination Arrangements 2007- 09

This is another case of the tail wagging the dog in Lincoln's Inn. Here is the lext of an agreed statement on 19th June.

"Following discussion at a meeting of the Council of The Royal College of Surgeons of England on Thursday 14 th June 2007, the presidents of the four surgical royal colleges ( Edinburgh, England, Glasgow and Ireland) have agreed arrangements for examining basic/core specialist training over the next few years.

The intercollegiate surgical curriculum will be formally implemented in August 2007 as the first foundation trainees enter specialist training. The existing MRCS examination, comprising two multiple choice question papers, an oral examination and a clinical and communication, will continue to be offered until a revised examination is introduced no later than 2009. The new examination will have generic and specialty-specific components and will be based fully on the new curriculum.

The existing examination is being retained

• To provide an element of stability for trainees at a time when the arrangements for surgical training generally are undergoing fundamental change;
• To ensure there is a familiar and proven method for assessing a trainee’s knowledge, judgement and skills as a basis for progression in surgical training;
• In the interests of maintaining high standards of care and patient safety.

This examination will continue to be intercollegiate in nature, but conducted by the individual colleges as the basis for being awarded membership of the appropriate college."

Keep and eye on the intercollegiate MRCS web site

Maybe July will bring more sanity to the intercollegiate world. Don’t hold your breath. Till then ….

David Galloway