Neurosurgical trainees are often faced with difficult cases and scenarios which can be complex and challenging. This course aims to provide expertise and additional skills on how to deal with these complex issues.
Overview
The course, organised via a partnership between The Walton Centre NHS Trust and Edge Hill University, aims to equip neurosurgical trainees with the skills and knowledge needed to prevent and manage a range of situations relating to neurosurgical complications. The course will be delivered by neurosurgeons and psychologists via informal lectures, discussions and interactive simulation scenarios, covering the different facets of neurosurgical complications.
You will also be provided opportunity to discuss your personal experience of complications with an expert faculty group. Highlights include:
- National speakers including renowned neurosurgeon Henry Marsh
- Understanding Human Factors
- The patient’s perspective
- Medico-legal implications
- Cranial and spinal complications
- Building resilience using sport psychology practices
- Understanding your personality and behaviours
- Decision-making approaches
- Moulage scenarios and interactive group sessions
Full programme
Day 1- Wednesday 16 July 2025.
| 9:30am | Welcome |
| 9:40am | A patient’s story – A Patient |
| 10:10am | A surgeon’s story – Mr Henry Marsh |
| 10:40am | The fast and the curious: Understanding decision-making from Neuroscience to Neurosurgery – Dr Antonio Capozio, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Edge Hill University |
| 11:10am | Break |
| 11:30am | Human factors/Learning systems and (imposter phenomenon) |
| 12:00pm | Medico-legal aspects of neurosurgery: what to do when things don’t go to plan? |
| 12:30pm | Lunch |
| 1:30pm | Cranial complications: group interactive discussion |
| 3pm | Break |
| 3:15pm | Spinal complications: group interactive discussion |
| 4:45pm | Surgical Agents: What’s there to help me? |
| 5pm | Summary and close |
Day 2 – Thursday 17 July 2025
| 8:45am | Welcome and tea/coffee |
| 8:50am | Neurosurgical complications moulages – Interactive sessions simulating real-life complications in theatre, ward, and clinical environments with delegates. |
| 12:30pm | Moulage debrief |
| 12:45pm | Lunch |
| 1:45pm | Winning mindsets: Applying high-performance athlete strategies to neurosurgery – Professor John Saunders, Professor of Medical Education and Dr Emma Huntley, Senior Lecturers in Sports and Exercise Psychology |
| 2:45pm | Break |
| 3pm | Understanding self and others in the workplace: personality, coping styles, and stress (Part 1) – Dr Helen Wall, Senior Lecturer in psychology at Edge Hill University |
| 4pm | Break |
| 4:15pm | Understanding self and others in the workplace: personality, coping styles, and stress (Part 2) – Dr Helen Wall, Senior Lecturer in psychology at Edge Hill University |
| 5:15pm | Summary and close |
Day 3 – Friday 18 July 2025
| 9am | Welcome and summary |
| 9:10am | Work-life balance: prevent burnout, mental wellbeing |
| 9:40am | Planning your future career/Sub-speciality |
| 10:10am | Break |
| 10:30am | When to become an academic/complete a Phd/LTFT |
| 11am | Leadership and education in neurosurgery |
| 11:30am | Expectations of a ST3/Registrar (What to do and what not to do) |
| 12pm | Close |
The course will take place at Edge Hill University in Ormskirk, West Lancashire, and is heavily subsidised by sponsors.
Costs
The course fee is £350. This is inclusive of 2 nights’ accommodation (16th and 17th July) on Edge Hill University’s campus, and lunch and refreshments.
A limited number of places are available so book early to avoid disappointment.
Click here to book now