Basic sciences such as anatomy, physiology, pathology and microbiology are the principal components for developing a strong foundation in surgical training and for the understanding of its clinically applied aspects such as surgical anatomy and critical care physiology. As such, these subjects form an integral part in the MRCS A exam.

This intensive two-day course will provide the attendee with an overview of basic physiological principles, consolidate the candidate's core and applied surgical knowledge in anatomy and relevant pathology, and provide a focused revision of pertinent topics as tested in the exam. The course takes into consideration the recent changes to the MRCS A exam, with more emphasis on basic sciences – especially anatomy.

The course is structured into two distinct but related days. On Day 1, the emphasis will be on basic and surgically applied anatomy, relevant clinical pathology and microbiology. Day 2 will predominately cover basic physiology and critical care, genetics, statistics, oncology, trauma, principles of surgery and clinical application. It is advised that delegates attend both days of the course to get the full benefit but if they are particularly strong in the topics on day 1 or day 2, then they have the option of attending one day of the course.

Topics covered:

Day 1:

• Skull base, Head, Scalp and Face
• Surgical Pathologies of the Head and Face
• Neck, Thyroid, Larynx, Pharynx, Tongue
• Surgical Pathologies of the Neck
• Brachial plexus, arm, shoulder, scapula, back and rotator cuff (includes upper limb nerve injuries, palsies and shoulder pathologies)
• Cubital fossa, forearm, flexor retinaculum and hand (includes carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar nerve palsies, hand pathologies)
• Thoracic wall; Mediastinum; Heart; Lungs and Diaphragm
• Vascular anatomy of thorax, head and neck and thorax (includes vascular access and chest drain insertion)
• Vascular Pathologies of Neck and Thorax
• Essential topics in Microbiology
• Transpyloric plane, anterior abdominal wall and inguinal region (includes hernia)
• Lumbar and lumbosacral plexus
• Femoral triangle, thigh, popliteal fossa; Lower leg, ankle and foot (includes lower limb nerve injuries, palsies, compartment syndrome and ankle injuries)

Day 2:

• Management of Trauma; ATLS Principles
• Head Injury; Neurophysiology
• Basic and General Pathology
• Genetics and Inheritance Patterns
• Pre-operative Assessment
• Post-operative Complications and Management
• Fundamentals of Wound Healing; Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery
• Principles of Local Anaesthetics; Tourniquets; Diathermy
• Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery
• Sutures, Suture Materials and Needles
• Management of Burns
• Lumps and Benign Lesions; Ulcers
• Vascular Pathologies and Vascular Surgery
• Cancers of Thyroid and Breast
• Melanoma and Testicular Cancers
• Statistics and its Surgical Application
• Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Endocrine and Renal Physiology