RCOG

O&G staff are commonly exposed to psychologically traumatic events at work. In some cases, these experiences can trigger post-traumatic stress symptoms. Pauline explains the key set of symptoms that characterise post-traumatic stress and the impact these symptoms can have on organisations, staff and the patients in their care. Laura Goodfellow offers a detailed overview of the Good Practice Paper, which provides a framework for the prevention, identification and treatment of PTSS symptoms. She discusses how this supports employers to minimise the impact of traumatic events on staff, and ultimately to improve patient care. Laura Goodfellow and Pauline worked alongside colleagues Andrew Weeks, Kaylee Shean and Helen Spiby to co-author the RCOG Good Practice Paper on the prevention and treatment of work-related post-traumatic stress symptoms in the maternity and gynaecology workforce. In this episode, they speak to Laura Hipple about post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in the O&G workforce and delve into the content of the paper. We'd like to give a content warning for this episode, which discusses themes of work-related trauma and post-traumatic stress symptoms throughout. If this topic is triggering for you, you may wish to listen to one of our other podcasts instead.

In this episode, Laura Hipple and Kirsty Dundas discuss the value of peer support in our specialty. Kirsty shares insight into the peer support initiative in place at NHS Lothian in Scotland, which is offered to staff affected by adverse events in obstetrics and gynaecology. Kirsty explains what peer support is and what it isn’t, provides an overview of how it was set up in NHS Lothian, and reflects on why peer support initiatives are invaluable to supporting staff. We'd like to give a content warning for this episode, as it touches on the themes of trauma and adverse events. If these topics are triggering for you, you may wish to listen to one of our other podcasts.

he RCOG is committed to working towards racial equity in the UK, through listening to our membership, raising awareness and sharing examples of good practice that can overcome differential attainment and workplace discrimination. In this episode, Laura Hipple and Farah Siddiqui celebrate the launch of the RCOG’s Race equity in the workforce resource. Farah summarises the College’s work in this area over the last three years that led to the development of an eLearning package, including gaining member insights from across the UK. This free resource, hosted on RCOG Learning, is designed to empower every member of staff, at every level, to be a part of meaningful change, not just in conversation, but also through action. Farah explains what is included in the six modules and highlights how everyone can play their part in cultivating psychologically safe environments that benefit both staff and patients.

In this episode, Susie Crowe talks to co-founder of Psych Safety, Tom Geraghty, about what psychological safety is and why it is important in healthcare. Susie and Tom discuss how we can cultivate psychologically safe teams in obstetrics and gynaecology by modelling psychological safety, encouraging all members of the team to ask questions, flattening the hierarchy and providing people with the space and time to reflect, communicate and contribute in their own individual way.

The RCOG Surgical Skills Project is only possible thanks to the extraordinary support of Hologic®, a global leader in women’s health innovation. In this episode, Hannah Pierce and Naomi Harvey are joined by Ailsa Ormerod, whose clinical background and education expertise give her a powerful lens on what women’s healthcare needs next. We explore how Hologic’s mission aligns with improving surgical training, why their investment in education is so impactful, and how their portfolio is shaping modern clinical practice. Ailsa also reflects on her experiences in the UK and Australia, offering valuable insights into the differences in training and the opportunities ahead. If you want to understand the real-world impact of industry–college collaboration, and why Hologic’s role is so central to the future of O&G surgery, this episode delivers both clarity and inspiration.

In this episode, Ganga Verma speaks to Katharine Backhouse and Ellie Carlisle about their involvement in establishing wellbeing initiatives in Wessex. They outline the rationale for setting up trainee open discussion groups and running a wellbeing-themed teaching day, to equip doctors with the tools they need to care for themselves and empower them to prioritise their own wellbeing. Katharine and Ellie share insight into the benefits these have had on the workforce, reflect on the challenges as well as the successes, and provide tips for other deaneries who may be considering introducing similar initiatives in their regions.

Incivility and poor workplace behaviours can hinder psychological safety and impact team morale, effective communication, and overall team performance. These permissive environments can lead to defensive practice, high stress, burnout, and sickness. In this episode, Laura Hipple, Ganga Verma, and Susie Crowe discuss the importance of promoting positive workplace behaviours in our specialty, for both staff and patient safety, and explain the impact that poor workplace behaviours can have on the workforce. Ganga and Susie share more about their role as RCOG Workplace Behaviour Advisors and offer insight into the breadth of the RCOG’s ‘Supporting our Doctors’ portfolio, including signposting to key resources that can support you throughout your career.

In this special episode, Hannah Pierce and Naomi Harvey are joined by Mr Fevzi Shakir, Consultant Gynaecologist and Chair of the Local Organising Committee for the BSGE Annual Scientific Meeting 2026, to explore his journey into advanced endoscopic surgery, the principles that shape high-quality surgical training, and the future direction of skills development in obstetrics and gynaecology. The conversation reflects on the impact of the RCOG Surgical Skills Project, the role of national organisations in supporting trainees and educators, and what makes ASMs such an important opportunity for trainees to develop their surgical skills, highlighting how networking, community, and informal learning play a vital role alongside technical excellence. With insights for trainees, trainers, and early-career consultants alike, this episode offers practical advice, inspiration, and opportunities for further surgical skill development.

Surgical training has long relied on observation, opportunity, and the occasional raised eyebrow. In this episode, we explore a novel approach: an interactive, AI-enabled simulation that allows trainees to talk through decisions, explore anatomy in 3D, and receive immediate feedback — all outside the operating theatre. We’re joined by Dr Sophie Bracke, an Obstetrics and Gynaecology registrar with a passion for leadership, innovation, and education, to discuss the development of this project and what it could mean for confidence, competence, and the future of surgical training.

In this episode, Hannah and Naomi sit down with Dr Veronica Lerner, Director of Simulation at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York and one of the leading voices in surgical education. Veronica shares her journey into minimally invasive surgery, how her experiences shaped her passion for simulation, and what the UK can learn from the US approach to validated training systems like FLS and EMIGS. She gives a fresh, transatlantic insight into the future of simulation, how it can transform training quality, and why structured, high-fidelity practice is essential for the next generation of surgeons. A must-listen for anyone interested in where O&G surgical training is heading!

In this episode, Hannah and Naomi speak with Hans Nagar, Consultant Gynaecological Oncologist at Belfast City Hospital, and Courtney McMullan, Subspecialty Trainee in Gynaecological Oncology, to explore the growing role of dual (buddy) operating in modern surgical practice. Drawing on their recently published paper on buddy operating in gynae-oncology, Hans and Courtney discuss how working as paired surgeons can improve patient outcomes, enhance safety, and strengthen the learning environment for both trainees and consultants. They reflect on its impact on operative performance, professional development, reducing burnout, and fostering a more open and collaborative theatre culture. Listen to hear how buddy operating is shaping the future of surgical training and team-based practice.

A key recommendation in the workforce of the future focus is review of complex obstetric operating and training. In this episode, the Surgical Skills Fellows are joined by Dr Alison Wright, Mr Albaro Jose Nieto Calvache and Dr Kat Barton to discuss the challenges in this area of O&G operating. ​ They discuss the introduction of a standardized protocol to enhance safety during challenging caesarean sections, focusing on reducing maternal morbidity and mortality. Key surgical strategies include improved pelvic access in cases of adhesions, safer bladder mobilization, and targeted control of postpartum hemorrhage through detailed anatomical guidance. They emphasise early risk identification, team preparedness, simulation-based training, and continuous surgical outcome evaluation to foster a culture of safety and excellence in obstetric care.

This episode comes with a twist: Professor Ranee Thakar steps in as guest-host to interview Surgical Skills Fellows Hannah Pierce and Naomi Harvey. Together they explore the highs, hurdles, and heartfelt moments of the RCOG Surgical Skills Project — from early-phase challenges to nationwide insights and what lies ahead in Phase 3. Expect thoughtful reflections, honest conversations, and just enough humour to keep the stitches neat.

In this episode, hosts Naomi and Hannah speak with Alan Horgan, consultant colorectal surgeon and surgical educator at Newcastle Hospitals. Alan shares his experience leading the UK’s first structured robotic surgery training programme, developed in partnership with the Royal College of Surgeons and Intuitive Surgical. The discussion explores the future of robotic education, the importance of multidisciplinary team training, and how O&G can adopt similar models to prepare for the next generation of surgical innovation. Listen for insights on how to build skills in robotics, access training opportunities, and sustain learning throughout their careers.

In this episode, Hannah Pierce and Naomi Harvey are joined by Professor Malcolm Munro, Clinical Professor of O&G at UCLA and a global leader in minimally invasive gynaecologic surgery. Together, they delve into the development and impact of the EMIGS platform—a validated surgical training and assessment program now required for board certification in the U.S. Professor Munro shares insights from the landmark validation study, discusses how simulation can accelerate skill acquisition, and reflects on the evolving role of structured training in improving surgical outcomes. A must-listen for anyone interested in the future of competency-based surgical education.