Let's Talk Surgery: The RCSEd Podcast

In this Surgical Crossroads episode of the Let’s Talk Surgery podcast, hosts speak with cardiothoracic surgeons Sridhar Rathinam, Gill Hardman, and Edward Caruana about their career journeys and insights into this demanding specialty. Sridhar, a consultant thoracic surgeon and educational leader, shares his lifelong passion for surgery and teaching. Gill, a registrar pursuing a PhD in transplantation, discusses her interest in surgical psychology and training. Edward, nearing the end of his training, entered the field by chance and now champions maximizing learning opportunities.

The conversation highlights the specialty’s challenges—such as work-life balance, perceptions, and diversity—while affirming the deep commitment and fulfilment it brings. Their collective advice: start early, seek exposure, and actively connect with the cardiothoracic community.

Hosted by Greg Ekatah, Sesi Hotonu and Sadie Khwaja produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub Ltd.

Enjoyed this episode of Let’s Talk Surgery from The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh?

• Explore more content and upcoming episodes: rcsed.ac.uk/podcast
• Feedback or topic suggestions? Email us at: [email protected]
• Interested in RCSEd courses, exams, or training opportunities? Visit: rcsed.ac.uk
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The Let’s Talk Surgery podcast by RCSEd launches a new series, Surgical Crossroads: Choosing Your Specialty, aimed at guiding aspiring surgeons through the specialty selection process. Hosted by Greg Ekatah and Sesi Hotonu alongside ENT surgeon Sadie Khwaja, the 11-episode series extends insights from the Health Education England North West Career’s Fair to a wider audience.

Each episode features candid discussions with a consultant, registrar, and medical student from a specific surgical specialty, offering personal stories, practical advice, and reflections on career choices. Designed to inform, inspire, and support listeners at any stage of their journey, the series reveals the diverse paths surgeons take—and how career goals can evolve in unexpected ways.

Sit back and enjoy the breadth of experience captured within this podcast series.

Hosted by Greg Ekatah, Sesi Hotonu and Sadie Khawaja produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub Ltd.

Enjoyed this episode of Let’s Talk Surgery from The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh?

• Explore more content and upcoming episodes: rcsed.ac.uk/podcast
• Feedback or topic suggestions? Email us at: [email protected]
• Interested in RCSEd courses, exams, or training opportunities? Visit: rcsed.ac.uk
• Listen & subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Buzzsprout
• Follow RCSEd on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram for news and updates

In this episode of the Surgical Crossroads podcast, the focus turns to paediatric surgery with guests Christopher Driver, Robin Garrett-Cox, and Sesi Hotonu. Christopher, a consultant in Aberdeen, values the broad skillset the specialty offers and champions accessible, close-to-home care. Robin, based in Bristol, was drawn to the practical and precise nature of paediatric surgery, particularly in neurology and oncology. Sesi, now a registrar in Edinburgh, discovered her calling during a neonatal case as a student, captivated by the specialty’s complexity and delicacy.

The panel shares the emotional and communicative demands of paediatrics, alongside its rich variety, life-changing impact, and close-knit professional community. They advise aspiring paediatric surgeons to pursue relevant research, audits, and specialist courses, stressing that success in this competitive field stems from genuine passion and commitment.

Hosted by Greg Ekatah, Sesi Hotonu and Sadie Khwaja produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub Ltd.

Enjoyed this episode of Let’s Talk Surgery from The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh?

• Explore more content and upcoming episodes: rcsed.ac.uk/podcast
• Feedback or topic suggestions? Email us at: [email protected]
• Interested in RCSEd courses, exams, or training opportunities? Visit: rcsed.ac.uk
• Listen & subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Buzzsprout
• Follow RCSEd on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram for news and updates

The first episode of Surgical Crossroads: Choosing Your Specialty focuses on ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) Surgery, co-hosted by Sadie Khwaja and featuring Consultant Emma Stapleton, Registrar Todd Kanzara, and medical student Eman Hasan. The guests share personal journeys into ENT, from Emma’s emphasis on lifestyle compatibility and professional flexibility, to Todd’s career shift from law to medicine inspired by a chance encounter, and Eman’s early engagement through work experience and placements.

The episode highlights the value of communication skills, the diversity within the specialty, and the importance of visibility and initiative during training. It also explores work-life balance, future tech integration, and advocacy for equality and diversity in surgical careers.
Hosted by Greg Ekatah, Sesi Hotonu and Sadie Khwaja produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub Ltd.

Enjoyed this episode of Let’s Talk Surgery from The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh?

• Explore more content and upcoming episodes: rcsed.ac.uk/podcast
• Feedback or topic suggestions? Email us at: [email protected]
• Interested in RCSEd courses, exams, or training opportunities? Visit: rcsed.ac.uk
• Listen & subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Buzzsprout
• Follow RCSEd on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram for news and updates

In this episode of Surgical Crossroads, hosts Sesi Hotonu and Sadie Khwaja explore vascular surgery with guests Andy Garnham, Lauren Shelmerdine, and Tricia Tay. Andy, a consultant and key figure in vascular training development, reflects on the specialty’s evolution and the value of strong patient relationships due to the chronic nature of vascular conditions. Lauren, a registrar in research, emphasizes early exposure and peer support in shaping her path. Tricia, a soon-to-be academic foundation trainee, credits her mentors and experiences at RCSEd events for inspiring her interest.

The episode offers practical tips for aspiring vascular surgeons and underscores the importance of curiosity, composure, and commitment in this intricate and evolving field.
Hosted by Greg Ekatah, Sesi Hotonu and Sadie Khwaja produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub Ltd.

Enjoyed this episode of Let’s Talk Surgery from The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh?

• Explore more content and upcoming episodes: rcsed.ac.uk/podcast
• Feedback or topic suggestions? Email us at: [email protected]
• Interested in RCSEd courses, exams, or training opportunities? Visit: rcsed.ac.uk
• Listen & subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Buzzsprout
• Follow RCSEd on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram for news and updates