Pushing the boundaries
Faculty of Dentistry’s session was a key highlight of the RCSI Annual Charter Meeting
he RCSI Annual Charter Meeting 2025 took place on 4-8 February at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) in Dublin, with the theme of ‘Next Generation Surgery’. Delegates explored the future of robotic surgery, engaged with cutting-edge technology in the RCSI’s new Robotic Learning Village and heard from top experts on the evolving landscape of surgical practice.
Throughout the week, the meeting highlighted the achievements of early-career surgeons and explored the growing impact of transparency, societal expectations and changing healthcare governance on professional practice in surgery.
Professor Fergal J. O’Brien, RCSI Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, delivered the 100th Colles Lecture, ‘From Colles’ Fracture to Gene-Activated Biomaterials: A Journey Through Tissue Engineering at RCSI’. Professor O’Brien and his team are at the forefront of designing implants and biomaterials that will shape the next generation of surgical practice.
RCSI Charter Week took place at the College’s St Stephen’s Green campus in Dublin, commemorating the anniversary of the granting of the Royal Charter to RCSI in 1784. RCSI President, Professor Deborah McNamara, welcomed delegates as the meeting began, saying: “Our focus this year is on the future of surgical practice. We are exploring the technological advances in surgery and the evolving expectations of patients and healthcare systems. I’m particularly excited to hear from early-career surgeons who represent the next generation of surgical leaders.” The meeting opened with the National Office of Clinical Audit (NOCA) conference, themed ‘Data-Driven Healthcare: Planning, Delivering, Improving’. The following day saw the National Clinical Programmes in Surgery, Trauma and Orthopaedics, and Emergency Medicine hosted their annual quality improvement and innovations conference.
The annual Johnson & Johnson Lecture was delivered by Dr Carla Pugh, Professor of Surgery at Stanford University, on ‘Precision Learning & Data Sharing Through Wearable Technology. What’s AI Got to Do
With It?’
The week also included the 35th Annual Videosurgery Meeting and a keynote session on ‘Trust and Truth in Healthcare’. Professor Deirdre Madden, Professor of Law at University College Cork, delivered the 32nd Carmichael Lecture. The 100th Colles Lecture followed a symposium on ‘Pioneering the Future of Surgery: Medical Technology Innovation’.
Parallel sessions spanned various surgical specialties, including general surgery in childhood, trauma and orthopaedic surgery, neurosurgery, ophthalmic surgery and more.
The Irish Surgical Training Group (ISTG) meeting wrapped up the Annual Charter Meeting, followed by the Bosco O’Mahony Lecture delivered by Ms Dilly Little, entitled ‘Grasp the Nettle’. The final day concluded with the first-ever RCSI Family Fun Day, offering a range of activities for more than 40 families, including face painting, a giant game of Operation and tours of the RCSI SIM Centre.
A key highlight of the week was the Faculty of Dentistry Session, focusing on ‘Pushing the Boundaries in Dentistry’.
This session provided valuable insights into various aspects of dentistry, from advanced treatment techniques to the integration of new technologies. It underscored the importance of staying informed and adapting to the evolving landscape of dental care.
Dr Kate Farrell, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, RCSI, chaired the session, which included the following presentations:
Osteoradionecrosis – Current Concepts and Management by Dr David McGoldrick, Consultant Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, discussing the latest concepts in the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of osteoradionecrosis.
LPRF (Leukocyte and Platelet Rich Fibrin) – A Game Changer in Periodontics and Implant Dentistry by
Dr Rory Maguire, Periodontics and Implant Dentistry Specialist, highlighting the benefits of LPRF in enhancing healing and improving clinical outcomes.
The Orthodontic Management of the Cleft Patient by Dr Tim McSwiney, Consultant Orthodontist, outlining the interdisciplinary approach required for managing orthodontic treatment in cleft patients.
The Evolution of Clinical Photography – The Past, the Present and the Future by Dr Patrick J. Byrne, Periodontics Specialist, exploring the history, current practices, and future trends in clinical photography.
The session concluded with a Q&A segment, allowing attendees to engage with the speakers and discuss the topics presented.
Following the Faculty of Dentistry Session, Professor Christopher Lynch, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, joined the Deans of the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Radiologists and Radiation Oncologists, and Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine for a ‘Dean’s on the Couch’ combined faculties session, featuring a series of engaging questions directed at the Deans of the faculties at RCSI.
This session provided a comprehensive overview of the Deans’ roles, their faculties’ unique contributions, and their visions for the future.
It also offered personal insights and practical advice, making it a valuable and engaging discussion for all attendees.
Commenting on the Faculty’s involvement in the RCSI Annual Charter Meeting 2025, Professor Lynch said: “The Faculty of Dentistry was honoured to participate in RCSI’s flagship event, to showcase the evolving landscape of dental care.
“I would like to thank our Vice-Dean, Dr Kate Farrell for chairing the session and the speakers for their insightful presentations and contributions. Their expertise and dedication have provided invaluable knowledge and inspiration to all attendees.”
RCSI Honorary Fellowships awarded
Professor Rowan Parks, President, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) and Dr Clifford Y. Ko, Medical Director, Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care at the American College of Surgeons (ACS) were awarded Honorary Fellowships of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland at the 2025 Charter Day Dinner.
Honorary Fellowship of RCSI is the highest distinction the College bestows, recognising outstanding achievements in surgery and beyond.
Professor Rowan Parks is a distinguished leader in surgical education and research. A graduate of Queen’s University Belfast, he trained in Northern Ireland before specialising in hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. A committed educator, he has held senior roles in NHS Education for Scotland and played a pivotal role in surgical training and workforce development.
Currently President of RCSEd, Professor Parks has also served as General Secretary of the International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association and has led key surgical organisations, including the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland. His contributions to research include more than 180 published papers, 48 book chapters, and 11 textbooks. He has been awarded honorary fellowships from multiple prestigious surgical colleges worldwide.
Dr Clifford Y. Ko is a leading authority on surgical quality improvement and patient safety. A double-boarded surgeon, he specialises in colorectal diseases and is a Professor, Vice Chair of Surgery, and Chief of Colorectal Surgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, as well as a Professor of Health Services Research at the UCLA School of Public Health.
As Director of the Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care at ACS, he oversees initiatives such as the National Surgical Quality Improvement Programme and the Commission on Cancer, shaping surgical standards in the US and globally.
A highly respected researcher, Dr Ko has published over 500 peer-reviewed articles in top medical journals, with his work influencing national policies and performance measures in healthcare. His commitment to mentorship and education has guided the careers of numerous leading academics and clinicians.
Tags: Annual, Charter, Dublin, Generation, meeting, Next, RCSI
