RCS England Future of Surgery Festival

RCS England Future of Surgery Festival

Monday 20 April 2026 - Tuesday 21 April 2026

ICC Birmingham

The Royal College of Surgeons of England are inviting all ASGBI members to the Future of Surgery Festival. Gain clarity on how the Royal College of Surgeons of England is advocating for your future and join the conversations defining the next decade.

Get up to 10% off by booking as a group

Meet our Keynotes speaking at the Festival:

Precision  under pressure - Lessons from the skies for surgery
Monday  20 April, 4.45pm – 5.30pm

Jo  Salter, Britain's first female Fighter Jet Pilot

Having mastered the art of performance under extreme pressure, Jo brings her expertise in high-stakes leadership and advanced tech to help surgical teams  navigate the complexity of the modern-day surgical theatre. Discover how aviation's lessons in precision and teamwork can elevate surgical practice.

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Impact  of AI on health care and surgery
Tuesday  21 April, 9am – 9.50am

Dr  Patrick Dixon MBE, Leading European Futurist and Chairman, Global Change Ltd

Ranked as one of the world's most influential business thinkers, Patrick is a renowned authority on global trends. In this session, he explores the 'big picture' of how AI will integrate into the surgical profession. Gain insights  into the technological shifts and global healthcare trends that will define the next decade in surgery.

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AI on  trial
Tuesday  21 April, 3.30pm – 4.30pm

Mindy  Nunez Duffourc, Assistant Professor of Law, Maastricht University

Mindy is  a leading international legal expert in AI and healthcare, working at the  intersection of law, emerging technology and compassionate patient care. Her  immersive "mock trial" session will put Artificial Intelligence in surgical practice under the spotlight, challenging us to consider the  accountability and ethics of our future tools.

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See who else is speaking on stage

Here's what's waiting for you in the Hub

Alongside our main programme, one of the new additions is the full schedule for the Professional Development Hub, a dedicated space where you can get personalised career advice, join practical workshops and make meaningful connections with RCS England leaders and cross-specialty peers.  

●      Direct access to experts and mentors who have been in your shoes in a series of drop-in sessions.

●      Tips to strengthen your portfolio, prepare for interviews and explore opportunities beyond standard training pathways, so you can move forward with confidence.

●      Guidance on what's important to you, from getting involved with the College to choosing a mentor and building the surgical skills that will support your next step.

●      Practical tips for work-life balance, so you create a healthier, more sustainable balance between professional responsibilities and personal wellbeing.

The Festival doesn't stop when the sessions end

A festival wouldn't be complete without social events. We've built in plenty of time to decompress and connect with your peers in a relaxed environment. Whether it's for drinks and conversation immediately following the final session, an evening of great food and connection or a refreshing 5k run(or walk) along Birmingham's historic canals.

Join us to turn insights into action for your practice and your patients.

The RCS England Future of Surgery Festival Team

Supported by partners across the surgical community