Trainee Sheffield surgeon wins national award for his skills on the operating table

A trainee surgeon from Sheffield has won a national award and a cool £500 cheque for his skills on the operating table.

Ata Jaffer, from Sheffield's Northern General Hospital in Sheffield, has spoken of their pride after winning the national surgical competition 'Are You Cut Out for It?’.

The competition, supported by the Royal College of Surgeons, saw over 50 talented trainee surgeons from around the country compete for the annual prize.

Competitors were required to don their surgical gowns, gloves and masks and show they had the best suturing and keyhole surgical techniques in the country.

To win the competition, surgeons had to complete a number of tasks in their pairs, including removing a lump or cyst from an artificial skin pad and stitching it back together again; as well as using laparoscopic equipment to remove the legs of a jelly baby, and stack sugar cubes.

Ata said: “I’m absolutely elated. I was not expecting to even get to the final stage initially and just entered out of the spirit of competition. It really tested my technical and clinical knowledge and was a great day to be a part of."

Vice President of the Royal College of Surgeons Mr Stephen Cannon MBE, said: “This competition is fast becoming a must enter for surgeons at the beginning of their career. Not only is it a great way to meet other like-minded surgeons, but it also provides a real test of their surgical skills and ability to work well under pressure.

“We are thrilled to be supporting such a great competition and I would urge all surgeons in their final year of core surgical training to apply when next year’s competition opens for application.”

George Mori from Bradford also won the award.