Renewing old links

The old FRCS examination proved: magnet for many overseas doctors wishing to obtain an internationally renowned qualification in surgery. Many were successful in acquiring the primary FRCS in their own countries and so many of our College examiners forged links with surgeons in Accra, Cairo and Baghdad. These links proved invaluable and made it possible to assist some overseas trainees to experience training in the UK through the offices of the overseas doctors training scheme (ODTS). Professor Peter Bevan and Professor Jerry Kirk, past Council members, were closely involved with ODTS and, with the support of Sir Ian Tod (past president 1986–1989) and Sir David Innes Williams, they developed the first basic surgical skills course for Africa.