Affiliate Membership of RCSI has been launched as a new surgical membership category available to medical students with an interest in a career in surgery and surgical trainees prior to successful completion of MRCS Part B exams.

Affiliate Membership offers a wide range of benefits, including access to RCSI Membership communication channels, publications and global networking opportunities.

Sandra Michael James Michael, RCSI Affiliate Member and medical student, said: "With my determination to follow a career path in surgery, Affiliate Membership always interested me. I knew that becoming an Affiliate Member would help expand my knowledge, as well as allow me to keep updated on current advancements within the surgical field, through the abundant resources allocated to Affiliate Members.

"Membership would also serve to fortify my investment in a career in surgery, allowing me to prepare for future undertakings such as the MRCS examination. The field of surgery is one where time is of the utmost essence and I believe that taking up an Affiliate Membership would help me apply that principle in all aspects of my career."

Dr Suzanne Murphy, RCSI Affiliate Member and Core Surgical Trainee, said: "Affiliate Membership allows junior trainees to be further connected with RCSI. Membership also offers access to a range of fantastic resources, such as the bimonthly medical journal, The Surgeon, and the biannual Surgeons Scope, which offers an insight into the work and research of the fantastic surgeons working across Ireland. It is inspiring to read about them."

RCSI wants medical students and surgical trainees to explore surgery as a career and develop a portfolio at this critical point in their education, and are offering Affiliate Membership for just €25 per year. RCSI medical students and exam candidates are entitled to one free subscription year, subject to terms and conditions.

To learn more about how Affiliate Membership of RCSI may assist in your pursuit of a career in surgery, email the Fellows and Members Team at fellows@rcsi.ie for further information and an application form. Applications are now being accepted and more information is available here.