St John of God Midland’s Fellowship general surgery mock examination hailed a success

6 May 2024

We are proud to announce that St John of God Midland Public and Private Department of General Surgery Examiners have now finalised their Mock Fellowship Examination.

Last month, our surgical specialists contributed their time to examine candidates across two sets of the 5 viva stations; testing knowledge, clinical skills, judgement, decision making and professional competencies of those preparing to present to the Fellowship Examination in General Surgery at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS). Observers were also given the opportunity to rotate through the stations, bearing witness to what will be expected of them as they continue to study and learn within the surgical industry.

Committee members Dr Ruwan Wijesuriya, Dr Sharin Pradhan, Dr Abdallah Elsabagh, Dr Palan Thirunavukkarasu, Dr Joel Stein, as well as Erin Moore and Katrina Parker , based out of St John of God Midland General Surgery Department, prepared the curriculum and facility to closely simulate the format and rigor of the real exam, while providing candidates with guidance, support, and meaningful feedback to aid further study and increase readiness in preparing for the Fellowship Exam.

Pictured: Katrina Parker, Dr Ruwan Wijesuriya, Erin Moore, Dr Palan Thirunavukkarasu, Dr Sharin Pradhan, Dr Abdallah Elsabagh

In previous years, 98% of Midland mock exam candidates have successfully passed the Fellowship Examination in General Surgery first attempt, becoming a Fellow of RACS (FRACS). Many of whom now take part in the mock exams as examiners, fostering commitment and dedication to the continuation of an important part of a trainee’s pathway to becoming a certified surgical specialist. 

We have received immense support from our industry leaders who played a pivotal role in facilitating the expansion of the mock exam, with Gore stepping forward as the primary sponsor, joined by Baxter and Medtronic, further underscoring the event's growing significance within the field. 

Dr Ruwan Wijesuriya, Chairperson of the mock exam committee, adjunct associate professor and general surgeon consultant, expressed his pride and gratitude towards all involved, stating, "The success of this year's Fellowship Examination in General Surgery mock exam is a testament to the dedication of our examiners, sponsors, and participants. By extending our reach to interstate candidates, we aim to foster greater collaboration and knowledge exchange within the field of general surgery."

As the curtains draw on yet another successful event, the Midland general surgery mock exam committee remains steadfast in its commitment to continually improve the experience and solidify its position as a pivotal role as a leading institution in education and the development of aspiring surgeons in Western Australia and beyond.For more information, visit the Midland Fellowship mock exam website or if you’d like to register for 2025 as a candidate, observer or examiner, register here. 

Enquiries contact Erin Moore, Project Administrator – General Surgery Department, St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospitals, [email protected]