RoboPass® – A BASIC ROBOTIC SURGERY SKILLS
COMPETENCY ASSESSMENT PROGRAMME
The RoboPass® is an official ALRSGBI initiative to build confldence and validation of basic robotic surgical skills
Upcoming Date
Programme date: 6 May 2026 (Wednesday)
Programme Objectives and Core Competencies
RoboPass® provides a structured and objective framework for assessing robotic surgical skills. It aims to establish national standards for competency in minimally invasive and robotic surgery.
What You Will Gain
By the end of the programme, participants will:
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- Refresh and apply core robotic skills through guided hands-on practice
- Receive expert feedback to build confidence before assessment
- Demonstrate competency using a structured, standardised framework
- Achieve recognised certification of robotic skills
- Develop greater confidence in future robotic performance.
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Core Skills Assessed
Participants will demonstrate competency in the following fundamental robotic skills:
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- Safe system setup and instrument handling
- Camera control and spatial orientation
- Precision movement and coordination
- Efficient task execution using robotic controls
- Adherence to safety principles and standard operating protocols
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Assessment is conducted using a structured, standardised framework to ensure objective evaluation.
Programme Structure
This programme aims to ensure consistency and objectivity in evaluating fundamental robotic surgical skills in line with current training standards.
Assessment-Based Programme
RoboPass® is a focused robotic surgery skills programme combining a guided hands-on practice session with a structured competency assessment and certification.
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- Candidates will be formally assessed affter a practice session.
- To successfully complete the assessment, candidates must pass both technical and non-technical sessions.
- If a candidate is unsuccessful in any part of the assessment, a second attempt may be offered on the same day where feasible.
- Remedial courses can be organised.
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Practice in a supportive, low-pressure environment before formal assessment.
Hands-on Practice → Expert Feedback → Assessment → Certification
Programme Eligibility Criteria
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- Resident (ST3–ST8) or Fellow in General Surgery, Urology, or Gynaecology, or other relevant specialties.
- Evidence of VR robotic simulation ≥90% in exercises evaluating camera orientation, manual dexterity/hand-eye coordination, clutch control, advanced energy use, and 4th arm cutting.
As a guidance to candidates the fundamental robotic skill (FRS) modules in SimNow Xi system cover the above competencies. Candidate can send evidence for any of the VR sim exercises covering these competencies.
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- ≥10 assistant robotic cases logged in training portfolio (able to share the evidence).
- Completion of an introductory robotic surgery course is desirable.
Evaluation of all tasks will be on Da Vinci Xi system.
Note:
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- Applicants should state their sub-specialty and current level of training on application.
- Early applications with strong evidence of commitment to robotic surgery will be an advantage.
- Places limited to 6 candidates only, register now.
How To Apply
Programme Application Details
Please send the below form to Jennifer Treglohan at jtreglohan@alrsgbi.org
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- Discount for ALRSGBI Trainee & Dukes Club Members
- Member Fee: £250
- Non-Member Fee: £300
- Non-refundable unless place re-allocated.
Please only make payment when your application to attend the course has been approved.
The timed programme will be displayed and shared with participants three weeks before the assessment.
Programme Venue & Details
📍 The Griffin Institute
Northwick Park & St Mark’s Hospital Y Block Watford Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 3UJ
(Access via St Mark’s Hospital main entrance, same floor as Endoscopy)
On The Day Contact
Ms Nafisa Musejee
Business Development Assistant, The Griffin Institute
📧 n.musejee@griffininstitute.org.uk
📞 +44 (0)20 3958 0500
🔗 griffininstitute.org.uk
Nearest Transport
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- Underground: Northwick Park (Metropolitan Line)
- National Rail: Kenton (London Euston – Watford Junction Line)
- Bus Routes: 186, 223, H9, H10, H14, H18, H19, N18
Programme Faculty Members
ALRSGBI Faculty
| Professor Nader Francis (Programme Director) | Consultant Surgeon | Yeovil District Hospital | Lower Gl |
| Miss Asma Afzal (Programme Co-Director) | Trainee Surgeon | Colchester General Hospital | Lower Gl |
| Professor Chelliah Selvasekar (Assessor) | Consultant Surgeon | The Christie, Manchester | Lower Gl |
| Mr Jawad Ahmad (Assessor) | Consultant Surgeon | University Hospital, Coventry | HPB |
| Mr Matt Boal (Academy Chair) | Trainee Surgeon | Plymouth University Hospital | ST8 UGI |
| Mr Guglielmo Piozzi (Academy Robotic Lead) | Research Fellow | Portsmouth Hospitals |
Programme Gallery
Hands-on technical and non-technical robotic skills assessment in progress at The Griffin Institute.
Join Us Now!
For more information or to apply for the next RoboPass® session, contact us at jtreglohan@alrsgbi.org
Limited seats are available — early applications are strongly encouraged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior robotic assessment experience?
No. The guided practice session prepares participants before formal evaluation.
Is this a full training course?
RoboPass® is a focused assessment programme with preparatory practice. It is designed as an efficient certification pathway rather than an extended training course.
What if I feel unprepared?
Faculty provide feedback during the practice session to support readiness before assessment.