The Association of Surgeons in Training has provided a pan-specialty focus for excellence in surgical training for over 30 years

The Association of Surgeons in Training (ASiT) is an educational charity working to promote excellence in surgical training across all nine surgical disciplines. Run by trainees, for trainees, the Association was originally founded in 1976 as a forum for senior registrars to meet socially and discuss matters relating to training. Over the past 30 years the Association has grown in size and stature and is now one of the largest surgical specialty associations in the UK and Ireland with over 2,200 current active members from all specialties.

The structure of ASiT Council consists of trainees from each recognised surgical specialty trainee group, and each School of Surgery. In recent years there has also been an expansion of ASiT’s junior representation through the appointment of dedicated medical student and foundation doctor representatives.

ASiT provides support for trainees’ educational and career development through a wide range of initiatives. Our two Covidien Travelling Fellowships awarded annually to senior trainees headline a number of awards and prizes to support individuals progressing through surgical training. ASiT also now offers many incentives for junior members including two Elsevier Surgical Elective Bursaries awarded annually, a dedicated ASiT conference session, a Foundation Doctors Surgical Essay Prize and an annual Foundation Doctors Seminar, which is free to members and prepares delegates for core surgical training applications.

The Association also works to support surgical trainers going the extra mile to help their trainees master the science and art of surgery. Now in its eleventh year, the annual Swann-Morton Silver Scalpel Award is a trainee-nominated prize for a consultant who has demonstrated excellence in surgical training. It provides important support and recognition for individuals who have put in the extra time for their trainees.