The Dukes' Club Committee are pleased to invite members to our annual educational meeting which this year will take place in Kenilworth, Warwickshire on Saturday 25th February 2012. This year we have an exciting line-up of speakers and topics inspired by feedback given by last years delgates. We have changed the format from traditional didactic lectures and opted for several shorter themed talks with much more time for questions/case discussion/FRCS topics at the end of each session. As before, the weekend is sponsored by an educational grant from Ethicon Endosurgery, meaning that delegates will receive free accommodation on Friday and Saturday nights (if required), lunch and dinner on the Saturday and, most importantly, a fantastic educational experience. Places will be limited so we will be operating on a first come first served basis. Please note that the booking website willl go live on 23th January for 2 weeks. A further announcement will be made via email notifying you of when you can register and how. The weekend is for colorectal trainees only meaning that partners etc cannot be accommodated. This restriction is due to tight HCC rules and regulations. We look forward to seeing you in Kenilworth.

Please click here to view the provisional programme

Patrick Collins

Dukes' Club Secretary & Webmaster

Pelvic Floor Research Fellow, Oxford Pelvic Floor Centre, Department of Colorectal Surgery, Oxford.

We are looking for an enthusiastic surgical trainee to join our research team from February 2012. The Oxford Pelvic Floor Centre is a tertiary referral unit for the diagnosis and management of pelvic floor disorders. The appointee will be involved in a basic science research project studying the connective tissue changes that occur in patients with rectal prolapse and related disorders. This is a replacement post and the project has been successfully running for 18 months. One of the main areas of study is how collagen and other proteins in the extra cellular matrix are implicated in the development of prolapse disorders. In addition a number of clinical trials are currently being developed in which the appointee would be expected to play a role.

The post is full time and is predominantly based at the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics at the University of Oxford. The University department has a wide range of research facilities available to support this programme of research. Involvement in ongoing pelvic floor clinical activities is possible and some specific pelvic floor training pertinent to the needs of the individual can be arranged.

The post would be ideally suited to a surgical registrar looking for a period of full time research, but more junior trainees may apply. The appointee would be encouraged to register for a higher degree. Experience of working in a laboratory environment would be advantageous, but not essential. Individuals who choose to register their degree in Oxford would have access to a wide range of professional skills courses to complement their research activity.

Full funding for the post has been secured and the successful applicant would receive a salary in accordance with their point on the NHS payscale.

For further details of the project please contact either Mr. Ian Lindsey ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or Edward Smyth ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).