Compounding on high burnout rate (33% in NHS), the lack of progression of UK trainees to further UK-based surgical training (38% of F2 trainees) is not conducive to sustainable future-fit NHS. A more sustainable, holistic form of training culture is needed to stop and even reverse the burnout epidemic. These changes require strong leadership, as well as grass-roots cultural change to promote a bio-psycho-social model of well-being that supports sustainable personal success as well as professional success.

PCE is a national organisation that combines the traditional portfolio-focused advice, from prize-winning trainees, with holistic supportive ecosystem. PCE, via workshops, mentoring sessions, online resources and articles, encourages trainees to consider principles of success, productivity optimisation and multiple health facets via 2 principles:

1. Constant, continuous improvement

2. Service to others

PCE currently has 649 subscribers on mailing list, 986 likes on Facebook, 283 followers on Twitter, 98 subscribers on Youtube. In 3 recent workshops, 58.2%, 74.4% and 41.2% of attendees understood the need for constant, continuous improvement and 74.4%, 69.3% and 53.0% understood need for service to others. In workshop 3, 92.3%, 76.9% and 92.3% agreed that these 2 principles have provided tools to develop their portfolio, build long-term career success and build resilience respectively. In workshop 2, 79.5% of attendees demonstrate a strong use of these values when pursuing a career in surgery. All attendees stated they will take action as a result of these workshops.

In addition to the tradition portfolio/exam-focused advice, PCE broadens the view of trainee to build a viable surgical career, in the light of all health facets (physical, mental, social and financial domains). PCE demonstrates how strong leadership is a catalyst for cultural change of resilience and growth to guide our future surgeons for a happy, successful and sustainable career in surgery.