The 2013 Association of Surgeons in Training (AsiT) Conference will be held in the striking Manchester Central Convention Complex. Over 600 delegates attended the 2012 meeting in Cardiff. It will again consist of Educational pre-conference courses, an interactive and informative program, a trade exhibition and the Gala Charity Dinner at the Midland Hotel  in aid of “Lifebox” at which Swann-Morton will proudly present their prestigious Silver Scalpel Award.

Over the past decade the Silver Scalpel Award has played a vital part in recognising trainers going the extra mile for their trainees, while at the same time promoting the highest standards of surgical training. At a time of constant flux in the NHS, with training increasingly squeezed by demands on service and EWTD-related working time restrictions, it is more important than ever that we recognise and reward good trainers.