Mr Nicholas Raison
MBBS, PhD, FHEA, FRCS(urol)
Education
Mr Raison has always had a keen interest in surgical educational. In addition to completing a postgraduate diploma in education, he has been awarded fellowship of the higher education academy (FHEA). Mr Raison has a long experience of organising surgical training programmes pioneering the first UK robotic surgical training programme utilising cadavers. He currently leads the simulation training programme for all urological trainees across London. Mr Raison also has several roles at King’s College London School of Medicine which include leading the BSc surgical sciences course and supervising undergraduate and PhD research projects.
A particular interest of his is the development and expansion of non-technical skills training (communication, team working, leadership) for surgeons. Whilst traditionally poorly taught, these skills have been shown to be vital for maintaining safe and effective surgical care. Mr Raison Chairs the European Association of Urology working group for non-technical skills training and is developing a pan European training curriculum.
Training Courses
2024
- Course Lead, European Association of Urology Talent Incubator Programme, Large Language Models (LLMs).
- I recently had the privilege of leading another dynamic session at the fantastic EAU Talent Incubator programme. This time, our focus was on the exciting world of Large Language Models (LLMs).
- The session was filled with great energy as we experimented with cutting-edge AI tools like ChatGPT to draft clinical protocols, a powerful demonstration of how AI can enhance the efficiency and accuracy of our work. We also explored innovative ways AI can help tackle broader challenges, such as the impacts of climate change on urological diseases and discussed future priorities for integrating AI into everyday clinical practice.
- In my own practice, I, Mr. Nicholas Raison, have already started harnessing the power of AI to support my clinical decision-making, streamline administrative tasks, and provide personalised care to my patients. By incorporating AI tools, I aim to enhance patient outcomes and keep pace with the rapidly evolving field of urology.
- Course Lead, Association of Urology, EUREP in Prague. Non-Technical Skills (NTS) Training, Skills Critical for Safe and Effective Surgery.
- Recently, I had the pleasure of leading another successful Non-Technical Skills (NTS) training course at the EAU EUREP event in Prague, focusing on skills critical for safe and effective surgery. With over 50 delegates participating, the course was designed to highlight the importance of non-technical skills, such as communication, decision-making, situational awareness, and teamwork—all essential for the modern surgical environment.
- Alongside my co-leads, Dr. Stefan Haesenal, an accomplished urologist, and Gigi Zanovella, an expert in non-technical skills with a background as a fighter pilot, we guided participants through various simulated emergency scenarios. These realistic exercises were designed to push the delegates out of their comfort zones, making them sweat a little and think a lot! The debrief sessions following these scenarios provided invaluable insights into how these skills come into play when it matters most—under pressure.
- As a consultant urologist, I, Mr. Nicholas Raison, incorporate these very skills into my daily practice. While technical proficiency is crucial, I believe that non-technical skills are just as vital to achieving excellent surgical outcomes. By fostering clear communication, maintaining situational awareness, and making sound decisions in real-time, I ensure that every procedure is carried out safely, effectively, and with the highest standard of patient care.
- Courses like this reinforce my commitment to continuous learning and improvement, allowing me to bring the very best to my patients every day.
- Course Organiser, Robostart Introduction to Robotic Surgery and Robotic Partial Nephrectomy Course, King’s College London & Guys and St Thomas NHS Trust; February 2024
- European Association of Urology Talent Incubator Programme Faculty 2024
- Emergency Urology Cadaveric Training Course, King’s College London, October 2024
2023
- Non-Technical Skills Hands On Training Course, Prague, Czechia, September 2023
2019
- Faculty, 2nd EULIS/EAU Ureteroscopy Workshop; King’s College Hospital & King’s College London, London, 2019
- Organising Team, ESUT/EAU Laparoscopic Nephrectomy Workshop, King’s College Hospital & King’s College London, London 2019
- Faculty and Organiser, European School of Urology- Hands-on training Course in Non-Technical Skills
2018
- Simulation Lead, Pan-London Deanery Urology Simulation Training Programme; 2018 to present
- Organisation and delivery of simulation training for all London Urology Speciality Trainees
- £30,000 annual budget
- Training Programme Administrator, The Urology Foundation National Robotic Training Programme, 2018 to 2020
- Management of the Cadaveric Robotic Training Programmes (annual courses in Guys and Newcastle)
- Organisation of the TUF mini-fellowship programme at five centres across the UK
- Course Organiser, Andrology Cadaveric Training Course; Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital; 2018 to present
- organised a 1-day cadaver andrology training course for urology trainees and consultants
- Training on advanced surgical is provided through didactic lectures and hands on training
2017
- EAU Annual Conference, 2017 – 2018
2016
- Course organiser and Faculty, Intercalated Surgical Sciences BSC; King’s College London, London – 2016 to present (6BBYS301 & -302)
- Organise delivery of the intercalated BSc
- Deliver didactic lectures, hands-on- training in clinical skills, assessment of students
- Project supervision for BSc and special study module students
- Faculty, EAU/ESU Train-the-Teachers Meeting; Amsterdam, The Netherlands, May 2016
2015
- Course Organiser, Cadaveric Simulation Robotic Training Course; King’s College London & Guys and St Thomas NHS Trust; 2015 to present
- I developed the first UK robotic cadaveric training programme
- 2-Day training course incorporating didactic lectures, live surgery, hands on VR and cadaveric simulation robotic training
- Supported by The Urology Foundation and Industry Sponsorship
- Excellent participant feedback
- Course now integrated into The Urology Foundation National Robotic Training Programme
- Catheter Skills Training Programme at The London Clinic, 2015 to 2018
- Developed and delivered a catheter training and certification programme for nurses at the London Clinic (2016 to present)
- 21 nurses competent and certified in male catheterisation
- Faculty, Ureterorenoscopy Simulation Training Course for Technical & Non-technical Skills; 2015-2017