New: A Unique Dual-Track Course for Orthopaedic Surgeons

A unique dual-track programme, JBJS MRC Oxford’s Complete Diploma in Trauma Surgery delivers 33 live, & on-demand sessions spanning adult and paediatric trauma. Starts September 2026.

Trauma surgery forms the foundation of orthopaedic practice. Whether managing common fractures on call or leading the care of patients with complex musculoskeletal injuries, every orthopaedic surgeon relies on trauma principles throughout their career. It is also one of the fastest-moving fields in surgery, with new evidence, technologies and techniques continually reshaping how we deliver care.

By popular demand — following our diplomas in Oncology, Hip, Knee, Spine, and Foot & Ankle, which together have drawn more than 1,000 surgeons worldwide — we’re proud to launch the Complete Diploma in Trauma Surgery. Starting 14 September 2026, this unique dual-track course unites the Diploma in Adult Trauma and the Diploma in Paediatric Trauma into a comprehensive curriculum spanning every age. Teaching is structured and in-depth, delivered through live weekly lectures and Q&A on Zoom, followed by weekly formative MCQs and on-demand recordings of every session.

Join for the Complete Diploma in Trauma Surgery, or take either the Adult or Paediatric Diploma on its own, depending on where you want to focus.

Diploma Comparison Chart

Why trauma surgery now demands a deep dive

Trauma has changed character entirely. Omar Sabri, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and co-Director of the Adult Trauma diploma, describes how trauma has evolved into a subspecialty in its own right. “When we were growing up,” he says, “there was only one company that did implants and everybody learned how to put these implants in, and that was the end of the story. Now there are hundreds and thousands.” The surgeon who hasn’t kept pace may not realise how far the field has moved.

Two distinct orthopaedic diplomas, one complete trauma education 

Trauma care has diverged enough that adult and paediatric now warrant separate, focused teaching, which is why they’re delivered as distinct curricula. As Sabri puts it, paediatric trauma “deserved to be split and it deserved to have its own focus.”

But distinct doesn’t mean optional. The principle every trauma surgeon needs to hold onto, in Paediatric Course Director David Bryson’s words: “children aren’t simply little adults” — their skeleton and physiology demand genuinely different knowledge. And you don’t get to hand them off once you’ve chosen an elective interest. As Bryson argues, “if you are undertaking trauma on-calls, then inevitably children are going to come through the door. They deserve just as much consideration.” His conclusion is the rationale for covering the full age spectrum in one place: “no educational programme directed at trauma would be complete without a focus on children too.”

What is covered in the new Trauma Diploma courses?

The Complete Diploma in Trauma Surgery brings together two distinct new diplomas — Adult Trauma and Paediatric Trauma — each with its own curriculum, assessment and certificate. Both are taught in considerable detail through live sessions with world-class faculty, so you reach a genuinely in-depth understanding of one before moving to the next. 

The programme is aimed at senior fellows, senior registrars and junior consultants who may already have started a post in trauma surgery. Course director Tom Cosker is honest about what that stage can feel like: “Sometimes when you first start in these posts, it can feel very lonely. Suddenly, you’re in charge of your team, your theatre, and you’re looking after complex patients.” Our objective is to deliver high calibre teaching that not only deepens your knowledge of trauma surgery but builds confidence and complex clinical decision-making.

Track 1: Adult Trauma Diploma

18 sessions | 5 modules
Led by Omar Sabri, Consultant Trauma & Orthopedic Surgeon, and Simon Craxford, Consultant Trauma & Limb Reconstruction Surgeon

Develop expertise in polytrauma management, fracture fixation, pelvis and acetabular trauma, upper and lower limb injuries, fracture-related infection, non-union and geriatric trauma.

Track 2: Paediatric Trauma Diploma

15 sessions | 5 modules
Led by David Bryson, Consultant Paediatric Orthopaedic and Adult Trauma Surgeon

Master the principles of the immature skeleton, paediatric polytrauma, common fracture patterns, safeguarding issues, spine trauma and the management of complications.

We begin with the Adult Trauma Diploma in September, building a thorough grounding in the full adult orthopaedic trauma curriculum across five modules (18 live and on-demand sessions). The Paediatric Trauma Diploma follows in February 2027, covering the distinct demands of the immature skeleton over a further five modules. The programme culminates in a dedicated complex decision-making module — three highly interactive live sessions of case-based clinical discourse with faculty.

We recommend enrolling in the Complete Diploma in Trauma Surgery — available at a saving of over 25% compared with enrolling in the two diplomas individually. The Adult Trauma and Paediatric Trauma diplomas are also available separately if you prefer to focus on one track.

Why register for the Combined Diploma in Adult & Paediatric Trauma Surgery?

Case-based, evidence-led teaching. Structured teaching from practising trauma surgeons, built around how cases actually present.

Truly live — and on demand. Not pre-recorded. You’re on a live Zoom call with the faculty, able to interact and bring your own cases — and if you miss a session, every one is recorded and available to watch when your schedule allows.

Build real trauma decision-making. Reason through diagnosis, management and complications as they appear in practice.

Prepare for fellowship examinations. Case discussion, MCQs and assessment aligned with fellowship exams.

A genuinely global perspective. Faculty and delegates span healthcare systems worldwide — from, in Sabri’s words, “rural trauma that is practised in the depths of Africa all the way to level one trauma centres in the United States and Europe.” You leave able to pick what applies to your own setting and adopt it with immediate effect.

CME/CPD accreditation. Accreditation pathways are currently in progress in the UK, Europe and the United States.

We look forward to seeing you on the course!