Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
Available from RCSE (free introductory sample of 3 modules, £400 for all 43 modules) 
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Rating: ★★★
Set at a level sufficient for the basic examinations of the UK Royal Colleges of Surgeons, The RCSE SELECT Programme is a new and innovative distance learning package that comprises 43 modules. It is suggested that this programme will also be of use to higher surgical trainees in all surgical specialties and, as a reference tool, to those at more advanced levels, including those in consultant practice.
The three introductory modules cover the initial stages of this comprehensive package and comprise “Setting the scene”; the first module of critical care, which covers “altered consciousness and confusion”; and the first module of surgery in general, which reviews “rectal bleeding and altered bowel habits.” Each module has the same basic format and covers only one topic. They are clearly set out, easy to read, and well organised. The format is somewhat unusual, but it presents facts, discussion, and management in a way that is easy to assimilate. It concentrates on task based learning, and encourages a rapid assimilation of physiology and pathology, but also indicates up to date sources for further reading. The annotations and line diagrams are generally very clear, although some are rather small and the occasional x rays used are not as distinct as a full page format would have allowed.
These first modules have been well written and fulfil their aims completely. If the remaining 40 modules can maintain this standard, particularly in terms of the clarity of information and explanation, then this will truly be a useful addition to the learning tools available for young surgeons. This is the audience who will derive the most direct benefit from such a modular system, although those at a more senior level who are called on to examine across the broad scope of surgery in general will also find this system a most useful method of revision. The RCSE SELECT Programme deserves to succeed, providing the initial high quality is maintained throughout the remaining modules.