The Swiss Institute for Postgraduate and Continuing Medical Education (SIWF) has initiated a nationwide shift toward Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME), highlighting that surgical training outcomes should be defined by demonstrated competence rather than by the number of procedures performed or the time spent in training.
At the heart of this approach are Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs)—clearly defined, observable tasks that trainees can be trusted to perform once they have shown sufficient competence. EPAs provide a structured, transparent framework for assessing surgical performance and fostering progressive independence in training.
To support surgical educators in effectively implementing this model, the Swiss College of Surgeons (SCS) invites you to the EPA – Train the Trainers Workshop. This interactive one-day course is designed for surgical specialists, programme directors, and faculty involved in postgraduate education.
During this workshop, participants will:
– Gain hands-on experience in developing and applying EPAs in real-world training scenarios
– Practise structured feedback and assessment techniques
– Learn to use the PrEPAred App, a digital tool for EPA-based feedback and documentation
– Explore strategies for integrating EPAs into existing curricula
– Discuss change management principles for a smooth transition to CBME
Whether you’re already familiar with CBME or just starting your journey, this workshop will equip you with practical tools and confidence to enhance surgical training quality and mentor the next generation of surgeons more effectively.
Participants will gain hands-on experience in developing and applying EPAs, practising structured feedback techniques, and using the PrEPAred App, a digital tool that facilitates EPA-based documentation and feedback. The workshop also covers key aspects of change management and strategies for integrating EPAs into existing curricula.
Workshop dates and locations
German session: Lucerne, 4 December 2025
French session: Rennaz, 30 January 2026
Register now take a leading role in shaping the future of surgical education in Switzerland!
CME Credits
SGC: 6 Credits
SGG: 7 Credits
SGH: 7 Credits
SGT: 6 Credits
Swiss Orthopaedics: 8 Credits
SIWF (ISFM) accreditation in preparation
Swiss Plastic Surgeons (SPS) accreditation in preparation
SGNOR accreditation in preparation
Practical Information
– Format: One-day interactive workshop
– Time: 09:30 – 16:15
– Language: Separate workshops in German and French (slides in English)
– Fee: CHF 400.00
– Seats: Limited – early registration strongly recommended
Faculty
Stewardship
– Prof. Dr. med. Stefan Holland-Cunz
President, Swiss College of Surgeons (SCS)
– Prof. Dr. med. Dieter Hahnloser
Past President, Swiss College of Surgeons (SCS)
Workshop Lucerne
– Dr. med. Steffen Geuss
Senior Consultant Emergency Centre, Lucerne Cantonal Hospital
– Dr. med. Stefan Eisoldt
Senior Consultant, Visceral Surgery, Männedorf Hospital
– KD Dr. med. Henning Fischer
Co-Chief Physician Emergency Center, LUKS
Workshop Rennaz
– Dr Olivier Pittet
Head of Surgery, Hôpital Riviera-Chablais; FMH Surgery, EBSQ Coloproctology
–Dr Olivier Martinet
Chief Physician, Department of Visceral Surgery, Hôpital Riviera-Chablais; FMH Specialist in Visceral Surgery; Co-referent for ISFM training
– Dr Riadh Ksontini
Head of the Department of Surgery at the Riviera-Chablais Hospital in Rennaz; Lecturer at the University of Lausanne
– Michael Winiker, MMed
Specialist in General Surgery, candidate visceral surgery; Board member Forum Junge Chirurgie; former Board member SCS; member of the EPA core development group
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