In this blog, Hannah Raval, an ST4 in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at The Grange University Hospital in Wales, reflects on her experience taking part in the 2026 ENTOG Exchange in Ireland in September.
The European Network of Trainees in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ENTOG) is a non-profit organisation with 35 member countries, bringing together trainees from across Europe through its annual Exchange Programme, which offers opportunities to broaden clinical experience and learn about different healthcare systems.
What did the ENTOG exchange consist of?
Thanks to an ENTOG bursary awarded through the RCOG, I joined 46 participants from 26 countries for the ENTOG exchange in Ireland. I spent three days at Cork University Maternity Hospital, a tertiary centre with around 7,000 births each year.
The hospital serves a large rural population, with some patients experiencing significant deprivation and travelling considerable distances for care. During my visit, I attended antenatal clinics, labour ward, and gynaecology theatre. The experience provided valuable insight into Irish obstetric and gynaecological practice, while also offering the opportunity to meet trainees from across Europe and compare different training systems and healthcare models.
The exchange concluded with the ENTOG scientific meeting, which focused on global health and international collaboration, bringing together trainees to share ideas and experiences from their respective countries.
What did you learn?
One of my main takeaways was how closely Irish obstetric practice aligns with that of the UK. Clinical management, operative procedures, and use of RCOG guidance were all very familiar. However, I was interested to see how geography and population needs influenced care delivery, particularly for women travelling long distances from rural areas.
A particularly useful learning point was the routine use of the Robson classification when counselling women about their likelihood of caesarean birth. Trainees used the system confidently to support personalised, evidence-based discussions about risk, and it is an approach I would consider incorporating into my own practice.
Conversations with trainees from across Europe also highlighted significant differences in training. While UK and Irish trainees develop more obstetric procedural skills and independence relatively early, some European trainees have less exposure to caesarean births and instrumental deliveries. Conversely, some had greater ultrasound experience and gynaecological operating practice. This encouraged me to reflect on both the strengths and limitations of my own training environment.
What were the standout moments?
The scientific meeting was another highlight, with a particular focus on global health. Hearing diverse perspectives from colleagues across Europe reinforced the value of international collaboration.
Outside the clinical programme, highlights included exploring Dublin and Cork, experiencing traditional Irish music, attending a reception at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and, most importantly, winning the coveted "Golden Speculum" during the ENTOG quiz. Spending time with the other exchange doctors, sharing meals and experiencing some good Irish craic was a memorable part of the experience and helped develop lasting international friendships.
What would you recommend about the experience?
I would highly recommend the ENTOG exchange to any trainee looking to broaden their perspective on women's healthcare and medical education. While the clinical learning was invaluable, the greatest benefit was the opportunity to engage with colleagues from different healthcare systems and cultures.
The experience reinforced the importance of being open to new approaches and learning from international peers. It broadened my understanding of maternity care and postgraduate training across Europe and strengthened my appreciation of how collaboration can support improvements in patient care, professional development, and leadership within our specialty.