David O'Regan

University of Malaya, HoloMedicine Malaysia Chapter Lead, Black Belt Academy of Surgical Skills (BBASS)

Speaker Bio

Professional Profile


Professor David J. O’Regan is Professor in the Medical Education Research and Development Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, a role he has held since 2024. A retired cardiac surgeon and experienced medical educator, he has led work in surgical training, curriculum development, simulation-based education, faculty development, and international collaboration.


His work is widely associated with practical, technique-focused education that helps surgical trainees and educators develop skill, confidence, and consistency across diverse training environments.


 


Selected Courses, Educational Materials and Initiatives


·      Established the Yorkshire Heart Centre Wetlab, raising more than £60,000 to create a state-of-the-art surgical skills centre.


·      Founded the Silver Scalpel Award, recognising the best surgical trainer in the UK.


·      Developed and delivered national training courses, including PAR Excellence for 23 years and PAR Aorta for 5 years, both internationally recognised and consistently rated 5/5 by candidates.


·      Founded and leads BBASS (Black Belt Academy of Surgical Skills), a low-fidelity, technique-based training initiative with a global community of approximately 5,425 participants across 135 countries.


Educational Leadership and Professional Development


·      Director, Faculty of Surgical Trainers, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (2019–2022).


o   Strengthened recognition of the professionalisation of surgical trainers, implemented a new strategy, and established the FST Medal for Distinguished Services to Surgical Training.


·      Deputy Director, Faculty of Surgical Trainers, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (2016–2018).


·      President, International Collaboration of Surgical Education and Training (2024–present).


Awards and Recognition


·      Shortlisted for Most Innovative Teacher of the Year at the Times ASEAN Awards, Macau, China (2025).


·      Shortlisted for the RHIME Awards in October 2026.

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