Agenda
75 years of the NHS
This year the National Health Service celebrated the 75th anniversary of its introduction. On the RCSEd blog, Vice-President Clare McNaught reflects on the remarkable journey that the NHS has taken since its foundation.
To read the full piece click here
RCSEd attends royal ceremony
The National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication for His Majesty King Charles III took place at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh’s Old Town on 5 July, where their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla were presented with the Honours of Scotland.
RCSEd President Professor Rowan Parks, who was present at the service, said: “It was a huge privilege to represent the College at this historic event and to celebrate our Patron, His Majesty King Charles III, receiving the Honours of Scotland alongside Her Majesty Queen Camilla.’
"It was a huge privilege to represent the College"
Kirsty Mozolowski, RCSEd Younger Fellows Committee member, was also in attendance to represent the College in the People’s Procession. She said: “This was a memorable occasion and it was an honour to participate in the People’s Procession wearing the College crest.”
Honours for Members and Fellows
The College is proud to celebrate many of our Fellows and Members who have been recognised in the King’s first Birthday Honours List for their achievements and service across a wide range of healthcare areas.
Professor Nairn Hutchinson Fulton Wilson CBE, RCSEd Dental Fellow, has been knighted for services to Dentistry. He was Honorary Founding President of the College of General Dentistry and past Dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery of the College.
Professor Averil Olive Bradley (Mansfield) FRCSEd, has been awarded Dame Commander of
the Order of the British Empire for services to Surgery and Equality in Medicine.
"We thank these outstanding professionals for their hard work and dedication in improving patient safety and care across the health sector"
Commander of the Order of the British Empire has been granted to Professor Derek Alderson, RCSEd Honorary Fellow, Chair of the Centre for Perioperative Care and lately President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England for services to Surgery.
Professor Prokar Dasgupta, FRCSEd (Urol), Foundation Professor of Surgery, King’s Health Partners and Chair in Robotic Surgery and Urological Innovation, King’s College London, was awarded the honour of Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to Surgery and Science.
For their services to Oral Health of People with Disabilities, Vanita Brookes, FDS RCSEd, was honoured as Member of the Order of the British Empire.
Kathryn Elizabeth Harley, FDS RCSEd, Consultant in Paediatric Dentistry, becomes a Medallist of the Order of the British Empire for their services to Paediatric Dentistry and Dental Education.
The Companion of the Military Division of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath was granted to Major General Timothy John Hodgetts, FIMC RCSEd, for his leadership as Surgeon General and Chair of the Committee of Surgeon Generals in NATO.
Lastly, Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Gareth Russel Hall, Royal Army Medical Corps, FIMC RCSEd, was honoured as a Member of the Military Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.
RCSEd President Rowan Parks said: “Congratulations to all our Fellows and Members who were recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours List. I am proud to see so many colleagues recognised for the extraordinary contributions they have made to their field and the positive impact they continue to have on our profession and patients.
“We thank these outstanding professionals for their hard work and dedication in improving patient safety and care across the health sector.”
Mark Egan appointed as CEO
The College is delighted to confirm the appointment of Mark Egan as Chief Executive Officer following a successful period as interim CEO. Egan brings a wealth of experience to the College after initially taking on the role in January this year.
Having spent more than 25 years working in parliament to help support politicians manage and conduct legislative work, Egan is well placed to drive forward the College’s key priorities.
Mark said: “I’m delighted to have been given the opportunity to serve as Chief Executive of the College on
a permanent basis It is a privilege and a tremendous opportunity to lead such a prestigious institution and to be able to contribute towards making a positive difference in healthcare.”
Kolkata OSCE prep course a resounding hit
The international Edinburgh MRCS OSCE preparation course held in Kolkata
The international Edinburgh MRCS OSCE preparation course held in Kolkata
After a long gap the international Edinburgh MRCS OSCE preparation course was held in Kolkata, India, on 23 and 24 April. The last time the course was held there was in October 2014.
The first day of the course was held at the Tata Medical Center and the second day was hosted by IPGMER (SSKM) Hospital. On both days the OSCE sessions were both preceded and followed by a series of standard lectures and feedback talks.
The lead tutor was Judy Evans, past Honorary Secretary at the College. She was supported by examiners from the city of Kolkata and the adjacent town of Jamshedpur, who had all taken time off from their own work to assist in the course.
Twenty-two candidates from across India registered for the course. They were initially anxious as they had no experience of the OSCE. However, they became increasingly confident as the course progressed.
The talks were interactive and friendly, and discussions often spilled over into the tea/coffee break.
The Kolkata representatives of the ‘friendly’ College managed to deliver a highly successful OSCE course. The tutors went home with lasting memories having made friends with young surgeons of tomorrow.
RCSEd sponsors global health event
Panel discussion at the 2nd International Congress on Innovations in Global Surgery
Panel discussion at the 2nd International Congress on Innovations in Global Surgery
In April 2023 an international multidisciplinary group of global healthcare champions gathered in Mombasa, Kenya, with one aim: to improve access to safe surgery for all, regardless of location. The 2nd International Congress on Innovations in Global Surgery is the vision of the Innovations in Global Surgery group, which brought together over 250 clinicians, engineers, programmers and other professionals from over 25 countries.
This year’s theme was ‘Translating Innovations’ to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and safe access to surgical, obstetric, trauma and anaesthesia care in rural settings of Sub-Saharan Africa.
The event included presentations, workshops and discussions.There was representation from nine African countries, which included 11 out of 14 COSECSA regions. In collaboration with the Surgical Society of Kenya, the event also hosted healthcare professionals from 18 Kenyan hospitals. The RCSEd was a platinum sponsor of this event, spearheading its ongoing commitment to surgical innovation in global surgery. Students and trainees from African nations and the UK along with a representative from RCSEd’s Faculty of Remote, Rural and Humanitarian Healthcare, actively participated in the congress, creating networking opportunities and cross-pollinating ideas. The delegates’ passion and energy were evident.
Day 1 demonstrated several innovations, including virtual reality in medicine and minimal-access surgery. Day 2 was an opportunity for in-depth, interactive panel discussions on essential components of surgical innovation, the role of technology in increasing the specialist workforce, the role of technology in health systems and improving access to biomedical engineering in the LMIC setting.
The Global Surgery Foundation (GSF) aims to establish sustainable surgical capacity in communities suffering from a chronic shortage of care, while the Faculty of Remote, Rural and Humanitarian Healthcare supports the continued professional development of remote, rural and humanitarian healthcare.
To read the full article by RCSEd Head of Faculties Gill Mitchell and Noel Aruparayil, Innovations in Global Surgery Executive Committee & Global Surgery Foundation, RCSEd, click here.
Professor Jimmy James: his life and legacy
The late Professor John ‘Jimmy’ James (1940–2019) was a remarkable individual who lived a rich life and was unwavering in his commitment to surgical education. Countless surgeons and patients benefit from the knowledge and skills he imparted. As his legacy lives on, the impact of his work continues to shape the future of surgical care, ensuring better healthcare outcomes for generations to come.
Jimmy embarked on his journey to St Andrews University in 1959 with the intention of studying classics. However, he soon expressed a desire to join the Bute Medical School during his first semester. Following a conversation with the dean, he took a year off to complete his scientific O Levels before commencing his pre-clinical training in 1960. Throughout his time as a student, Jimmy held the esteemed positions of President of both the Bute Medical Society and the Dundee Medical Society, earning the endearing nickname of the ‘perpetual president’ in the 1966 yearbook.
"Under his leadership, COSECSA became a beacon of excellence, offering specialised training"
COSECSA founder
One of Jimmy’s notable contributions was his instrumental role in the establishment of the College of Surgeons of East Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA) in 1999. As a founding member, he worked tirelessly to develop a standardised curriculum, examination system and training guidelines that met international standards. Under his leadership and guidance, COSECSA became a beacon of excellence, offering specialised training in various surgical disciplines and fostering a community of skilled surgeons across the region.
An inspiration
Jimmy’s commitment to training extended beyond the establishment of COSECSA. He actively mentored aspiring surgeons, providing guidance and support throughout their educational journey. By sharing his vast knowledge and experience, he empowered a new generation of surgeons, equipping them with the skills and confidence to tackle complex surgical challenges. His mentorship and capacity-building efforts had a profound and far-reaching impact on the quality of surgical care in the region.
It will come as no surprise that the James family has established a Professor Jimmy James Plastic Surgery Prize, awarded annually to the highest scoring candidate in the COSECSA Fellowship examination in plastic surgery at the COSECSA annual general meeting.
The first recipient of the prize is Dr Francoise Mukagaju. She is Rwanda’s first female plastic surgeon among only five plastic surgeons serving a population of 13 million. Dr Mukagaju serves as the Vice-Chair of Rwanda Women Surgeons and is Treasurer of the Women in Surgery Africa.
‘’I am deeply grateful to Professor James’s family for this award. It is an honour for me to be recognised for my academic achievement and my hard work. This gives me motivation to continue to strive for excellence in all that I do, and follow Professor James’ example to contribute to the surgical training in COSECSA and improving access to safe surgical care in the region,’’ she said.
Fighting for equality
Professor James recognised the importance of equitable access to healthcare services. He tirelessly advocated for improved infrastructure, resources and support for surgical units in rural and underserved areas. His advocacy efforts played a vital role in raising awareness of the need for accessible healthcare and ensuring that surgical services reached those who needed them most.
His legacy serves as an inspiration to current and future generations of surgeons, reminding them of the transformative power of dedication, mentorship and a steadfast commitment to improving surgical care. Countless surgeons and patients benefit from the knowledge Jimmy passed on, and the impact of his work continues to shape the future of surgical care, ensuring better healthcare outcomes for generations to come.
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