Agenda
Recognition for Regent
to the College
We are delighted that our most recently installed Regent to the College, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, has been recognised on the Forbes list of the world’s most powerful women. The magazine has also acknowledged her as one of India’s wealthiest self-made women.
The Executive Chairperson of Biocon and Biocon Biologics, which was established in 1978, she has propelled the biopharmaceutical firm to remarkable success, boasting Asia’s largest insulin factory in Malaysia’s Johor region.
Mazumdar-Shaw said: “I am deeply honoured to be recognised by Forbes among the world’s most powerful women. This recognition fuels my commitment to drive innovation and affordability in healthcare worldwide.”
INDO UK Surgicon Conference a hit
The College had the honour of hosting the INDO UK Surgicon 2023 conference. The summit was a collaboration between the RCSEd and the Indian Association of Gastrointestinal Endo-Surgeons (IAGES), and took place from 8 to 11 October.
It was attended by 140 people: 97 delegates and 43 spouses and children. The team included IAGES President Dr S Easwaramoorthy, Organising Chairman Dr Ramen Goel and Organising Secretary Dr Pawanindra Lal, alongside RCSEd President Rowan Parks.
The conference included a half-day laparoscopic suturing skills course, workshops, a welcome dinner and more. Click here for more information.
College advice for starting families
An online resource has been collated by the College’s Trainees’ Committee for Members and Fellows who are or are planning to become pregnant, or are supporting someone who is in the process of adoption.
This resource covers essential aspects such as maternity leave, shared parental leave, paternity leave, adoption leave and returning to work.
Click here to learn more about the help available and access the module.
RCSEd Code of Conduct aims to uphold excellence
The College has introduced its Code of Conduct, a document meticulously crafted to guide our Members through the ethical, probity and behavioural standards expected in the pursuit of excellence.
As we stride into a future marked by advancements in healthcare, the RCSEd recognises the part its community plays in shaping the landscape of both surgical and healthcare practices.
Upholding the highest standards of professionalism is not just a responsibility, but a commitment that defines our identity as an esteemed membership organisation.
College President Professor Rowan Parks said: “In a rapidly evolving healthcare environment and wider world, the need for a unified commitment to professionalism and ethical conduct becomes ever more crucial.
“I am pleased to introduce this key initiative, a testament to our dedication to maintaining the highest standards within our community. Our Code of Conduct is not merely a set of rules, but a reflection of our shared values, a compass that guides us through the complexities of modern healthcare.
“By upholding this code, we not only protect the reputation of our College, but also contribute to the advancement and wellbeing of the healthcare community.”
“Upholding the highest standards of professionalism is not just a responsibility, but a commitment that defines our identity”
As we embark on this journey of enhanced professionalism, let this Code of Conduct be the guiding light that unites us in a shared commitment to excellence. By upholding these principles, we not only protect the reputation of our College, but contribute to the advancement and wellbeing of the healthcare community at large.
Together, let us ensure that the values we hold dear are reflected in every action, decision and interaction, setting a standard that exemplifies the best in surgical and healthcare practices.
Click here for more information.
GHP award for Dental Faculty
The Faculty of Dental Surgery has been awarded the prestigious title of Best Dental Education Institution – Scotland at the Global Health & Pharma (GHP) Oral Health & Dentistry Awards 2023.
The recognition comes as a result of the Faculty’s unwavering commitment, expertise and innovative contributions to the field of dental education.
It comes just months after the College’s Dental Faculty was given official confirmation that it had met all GDC Standards for Examination Providers as laid out in the Standards for Specialty Education.
Professor Grant McIntyre, Dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery, said: “We are immensely proud to win this accolade at the GHP Oral Health & Dentistry Awards 2023, which validates our tireless efforts in maintaining quality and integrity in dental education.
“This award is testament to the hard work and dedication of our Faculty members, students and staff. We remain committed to shaping the future of dental professionals, and this accolade is the result of the collective passion and expertise of our entire dental community at the College.”
GHP, known for its merit-driven approach, emphasises that winners are chosen based on their contributions, commitment and expertise rather than the popularity of votes. The rigorous evaluation process ensures that only the most deserving institutions receive recognition for their outstanding achievements in the healthcare sector.
The RCSEd now examines around 1,800 candidates each year and runs over 45 examination diets, so the number of Dental Fellows, Members and Associates continues to grow.
Professor Bob Steele retires
Professor Bob Steele, former RCSEd Council Member and The Surgeon Editor for 10 years, whose pioneering work transformed bowel cancer detection in Scotland, has announced his retirement.
Professor Steele, from Dundee’s School of Medicine, oversaw the introduction of the Scottish Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme, which revolutionised early detection of the disease and has undoubtedly saved countless thousands of lives.
On behalf of the College, we would like to wish him a happy and fulfilled retirement.
Conflict course promotes respect
Embarking on our commitment to eradicate sexual misconduct, we proudly unveil a crucial addition to our training portfolio.
Our new course, Addressing Conflict in Surgical Teams (ACiST), is tailored for trainees (ST3–ST8). Participants will explore strategies to navigate challenging situations, emphasising difficult conversations, negotiation and effective approaches. This initiative aligns with our #LetsRemoveIt campaign, fostering a culture of respect and collaboration.
Join us on this journey to create a safer, more harmonious surgical environment. The first course date is 13 May 2024. For more information visit rcsed.ac.uk/ACiST
Welcome to our new Editor
After three years as Editor of Surgeons’ News, Roger Currie will be passing the baton to Emma Stapleton. The June edition will see a transitional period, with Emma officially taking on the role for the September issue.
A Consultant Otolaryngologist, Emma served as RSA for North West England from 2019 to 2022, and is founder and patron of the Manchester Foundation Trainee Surgical Society. Emma brings a wealth of experience from past editorial roles, and a vision for the magazine we look forward to seeing come to life.