“We need to support
experienced surgeons”
Chelliah R Selvasekar says joining RCSEd Council is a chance to work to achieve the College’s vision and mission while supporting its Members and Fellows
Chelliah R Selvasekar’s appointment as a Council Member at RCSEd represents more than 30 years of career development, which began when he moved to the UK after completing his medical degree at Madras Medical College in Chennai, India, in 1994.
For the past 13 years, he has served as a Consultant General, Colorectal and Minimally Invasive Surgeon at the Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester. In addition to his primary role, Selvasekar has focused on surgical education with a global perspective.
“Since 2011, I’ve been at the Christie, where I helped establish laparoscopic and robotic colorectal surgery as well as the enhanced recovery programme,” he explains. “We perform advanced complex colorectal surgery here, and I am constantly seeking ways to use minimally invasive techniques to improve patient experience and outcomes.
“The unique aspect of the Christie is that it offers not only service delivery but also excellent opportunities for education, leadership and clinical research.”
In addition to his role at the Christie, Selvasekar has been the Director of Education at the Manchester Surgical Skills Centre since 2021. He leads cadaver courses for regional trainees and promotes collaboration with industry partners.
Involvement with RCSEd
Selvasekar’s involvement with RCSEd began in 2010, when he took on the role of Regional Surgical Advisor for the North West for four years. This role enabled him
to gain a deeper understanding of the College’s operations and to build connections across other regions in the UK.
“The position of Regional Surgical Advisor provided me with the opportunity to see how the College functions and what can be accomplished at a regional level. I was able to bring many College activities to the North West,” he says.
Within the College, Selvasekar currently holds the role of Chair for the Surgical Specialty Board in General Surgery and Robotic Lead for RCSEd. He also leads the international FRCS course in Hong Kong.
Breaking new ground
As a newly appointed Council Member, Selvasekar is already increasing his efforts; he has informed RCSEd President and Vice-President about the committees he wishes to join and the initiatives he would like to develop.
One of these initiatives involves addressing the needs of experienced Fellows – those who have been Members of the College for more than 10 years – an area that Selvasekar believes is currently neglected.
“I don’t think there’s any forum for them to express how they can contribute to the College and how the College can support them, both professionally and personally,” he explains. “They represent a significant resource. These individuals have undergone extensive training and have practised surgery for decades; they need support and we can learn a lot from their experiences in the NHS.”
Selvasekar believes his new role on the Council will deepen his connection with the College, foster global collaboration and, ultimately, enhance patient care. “I’m excited and feel privileged to be on the Council, representing the Fellows and Members,” he says. “I hope to facilitate small, positive changes and look forward to genuinely learning from the experience while helping the trainees, Fellows and Members, which I believe will improve patient care.”
Chelliah R Selvasekar’s appointment as a Council Member at RCSEd represents more than 30 years of career development, which began when he moved to the UK after completing his medical degree at Madras Medical College in Chennai, India, in 1994.
For the past 13 years, he has served as a Consultant General, Colorectal and Minimally Invasive Surgeon at the Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester. In addition to his primary role, Selvasekar has focused on surgical education with a global perspective.
“Since 2011, I’ve been at the Christie, where I helped establish laparoscopic and robotic colorectal surgery as well as the enhanced recovery programme,” he explains. “We perform advanced complex colorectal surgery here, and I am constantly seeking ways to use minimally invasive techniques to improve patient experience and outcomes.
“The unique aspect of the Christie is that it offers not only service delivery but also excellent opportunities for education, leadership and clinical research.”
In addition to his role at the Christie, Selvasekar has been the Director of Education at the Manchester Surgical Skills Centre since 2021. He leads cadaver courses for regional trainees and promotes collaboration with industry partners.
Involvement with RCSEd
Selvasekar’s involvement with RCSEd began in 2010, when he took on the role of Regional Surgical Advisor for the North West for four years. This role enabled him
to gain a deeper understanding of the College’s operations and to build connections across other regions in the UK.
“The position of Regional Surgical Advisor provided me with the opportunity to see how the College functions and what can be accomplished at a regional level. I was able to bring many College activities to the North West,” he says.
Within the College, Selvasekar currently holds the role of Chair for the Surgical Specialty Board in General Surgery and Robotic Lead for RCSEd. He also leads the international FRCS course in Hong Kong.
Breaking new ground
As a newly appointed Council Member, Selvasekar is already increasing his efforts; he has informed RCSEd President and Vice-President about the committees he wishes to join and the initiatives he would like to develop.
One of these initiatives involves addressing the needs of experienced Fellows – those who have been Members of the College for more than 10 years – an area that Selvasekar believes is currently neglected.
“I don’t think there’s any forum for them to express how they can contribute to the College and how the College can support them, both professionally and personally,” he explains. “They represent a significant resource. These individuals have undergone extensive training and have practised surgery for decades; they need support and we can learn a lot from their experiences in the NHS.”
Selvasekar believes his new role on the Council will deepen his connection with the College, foster global collaboration and, ultimately, enhance patient care. “I’m excited and feel privileged to be on the Council, representing the Fellows and Members,” he says. “I hope to facilitate small, positive changes and look forward to genuinely learning from the experience while helping the trainees, Fellows and Members, which I believe will improve patient care.”
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