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Welcome

Welcome to The Royal College of Surgeons of England 2025 election website.

In the coming weeks, you will be able to view all the information relevant to the elections, as well as:

Nominate yourself to stand for election
View candidate statements of those standing for election
Cast your vote in the election
See the results of the election

What happens next?

Nominations will open on Wednesday 8 January 2025.

Nominations are open

Welcome to The Royal College of Surgeons of England 2025 election website.

Nominations for this election are now open. Please click the ‘Nominate Now’ button to submit a nomination form.

In the coming weeks, you will be able to view all the information relevant to the elections, as well as:

View candidate statements of those standing for election
Cast your vote in the election
See the results of the election

What happens next?

Nominations will close at 5pm Wednesday 5 February 2025

Nominations are closed

Welcome to The Royal College of Surgeons of England 2025 election website.

Nominations for this election are now closed and candidate statements will be available when the ballot opens.

What happens next?

Voting will open on Tuesday 20 February 2025.

Voting is now open

Welcome to The Royal College of Surgeons of England 2025 election website, voting is now open.

To vote electronically please click on the ‘Vote Now’ button. You will be asked to enter the security codes which will have been sent to you by email or post.

You can also watch a short video explaining how to cast your vote online.

Candidate Statements

Candidates are listed below. Candidates for re-election are listed first, followed by candidates standing for the first time in alphabetical order.

Nuha Yassin

Gwen Bromley

Mark Chapman

Professor Alun Davies

Daljit Dhariwal

Michael El Boghdady

Professor Nader Francis

Professor Nadey Hakim

Jamal Harisha

Mohamed Hashem

James Henderson

Santhini Jeyarajah

Nikolaos Lymperopoulos

Michael Machesney

Nick Matharu

Charles Alan Maxwell-Armstrong

Felicity Meyer

Professor Vassilios Papalois

Huma Sethi

Paresh Dattatraya Sonsale

Paul Spraggs

Richard Stacey

Samantha Tross

Alex Woollard

What happens next?

Voting will close at 5pm on Wednesday 2 April 2025.

Nuha Yassin

Region: West Midlands

Specialty: Colorectal Surgery

Surgery is a rewarding career, but not without challenges. We excel when united and focused on maintaining high standards of care. RCS England is the home of surgery, ensuring everyone feels represented and welcome. I'm honoured to have served our members/fellows during my first term on Council. I’ve worked with colleagues from different sub-specialties and found this extremely rewarding and fulfilling.

I've supported initiatives from grassroots to senior fellows and been part of committees on research, quality, membership, diversity and workforce.

As Chair of the Future of Surgery (FoS) group, I've:

Helped produce a Good Practice Guide for Robotic Assisted Surgery.
Widened the RaDaR network and its focus and included trainees/SAS representation.
Supported the iHub, and the establishment of Genomics and Digital Surgery Groups.
Organized a successful annual Flagship Conference.

If re-elected, I will focus on:

Supporting members/fellows in the totality of surgical practice and learning from adverse-events.
Promoting equity of access and ensuring trainee representation within FoS and RCS England in General.
Advancing surgical standards and professional development.
Fostering collaboration within RCS England and between RCS England and FDS through Digital Surgery.
Continuing mentorship, training and research initiatives to empower our members and fellows.

Gwen Bromley

Region: North East

Specialty: General Surgery (Oncoplastic Breast Surgery)

I am honoured to submit my candidacy for election to the RCS England Council. With 17 years of clinical experience, I am passionate about advancing surgical practice, training and supporting professional development to improve patient care.

The Council plays a crucial role in ensuring the surgical community’s voice is heard at national and international levels. I will represent the diverse interests of members, particularly in addressing issues around training, workforce sustainability, and healthcare policy. My focus will be on enhancing the College’s support for its members, advocating for their needs through effective inter-disciplinary communication, and ensuring the surgical profession thrives in our evolving, and often challenging healthcare environment.

As RCS England Regional Director for the North East, I am committed to the College’s mission of improving patient care through excellence in surgery. My experience as a CQC Specialist Advisor provides me with a unique insight into the challenges of service delivery, further strengthening my commitment to patient safety and promoting evidence-based practice in all aspects of surgical care.

I am eager to contribute my experience, leadership, and commitment to the future of surgery and look forward to the opportunity to serve, collaborate, and drive positive change for the profession.

Mark Chapman

Region: West Midlands

Specialty: Colorectal surgery

College strategy 2021-2026 has achieved remarkable progress in the post-Covid environment; leading the profession, setting standards, EDI, engaging with members and rebuilding at Lincolns Inn Fields. This strategy needs updating.

Our College represents surgeons at all stages of their career, working across the world. I have two priorities:

We face growing jeopardy from complaints, complications, and scrutiny of work. For all of us this takes a mental toll, especially in our early years as a consultant where resilience, open mindedness and reflection are crucial. The College has established a mentorship programme. I wish to advocate and grow this programme, especially offering support to all newly appointed Consultants.
As a longstanding MRCS examiner, I appreciate the College’s global reach. This represents a rich vein of knowledge which I would like to leverage to support the College’s Life on the Line: re-shaping humanitarian surgery. Opportunities to work out with the NHS can be life changing.

I have held senior leadership roles within my Trust and NHS England. I mentor a colorectal surgeon in Tanzania, visiting twice yearly. I have worked with the BMA and chaired our LNC.

I have the time and energy to develop these projects on your behalf.

Professor Alun Davies

Region: London

Specialty: General/Vascular

Being a clinical academic in general and vascular surgery and holding/held various leadership roles e.g. NICE, NIHR, ACCIA, ASGBI, SRS, VS and other national and international societies has given me insight to issues faced by surgeons, all stakeholders including patients (including Equality, Diversity and Inclusion). With respect to my key thoughts on: -

Service delivery/Outcomes – the importance of supporting the surgical workforce while trying to achieve optimal outcomes. Ensuring that the “surgical brand” is a central pillar in health care policy and not neglected.
Education/Training – look at further strategies to optimize training / reducing cost of training. I have been FRCS examiner and STC member and training programme director and responsible for part-time training.
Research/Innovation –increase engagement of the members, fellows, and allied groups with incorporating research into daily practise with enhanced support of organizations such as the NIHR and the trainee collaboratives. My teams work on VTE prophylaxis in the surgical patient of all sub-specialities is impacting globally and a big thank you to those of you who have made this possible in over sixty organizations.

Overall, I feel I have acquired the skills to represent the views of the fellows and members of the RCS England.

Daljit Dhariwal

Region: Thames Valley

Specialty: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Surgery is about passion and for me that means ensuring delivery of high-quality care, developing and progressing colleagues and trainees who will deliver better care for patients for the future. I have a track record championing for equity most recently as President of the British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, effectively addressing issues on training, recruitment, inclusivity and regarding physician associates. I was jointly awarded the Colyer Gold Medal for services to the wider community for my work as a founding member of the Working Party on Sexual Misconduct in Surgery. My strengths include the ability to take a strategic view and to overcome obstacles. I am not afraid to tackle difficult issues head on. I will bring a similar approach to tackle the key priorities facing surgery: ·

Support all grades of surgeons to deliver on backlogs of care
Ensure resident doctors receive high quality training moving away from administrative burden
Develop educational materials on sexual misconduct which are trauma informed
Support an inclusive equitable approach creating a more positive culture in surgery

I welcome the opportunity to serve the membership and to help shape the future direction of our surgical home with an agile style of leadership

Michael El Boghdady

Region: London

Specialty: General Surgery

I am dedicated to improving the training environment and advocating for trainees. I have served as faculty for RCS England courses, helped reduce course costs, and represented trainees on the EDI, ICBSE, and BSS steering groups at the College. Additionally, as the Specialty Editor for the Bulletin and a trainee representative in MRCS question writing, I am committed to advancing education and training. I have worked to eliminate poor workplace behaviours and I pledge to represent all members and fellows, ensuring inclusivity in strategic decisions and amplifying voices that often go unheard. My key priorities as a Council member will be:

Broadening diversity on examination boards to ensure fairness and true representation of our members and fellows.
Addressing concerns regarding medical associate professions.
Strengthening RCS England’s support for trainees, SAS doctors, and consultants, with a focus on regional engagement.
Enhancing examination preparation and support for candidates and examiners.
Championing increased theatre accessibility, modernised assessment, and improved training pathways.I am committed to removing barriers to surgical training, promoting equitable opportunities for female and minority surgeons, and tackling trainee attrition. With your support, I will work to build a more inclusive and supportive surgical training environment.

Professor Nader Francis

Region: South West

Specialty: colorectal

I am a consultant colorectal surgeon, with over 20 years’ experience in surgical education. I have been spearheading the development of a surgical training centre in minimally invasive surgery in London (the Griffin Institute).
My educational expertise will allow me to support the RCS England council, through:

Steering the educational agenda of the College to support the members’ needs, ensuring that their learning requirements at the heart of the College.
Driving training of minimally invasive and advanced surgical techniques to our members to remain at the forefront of surgical technology.
Promoting wider collaboration with relevant experts and stakeholders to address the ethical and practical implication of digital surgery and artificial intelligence on surgical practice, training and assessment.
Developing and support the application of the College’s sustainability programme for Green Operating Room to mitigate climate risks in surgical practice.

Professor Nadey Hakim

Region: London

Specialty: General Surgeon

Nadey Hakim is a general and transplant surgeon with 35 years of experience. He completed a Multiorgan Transplantation Fellowship at the University of Minnesota and a Gastrointestinal Fellowship at the Mayo Clinic. Currently, he is an Adjunct Professor of Transplantation Surgery at Imperial College London and a Professor of General Surgery at Cleveland Clinic London. Nadey has held prominent leadership roles, including Past President of the International College of Surgeons (ICS), Past President of the Transplantation Section of the Royal Society of Medicine (RSM), Past VP of the RSM, and VP of the British Red Cross (BRC) until recently. An accomplished academic, he has authored over 250 peer-reviewed papers and 25 textbooks, making him a prolific scholar and a highly sought-after speaker. A Fellow of the RCS England since 1988, he served as an Examiner for nine years and has been a College representative on interview panels for over two decades. Known for his exceptional fundraising abilities, he has secured millions in donations for institutions like Imperial College, RSM, ICS, BRC, and the Commonwealth. Polyglot and adept at fostering cross-cultural collaborations, he is committed to inspiring professionals and building global networks to promote high standards in surgical practice and education.

Jamal Harisha

Region: East Midlands

Specialty: Breast Surgery

I am a consultant breast surgeon for over 30 years.

I am proud that I am still serving the College in my capacity as an assessor and MRCS examiner.

I have trained many specialist registrars to become consultant in the breast specialty and a high percentage of them were female colleagues.

I am keen educator and trainer and continue to provide excellent training to our surgical colleagues particularly those post MRCS to become future consultants in their preferred specialties.

Surgery is a fantastic and rewarding specialty and despite tremendous challenges the college continue to provide directions towards improving training to our junior surgical colleagues and I will help to convey it's message to our international colleagues.

My aim is to maintain good education and training, encourage colleagues to contribute to the college activities and serve to get your voice heard in the council.

Mohamed Hashem

Region: Thames Valley

Specialty: Trauma and Orthopaedics

If elected, my priorities will be to ensure the RCS England truly represents and supports the entire surgical community. I will champion the inclusion of SAS/LED surgeons by expanding their involvement in RCS England projects and decision-making. My main initiative will be the Non-Training Pathway Mega Project, a structured program of equitable training, credentialing, and career progression opportunities for non-trainees, addressing gaps in their development.I will also push for tailored RCS England membership benefits, ensuring each member category—students, trainees, SAS/LED, consultants—receives targeted support, from access to medical education to leadership opportunities. I will focus on enhancing surgical education by promoting free, efficient, and accessible resources, including regional workshops, simulation training, and online platforms.My suitability for this role is grounded in my extensive involvement in RCS England initiatives, including my work on the RCS England Advisory Committee and my role in Ortho-BEMA, where I advocated for equitable training and education. As a member of the OTS Research Committee and Audit/Research Lead locally, I have driven projects improving surgical standards and education. I have also been a strong advocate for free, high-quality medical education, ensuring opportunities for all.I am committed to creating a more inclusive, supportive, and innovative RCS England and would be honored to have your support.

James Henderson

Region: South West

Specialty: Plastic Surgery

I wish to develop College policies to support neurodivergent (ND) surgeons and trainees. The College has led on gender/race/LGBTQ+ issues, and now must also support Autistic/ADHD surgeons. Surgery likely selects for autism, and vice versa, but many surgeons are undiagnosed, or feel unable to disclose their diagnosis. Positive changes for ND surgeons will be positive for all colleagues and patients. I plan to deliver RCS England guidelines, events and material to optimise acceptance, environments and culture for NDs, who are valuable team members. I would like the college to offer support and mentorship for these members and guidance for organisations.

I am deputy (global) lead of Autistic Doctors International; Disability/Neurodivergent NHS staff lead for my own trust; Confederation of British Surgeons board member and neurodiversity lead. I have committee experience with BAPRAS (including SIAG lead) and BSSH. I am a successful surgeon with 10 years as local hand surgery lead; founder and lead of TIG fellowship: I am successful academically (>100 publications/ presentations). I have degrees from Oxford and Cambridge, an MD and formal lectureship experience. I am also a well-qualified ski instructor and semi professional medical illustrator - these demonstrating my reliability at completing diverse projects within budgets and deadlines.

Santhini Jeyarajah

Region: East of England

Specialty: Colorectal

As a consultant colorectal surgeon, I have demonstrated a strong commitment to training and advancing surgical education. Having myself navigated changes in national registrar training systems, and adapting to the robotic revolution, I understand the challenges faced by trainees and trainers alike. My experience includes serving in a divisional managerial role, in addition to multiple CT and ST selection panels, ARCP’s, STC’s and involvement with JCST. My commitment to education and inclusivity makes me well-suited for this position.
Priorities

Recent panspeciality trainee surveys highlight a disillusioned trainee body with regards to robotics training. I have been actively engaged in robotic training pathways and am lead faculty on deanery training courses. I will leverage this to champion for structured, standardised curricula that incorporate hands-on robotic training from the core training level. Developing train the trainer robotics courses will facilitate this.
Underpinned by the landmark reports of sexual misconduct in surgery, my perspective as a female surgeon provides a vision into addressing the barriers faced by underrepresented groups. I will foster collaboration and innovation to drive forward initiatives that improve training, strengthen our profession, and ultimately enhance patient care.

Nikolaos Lymperopoulos

Region: Yorkshire and the Humber

Specialty: Plastic Surgery

My passion for education has been evolving throughout my career and I have enjoyed being a trainer both as a consultant and senior lecturer at the university. The creation of the Yorkshire FRCS (Plast) course and Yorkshire Plastic Surgery Research Meeting allowed me to develop transferable leadership skills. At the same time, a national surgical innovation award and a trainer’s silver scalpel nomination prove my dedication to surgical training.

If elected my key priorities would be:

Surgical Education: We need modern courses supporting the surgical curriculum for each speciality. Technology & simulation provide opportunities for targeted learning during the different stages of a surgeon’s career.
Research and innovation: Our college can be a hub for promoting research & multi-centre studies simply by using our network & improved communication.
Improve wellbeing and support resources for surgeons: Bullying, harassment, discrimination, stress & anxiety are real issues in surgery. We need to create tools and guidance on dealing with burnout and promoting work-life balance.
Establish college presence regionally, nationally, globally: Organising events in different geographical scale is the best way for us to collaborate with other organisations, increase influence and celebrate our network.

Michael Machesney

Region: London

Specialty: General Surgery

The RCS England Council is the only democratically elected representation of the surgical profession in England and Wales, but its influence in proactively promoting the interests of patients has waned. Too much of the focus has been responsive to outside pressure. Management consultants appear to have more influence on decision makers than the RCS England.

20 years as Consultant General and Colorectal Surgeon at Whipps Cross Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, has revealed the challenges of NHS reorganisation. I have a wide experience in local, regional and national leadership roles. I championed the adoption of laparoscopic surgery and enhanced recovery in East London. As Chair of the NHSE Clinical Expert Group for Colorectal Cancer, in alliance with cancer charities, made the case for bringing the bowel cancer screening age down to 50 years.

I will bring passion and tenacity for challenging group think and delivering change to improve the experience for front line surgeons and their patients, and will,

Highlight the strategic importance of capital investment – more theatres are needed
Challenge inequity of outcomes for our patients and within the profession
Propose the RCS England improves its influence on policy by providing consultancy advice, harnessing the profession’s knowledge and experience

Nick Matharu

Region: West Midlands

Specialty: Vascular Surgery

My key priorities would be to improve daily surgical care for patients and work life for surgeons through technology to streamline elective and emergency workflows both in the operating theatre and outside. My experience having just completed a five year tenure as clinical director of surgery in a tertiary hospital in the West Midlands makes me suitable for this position. This gave me experience of the daily challenges faced by 11 surgical specialties in delivering their elective and emergency workflows. We were one of only a few trusts to emerge from COVID green for our cancer targets thanks to the ability to respond with agility and at pace in setting up a screened elective surgical pathway. In this role I have championed the use of technology and pathway innovation to improve surgical management and outcomes. I will endeavour to achieve these by listening to and promoting the learning from trusts leading on surgical innovation and the application of technology such as AI with both NHS and department of health partners. I will promote the safe introduction of technology and innovation in surgical healthcare structures that have surgical clinical governance, quality and world class outcomes embedded at their core.

Charles Alan Maxwell-Armstrong

Region: East Midlands

Specialty: Colorectal and General Surgery

Surgery- probably the best job in the world – only currently it doesn’t feel like it.

Trainees – Work life balance is important. Training has to improve and cannot be compromised by Physician Assistants. Surgery is complex - we need to be pushing for more theatre time for the next generation of consultants.
SAS Doctors - Need structure, mentoring and career development. They are not simply propping up creaking rotas.
Undergraduates - Surgery is barely taught at Medical School in the curriculum. Inspiring the future has to be College-led.
Consultants – Early retirement beckons for a significant number. The rest will be left grinding it out for years to come - something has to improve.

The College needs to be using its influence to lobby government to implement solutions. “Improvement” not just “Change” for the sake of it.

I have been Past-President and Secretary of the Association of Coloproctology of GB&I, College tutor, and an MRCS examiner since 2005. I’ve worked with NHS England as Colorectal Lead for the National Consultant Information Programme and Specialised Commissioning.

I would welcome the opportunity to address some of the issues above.

Surgery is fundamentally still the best job in the world…

Charles Maxwell-Armstrong

Felicity Meyer

Region: East of England

Specialty: Vascular

The NHS is experiencing existential challenges and surgeons can provide solutions. Surgeons must be able to contribute fully, whilst teaching, innovating and undertaking scientific research. This requires support, including networking and mentorship, and sustained campaigning for facilities, such as surgical hubs and new hospitals.

The College is modernising, with virtual reality, AI and a redesigned home. Council must continue to promote this transformation whilst retaining those traditions that inspire surgical excellence.

I am uniquely positioned to promote these initiatives. I became the College Flexible Working Advisor in 2019 and was elected Chair of the Women in Surgery Forum in 2024. I have represented WinS nationally and provided advice and assistance to surgeons from every grade. I am participating in the RCS mentorship pilot and am Deputy Medical Director in a RAAC trust, forming part of its new hospitals project.

WinS Chair is an invited member of Council but unable to vote and I am keen to contribute fully. I possess strategic insight and extensive knowledge of NHS institutions. I also understand the difficulties faced by surgeons every day. I aim to use this expertise at Council to champion the benefits a diverse, supported team brings both to patients and institutions.

Professor Vassilios Papalois

Region: London

Specialty: General Surgery (Transplantation )

I am honoured to stand for election to our Council, bringing extensive experience as a surgeon, educator, mediator, and leader in national/international surgical communities.

My key priorities are:

Enhancing Engagement and Professional Development: I will champion initiatives that strengthen the relationship between Members/Fellows and the College, with a focus on career development for younger surgeons. By fostering mentorship schemes and structured pathways, I aim to empower the next generation with the skills to thrive.
Developing a Sustainable Surgical Workforce: we need strategies that ensure the future surgical workforce is fit for purpose by addressing workforce planning, skill acquisition, and the integration of technological advancements to maintain excellence and sustainability.
Expanding International Collaboration: I will aim to enhance the international reach of the College using the experience and contacts generated by my leadership roles across Europe and beyond. I will foster collaboration to improve surgical education, training, and patient care.

With a proven track record in clinical innovation, medical education, healthcare policy, and international collaboration I am uniquely able to serve and contribute meaningfully to our Council. My commitment is to advancing the mission of the RCS England and ensuring its impact on the profession and patients alike.

Huma Sethi

Region: London

Specialty: Neurosurgery

I have worked as Consultant Neurosurgeon in London for the last 15 yrs. This period of time has given me a valuable insight regarding the challenges surgeons face with in the NHS and solutions to survive and flourish.

If elected as a council member my top priorities would be

To Ensure educational and learning facilities at RCS England are equally available to members and fellows who are not based in London. Virtual sessions to deliver education will be aimed and I am working with RCS England staff to achieve this

To Ensure drop in/ virtual sessions are available for surgeons facing challenges with in the NHS

To Promote equality and diversity and ensure equal opportunities are available for SAS and doctors in the training program ,This would be achieved by arranging well being seminars at RCS England

I have served as Training Program Director, Member of SAC, and Regional Director for the Royal College of Surgeons

Currently I am Royal College Assessor and Course Director for Basic Surgical and Surgical skills for students allied health professionals

I teach as a volunteer for MRCS revision sessions at RCS England

I have along term affiliation with RCS England in various roles and would love to contribute more

Paresh Dattatraya Sonsale

Region: West Midlands

Specialty: Trauma and Orthopaedics

Providing an excellent surgical care has been ingrained as a core value when I started my orthopaedic training. Currently, I am working as a Full time Orthopaedic Consultant at University Hospitals Birmingham since 2006.

Along with my professional qualification, my degree in Medical Education has helped me in training Resident, Specialty and International doctors. I work as Honorary Associate Professor for Birmingham University. I am associated with the RCS England and Birmingham University for more than 10 years as an Examiner.

As West Midland Clinical Senate member, I am used to making critical decisions at regional level. My Clinical governance lead role at UHB helped me to deliver safe and excellent clinical care. I am a member of Wise council for UHB to support work of the culture and inclusion group.

Given an opportunity, I would promote vision of providing excellence in clinical care by working to improve accessibility of training to junior doctors. I would promote greener NHS & look to support and promote women representation in surgery. With evolution of surgical hubs, there is a tremendous scope of increasing theatre access for surgical trainees and retaining workforce. Reducing burnout and stress would be another key area on my radar.

Paul Spraggs

Region: Wessex

Specialty: Otolaryngology

As a past Council member and current Regional Director, and a consultant of 26 years, I have extensive knowledge of the workings of the College, the NHS and Private practice.

If elected my priorities would be:

-Reform of the College. Members want a smaller, cheaper College with a significant reduction in the annual fee and with more emphasis services for its members. I would campaign for redevelopment of the College building, converting 2 floors currently sublet to industry into hotel rooms, social areas and free work, educational and meeting facilities for the use of members.

-Better terms and conditions for its members in both the NHS and independent practice. Clearly defined core NHS surgical practice with non NHS surgery supported by individual and employer funded insurance in NHS and non NHS facilities. Reintroduction of a command structure led by a Chair of the department and supported by management.

-Training should be focused and shortened to address the manpower needs. Specialist training should be run through from FY and in one region. Parallel lists reintroduced and compulsory if a fellow is present to prioritise surgical training of our STs.

There is a lot to do. We cannot go on like this!

Richard Stacey

Region: Thames Valley

Specialty: Neurosurgery

I have been a Consultant in the NHS for 25 years and experienced the evolving challenges facing all of us. I have been a voice for my colleagues in Oxford and am adept in negotiating with NHS managers to ensure the needs of surgeons, patients and hospitals are aligned.

My 2 key priorities on Council would be to devolve some of the College activities to the regions and support surgeons with the real world problems they face. College members need to be more connected to the council and one solution would be that the current regional meetings of the College should be open to all members and fellows. This would enable local problems to be given a national voice via the College.

We need to better support our workforce so they feel valued and fit for purpose. Even in difficult times we cannot cut study budget funding for trainees and consultants and I feel the College must counter this vigorously. I strongly believe that the College should play a role in improving working conditions, enabling time for mentoring, and focussing on recruitment and retention.

As your representative these will be my key priorities on the Council.

Samantha Tross

Region: London

Specialty: Trauma & Orthopaedics

Thank you for your consideration. My aims are to ensure surgical training standards are maintained, to improve equity in surgical experience and training outcomes for all, including SAS/ International Graduates and to improve the pipeline of future surgeons.

I will work with the college to review training standards, to support trainers to deliver on surgical training as well as improve their mental wellbeing.

Based on data outcomes, I will work with the college to address gaps identified and ensure regular review of processes to optimise progress.

My work with inner city and underprivileged schools will enable me to raise the profile of the college and surgery as a career.

From my 20 year Consultant career I have a good understanding of the workings of the NHS. I have held various educational roles at Ealing Hospital, am engaged with numerous Medical School Surgical Societies and give regular career empowerment talks to schools. I have been involved with the College as part of the Diversity Review Panel as well as part of previous EDI Forum. I am Secretary for International Orthopaedic Diversity Alliance and past Member of BHS Cultural and Diversity Committee /Mentorship Lead. These qualities I believe support my application.

Alex Woollard

Region: London

Specialty: Plastic Surgery

I believe our profession faces a profound challenge over the next ten years: how to maintain our standards as surgery becomes more highly specialised.

I have been a consultant plastic surgeon and educational lead for ten years. The focus of my practice is complex reconstruction providing the privilege of operating alongside colleagues across the full spectrum of specialties. I am struck by the benefits of the cross-pollination of ideas, the better understanding of what areas are persistently challenging.

In my view, this experience should become part of consultant appraisal. It would help to reduce the chances of lone surgeons getting into poor habits and protect us when we are involved in highly complex, potentially litigious, cases.

I am as passionate about teaching as I am operating. I feel we are constrained in how to pass on our legacy to the next generation. I was fortunate, benefiting not just from trainers, but from mentors, who took a specific interest in my progress. I believe that this is a crucial element of teaching in a field that is both academic and practical. Responsibility for training and standards seems to have become diluted.

We, as a college, should foster a mentoring scheme.

Voting closed

Welcome to The Royal College of Surgeons of England 2025 election website, voting is now closed.

Results will be available on the RCS England website shortly.

Results

Congratulations to the candidates who have been successfully elected.

Council Elections 2025

Welcome

What happens next?

Nominations are open

What happens next?

Nominations are closed

What happens next?

Voting is now open

Candidate Statements

What happens next?

Voting closed

Results

Resources

Useful documents

Timetable