Membership

The British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy exists to improve standards, promote training and encourage the exchange of information in minimal access surgery techniques.The Society has since flourished increasing in size from an initial membership of 60 to over 500 in 2010. Over twenty years later, and despite many changes in working patterns and training, these original aims continue.

What are the benefits?
Standard setting. The Society was involved, at the request of the RCOG, with setting general standards for hysteroscopic and laparoscopic procedures. Through the work of the Guidelines Committee, “Best Practice” documents are now being developed for specific procedures, such as outpatient hysteroscopy, and for certain relevant clinical scenarios, commencing with the adnexal mass. These will be of benefit not only to BSGE members but to our patients too.

Training. With respect to training of junior doctors, the BSGE was involved with developing the ATSMs in hysteroscopic and laparoscopic surgery and, more recently, leading the development of the two-year advanced laparoscopic module. The first recruits have been appointed and commence training in 2010.

Educational courses and financial support. Members are strongly encouraged to continue their training in endoscopic procedures whether they are nurses, trainee doctors, GPs or hold a substantive post as a consultant or SAS doctor.

In conjunction with the RCOG the BSGE has run courses to support training in the laparoscopy and hysteroscopy ATSM modules, as well as organising the annual Recent Advances in Gynaecology courses.

The Society has welcomed the development of independent educational programmes, such as the Nurse Hysteroscopy courses, led by Siân Jones in conjunction with the University of Bradford. Another example is the MSc in Advanced Gynaecological Endoscopy, headed by Jeremy Wright and Karen Ballard in conjunction with the University of Surrey. The BSGE offers financial support as a bursary to members undertaking these courses. Bursaries are also available for other educational courses. Furthermore, there are Travelling Fellowships to support additional training. All bursaries and fellowships are available after 12 months of membership.

Communication. With the launch of the new website the BSGE will be able to offer access to much more information, including a forum for members’ videos. The website consists of a home page available to all, plus a section for members only with password access. The website will enable the Society to take more advantage of the internet.

The annual scientific meeting enables colleagues who are involved in minimal access surgery in gynaecology from around the country to meet. It offers a forum for discussion and exchange of ideas, as well as an opportunity for trainees to present the outcome of their research and audit.

A quarterly Newsletter provides communication from the BSGE Officers and Council members. It will now be available on the website, as well as being sent out by email.

An agreement between the ESGE and BSGE was negotiated whereby BSGE members are also ESGE members. The agreement, commenced in April 2009, is initially for three years ending in April 2012. Visit the ESGE website to see what membership has to offer at www.ESGE.org.

Journal. And finally, and by no means least, there is the Society journal. Members receive a copy of the quarterly journal “Gynecological Surgery”. The journal publishes original research following peer-review, case-reports, reviews and much more.

Who can be a member?
Membership is open to the following professional groups.

1. Consultants and Staff Grade and Associate Specialists who are gynaecologists on the Specialist Register of the GMC, or other specialties related to the objectives of the BSGE.
2. Doctors in training in the specialties.
3. General Practitioners with an interest in gynaecological endoscopy.
4. Nurses, Operating Department Practitioners and other theatre personnel who are interested in developing their expertise in gynaecological endoscopy.

How much does it cost?
The annual fee for Consultants, SAS doctors and GPs is £150; for doctors in training and nurses it is £75.

How do I become a member?
Please follow the register for membership section.