Rebecca Mallick
I’m a consultant gynaecologist based in Sussex and in 2020 established the BSGE-accredited Sussex Endometriosis Centre. My passions include minimal-access-surgery, hysteroscopy and scanning. I’m actively involved in gynaecological education as a training programme director and simulation lead. I’m also FVVO journal’s assistant-editor.
It’s been a pleasure to serve on BSGE council for the past 3-years as Information Resources chair. During that time, I’ve developed the successful webinar series whilst also expanding patient-facing ventures. This opportunity has given me a unique insight into the workings of the society. I’m passionate about being part of its future and it’s an honour to be considered for vice-president.
It’s fundamental that patients remain at the centre of BSGE values. This will be a key focus for me; to cultivate stronger links with various patient groups/advocates allowing their voices to guide the society. Diversity and representation are also priorities therefore it’s important we expand membership and council/officer opportunities with this in mind, encouraging inclusion at all BSGE levels. Training is also a priority and I’m acutely aware of the gynaecological training challenges. It’s imperative that the BSGE is at the forefront of championing trainees and not shy away from difficult discussions. Furthermore, we need to ensure equity of access to opportunities for all our members including our nurse-specialists and SAS doctors.
I believe that with my skillset and experience, combined with the talented council and our dynamic members, we will continue to propel the society in an exciting, positive direction. I hope you’ll consider voting for me.
Funlayo Odejinmi
As a Consultant Gynaecologist with 20 years of experience and a longstanding member of the BSGE, I have consistently embraced leadership and networking roles to advance minimally invasive therapies for women. My tenure as Divisional Director for Women’s and Children’s Health at Whipps Cross Hospital and Clinical Director for Gynaecology at Barts Health NHS Trust highlights my ability to lead and innovate in challenging healthcare environments. Currently, as Chair of the BSGE’s Membership Relations Subcommittee and Editor of SCOPE, I have enhanced member engagement through high-quality quarterly newsletters, receiving positive feedback for content relevance and impact.
My commitment to evidence-based Minimal Invasive Gynaecological Surgery (MIGS) is evident in my contribution of over 100 peer-reviewed publications, focusing on enhancing care standards and accessibility. I have actively engaged with patient groups to heighten awareness and education on women’s health issues, underlining my dedication to patient-centric care.
Mentoring several Advanced Laparoscopic Trainees, I promote a research-driven approach to surgery, encouraging the next generation of gynaecologists to pursue excellence in laparoscopic techniques.
Passionate about women’s health, I aspire to leverage my expertise in the BSGE to further our collective goal of advancing women’s healthcare in the UK and globally. My background as an ethnic minority fuels my commitment to ensuring equitable healthcare access and fostering an inclusive community that mirrors the diversity of our society.
As Vice President, I aim to utilise my leadership and networking skills to elevate minimal access surgery standards, foster collaboration, and build upon the solid foundation established by previous BSGE officers
Kirana Arambage
I am your current secretary. I have effectively supported activities of council having served it for 12 years continuously, and have been personally responsible for the completion of a constitutional amendment which saw the creation of two new subcommittees and three council members. This was needed because of ever-growing membership needs.
Improved access to international memberships to our society. This has been done by initiating and developing an international relations portfolio. I firmly believe that it creates a systematic platform to share knowledge, improve BSGE’s profile while creating a funding stream.
Contribution to a new NHS England service specification for severe endometriosis and was a member of the BSGE working party for thoracic endometriosis.
I have shown passion and commitment to our society, first as the trainee representative (2012-2016) and then as a Senior Council Member (2016-2021) during which I have contributed to the founding of RIGS, increased the numbers and doubling funding for bursaries, awards and scholarships and cofounded the cadaveric course held in Oxford.
I have been a consultant for 10 years in Oxford, preceptor for the advanced laparoscopy ATSM and lead for simulation training in our deanery. I have a MSc in Gynaecological endoscopy; co-authored guidelines for the RCOG (consent for laparoscopy) and ESGE (distension media for hysteroscopy) and am on the medical advisory panel for endometriosis UK for our patients.
This experience and my demonstrated commitment will enable me to complete other vital projects and I humbly ask for your support to do this.
Donna Ghosh
I am extremely proud to have been involved in significant developments that have allowed the BSGE to expand and reach-out widely. I became a member of the society 14 years ago when my interest in minimal access surgery was first ignited. Since 2014, I have served on council being elected as trainee representative and then to senior council, as chair for Laparoscopic Training. Through the BSGE I have had the pleasure to work alongside many of my mentors, those who have inspired me both professionally and personally.
I established the RIGs trainee network, a platform providing opportunities for trainees and to inspire surgeons to improve gynaecological care from grassroots. I developed the Intermediate Laparoscopy Course, redesigned the RCOG Gynaecological Surgery Course and introduced ‘Pecha Kucha’, and the trainee video session to the ASM. I organised the inaugural RIGs dinner in 2016. I was honoured to co-chair the Birmingham- Worcester ASM 2022.
During Covid I founded the BSGE RIGs Hub National Training Programme, establishing and coordinating ‘hands-on’ training in 14 regional hubs across the UK, seeing benefit to more than 600 trainees. RIGs has strengthened year-on-year, such that the society trainee membership exceeds all other categories.
I am a dedicated consultant gynaecologist, passionate about improving patient care. I want to educate nationally so that gynaecological conditions are better understood and managed alongside our immediate expertise. I am organised, enthusiastic and extremely motivated and I would be delighted to serve you as honorary secretary.
Tamer Abdelmoniem
With great enthusiasm, I present myself as a candidate for the BSGE council member position.
I am a consultant gynaecologist and obstetrician at University Hospital Southampton, which provides tertiary care gynaecology services and is an accredited endometriosis centre. As the acute gynaecology lead, alongside my colleagues and the nursing team, I have developed the acute gynaecology services, and I am proud to have established the emergency gynaecology initial review pathway, which has improved patient care across the Emergency Department and gynaecology.
My interests and training include minimal access surgery, management of endometriosis, and gynaecology ultrasound. Additionally, I am interested in teaching and simulation training. Therefore, I have been actively involved in teaching in both regional and national courses such as RIGS and GESEA. I also believe in the importance of quality improvement and research.
I am fully aware of the commitment required for a BSGE council member. Being a good listener, an effective team worker, and continuously improving have equipped me with the qualities and skills to fulfil these responsibilities.
I will collaborate with my colleagues to achieve the shared goals of the BSGE committee. However, my stated aims are:
- Enhancing training: increasing training opportunities and promoting training chances not only for trainees but also for consultants and nurses.
- Maintaining and developing educational resources: Ensuring they remain up-to-date and address the dynamic challenges in our specialty.
- Improving communication and networking: Enhancing digital networking and supporting the development of working groups across regions and strengthen our international connections.
Lina Antoun
I am a Consultant Gynaecologist specialising in complex endometriosis and minimally invasive gynaecology at the Birmingham Women’s Hospital.
I have been an active member of the BSGE for several years. In 2022, I was elected as a BSGE council member responsible for the trainee’s portfolio. I have been part of the team who developed the successful and popular national RIGs Hub National Training Programme. I participate as a facilitator for the RCOG/BSGE benign abdominal surgery course.
I was a member of the Local Organising Committee for ASM 2022 Birmingham, co-organised the RIGs laparoscopy pre-congress workshop for ASM 2023 Manchester, introducing new surgical training tasks. I help organise the BSGE ACN, am a regular participant and moderator on BSGE webinars and am part of a BSGE project to deliver centralised scanning workshops for endometriosis centres. For the ASM 2024 Belfast I am co-organising the RIGs pre-congress workshop.
I am passionate about surgical education and managed to establish excellent relationships with industry. If elected, I would be a strong advocate for minimal access training, and would endeavour to drive forward future delivery of advanced endoscopic surgery by providing protected and appropriate training opportunities and supporting job plans for gynaecological consultants that allow them to deliver advanced gynaecological services.
If successfully elected, I would make every effort to continue to contribute to the future planning of the society.
Mehrnoosh Aref-Adib
I am a Consultant at Whipps Cross Hospital in London. My journey with the BSGE began during my time as a trainee, and I enjoyed attending and presenting in the annual ASMs. As a consultant for over four years I have remained actively involved, serving on the SCOPE sub-committee, contributed to training as RIGS faculty, released interview podcasts for BSGE uncut and hosting BSGE webinars.
I spent a year in Melbourne, Australia, undertaking a minimal access fellowship, gaining valuable insights into a different healthcare system. I have also practiced in Iran, experiencing healthcare in a developing country.
I am dedicated, organized, and previously served as Vice President of a highly successful National Trainees Conference. I am positive and approachable with a strong track record in publishing, presenting, and teaching and was voted top teacher in the recent Lapxland course. I have arranged courses on laparoscopy in Australia and the UK.
If elected, I will work to enhance the already excellent teaching, improve opportunities for trainees, and promote diversity within our organization. I will develop international collaborations for training with the links I have. I plan to use my experience of the management of fibroids and links in the AAGL fibroid network to organize educational activities for patients and BSGE members and discuss a fibroid network of our own.
I love my job, am passionate about people, gynaecology and laparoscopy, and can make a positive contribution to the BSGE council. I would be honoured to part of the team.
Lizzie Bean
I’ve been a member of the BSGE since 2015 and the society has provided me with an amazing network of friends, colleagues and mentors.
I trained in minimal access surgery at University College London Hospital and support the BSGE GESEA and RIGS training programmes. I’ve been appointed as a consultant at Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust and looking forward to starting my onward career there in the spring.
I took three years out of programme to train in ultrasound diagnosis and mapping of endometriosis and am passionate about addressing the delay in diagnosis nationally, improving diagnostics and developing one-stop clinics for women, building the bridge between community and tertiary level care. I’m committed to improving training in gynaecological ultrasound, which is hugely beneficial for counselling of patients, providing a timely diagnosis and treatment plan.
My research areas include ultrasound assessment of endometriosis, the natural history of endometriosis and the relationship between endometriosis and pregnancy.
Like many of us, I’m excited about the future of robotics for our society and am also a member of BIARGS.
There are many uncertainties for trainees at the moment, with impending curriculum changes and I think I would be a good representative for junior members, given my recent completion of the ALAP ATSM. I think I’d be an asset to members of the society as a senior representative on your council and I hope you will consider voting for me. Looking forward to seeing you all in Belfast!
Tony Chalhoub
I would welcome the opportunity to join the existing vibrant team at the BSGE senior council members.
I have been a consultant since 2012 and led the gynaecology department for 5 years. During my tenure, I have brought many positive changes and innovations to the department: I have led and developed a national accredited endometriosis centre, national and international epicentre for robotic assisted surgery amongst many other developments.
Regionally, I have built excellent relationships with neighbouring Trusts. I have developed a team of consultants’ trainers for the HEENE/NSTC surgical skills training programme; cadaveric and simulation training ST1 to ST7 covering the RCOG core curriculum requirements.
Nationally and internationally, I have put Newcastle on the map as a robotic and advanced minimal access training centre for the UK and Europe. I am recognised globally as a leader in the field of minimally invasive gynaecology surgery. I have developed many courses and contributed widely as a recognised expert in others including the BSGE ST5+ advanced laparoscopic hysterectomy programme. Furthermore, I sit on the BSGE grants and awards as well as the innovations sub-committees. Perhaps one of my biggest assets is my enthusiasm for the BSGE missions and values.
I believe this broad experience gives me a unique insight into the needs of the senior council member role; a job that relies on having a good mix of experience and innovation, trustworthiness and integrity, transparency and approachable character, and I believe I bring a balance selection of these qualities.
Natalie Cooper
I am Consultant at Whipps Cross Hospital in east London. My special interests include ambulatory gynaecology, abnormal uterine bleeding and clinical academia. I am proud that my academic work has changed clinical practice and improved patient care. For example, I co-authored the BSGE Evidence-based guideline on laparoscopy in Pregnancy and the RCOG/BSGE Best practice in Outpatient Hysteroscopy guideline which was based on my PhD. I have performed economic analyses of diagnostic pathways in abnormal uterine bleeding which influenced the 2018 update to the NICE heavy menstrual bleeding guidance. More recently I have developed a core outcome set for heavy menstrual bleeding which will standardise reporting in future clinical research and guidelines. This project involved gynaecologists and patients from across the globe and has allowed me to forge links with a wide network of experts.
Although my academic credentials are strong, I am a clinician at heart and feel particularly strongly about improving care for women with heavy menstrual bleeding, with a particular focus on fibroids which are very prevalent in my hospital’s local population.
I have been a member of the BSGE for 15 years and have supported the society with my academic work and by teaching and being invited to speak at the annual congresses. I feel like it’s time for me to start contributing at the next level by becoming a member of the council. If elected, I would hope to support a strong research portfolio, encourage international collaboration and develop opportunities for patient involvement.
Nadine Di Donato
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the unwavering support extended to me during my initial term. It has been a truly enriching experience serving in my current capacity and contributing to the advancement of hysteroscopy training. Throughout the past year, we successfully conducted a total of four hysteroscopy courses, including collaborative workshops held in June and October 2023 with the esteemed backing of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
Notably, we organized the hysteroscopy pre-congress event during the Annual Scientific Meeting in Manchester and introduced the inaugural nurse hysteroscopy course towards the close of the preceding year. Should I be re-elected, my commitment remains steadfast in refining our courses based on the invaluable feedback received from you. I am dedicated to addressing your specific needs and further enhancing the knowledge and role of hysteroscopy within our community.
Brendan Gallagher
I have been a member of the BSGE for the last 8 years and have made lifelong friends as well as being fortunate to take advantage of some of the fantastic training opportunities on offer. For the last 4 years I have been a Consultant at Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust as well as the College Tutor since 2022. I have a wide range of interests including urogynaecology, benign gynaecology and improving trainee’s access to endoscopic training.
I would like the opportunity as a Council Member to give something back to the society. To date I have been faculty for the RIGS training scheme since inception. I firmly believe in our aims of improving standards, promoting training and encouraging the exchange of information in minimal access surgery techniques for women with gynaecological problems. I will endeavour to help grow our membership and enhance training opportunities.
Hany Habeeb
I am a senior gynaecological surgeon with a long experience in complex gynaecological surgery, minimal access surgery and endometriosis. I have introduced the Day case Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy to my local hospital. I have performed twenty five cases in the last twelve months and ninety two percent of the cases had same day discharge . There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications in this series. The data was presented recently in our departmental audit meeting. I am also working towards making my local hospital an accredited endometriosis centre. My special surgical interests are laparoscopic entry techniques and reducing complications in laparoscopic surgery.
I am heavily involved in teaching and training the trainees . I deliver regular classroom teaching for them during their dedicated teaching session. I also provide hands- on training in surgical and laparoscopic skills. I regularly have an ATSM trainee in benign gynaecology. My current ST7 trainee is able to perform Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy independently.
I was the clinical lead for women’s health at Medway Hospital for six years and as such, I was heavily involved in management and governance issues. This experience helped me develop my leadership skill to a great extent. I was also the RCOG council representative for the KSS deanery for six years where I developed my committee and team working skills.
I am very keen to join the BSGE as a senior council member where I can use the above mentioned transferable skills to support the future BSGE strategy.
Jon Hughes
I have benefited from BSGE membership for over 15 years both as a consultant gynaecologist in a busy endometriosis centre. BSGE plays a vital role in championing our on-going training, education, and peer support whilst always putting best patient care at the centre. I want to do what I can to further the work of the society.
As Chief Clinical Information Officer for our Trust, I am the senior clinician working with the digital team to help guide current and future IT projects to best support staff and patients. With this experience I have a good understanding of digital project implementation, digital safety and governance and how clinical and technical teams can best work together.
I have been an active member of the Endometriosis Centre committee for 18 months. My focus has been to improve patient experience with the aim of increasing return rates on BSGE outcome questionnaires, which lets us explore how effective our surgery is and how it truly impacts our patients. We are also developing a new surgical database to allow wider collection of complex endo surgery data whilst also allowing new criteria for case selection for annual centre accreditation. Having presented the demo version at ASM last year, the final version should be presentable in Belfast.
Angharad Jones
After graduating from Nottingham University, completing foundation training in London and Core Surgery in Wales, I took up my Consultant Gynaecologist post at the University Hospital of Wales following completion of advanced laparoscopy and hysteroscopy ATSMs.
I was honoured to complete two terms as BSGE Trainee council representative. This reinforced my understanding of the BSGE mission, values, and commitment necessary to make valuable contributions to the society.
I have demonstrated excellent communication and interpersonal skills, using these to network and promote the BSGE when presenting at international meetings or collaborating with affiliated societies. My work while on BSGE council, RCOG council as members representative for Wales, along with organising the BSGE ASM2019 has validated my effective leadership, commitment, teamwork, and ability to complete tasks to a high standard.
I am passionate about high quality training, and as a founder member of the BSGE RIGS Hubs programme and member of the BSGE laparoscopic training subcommittee I will continue to push the envelope to ensure trainees gain optimal value from their membership. I am proud that the BSGE is a multidisciplinary society and support the crucial work and training of our specialist nurses and allied medical professionals.
I genuinely enjoy being part of the BSGE family, engaging with colleagues and channelling my enthusiasm into improving standards for patients and training in gynaecology. If elected to council, I would strive to represent members of the society to my best ability, going above and beyond to advance and elevate the society at every opportunity.
Zahid Khan
Dear BSGE Members,
I’m Zahid Khan. By day, I navigate the complexities of gynaecology and endometriosis surgery; by night, I delve into the digital world as a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer fluent in 19 computer languages. These past three years serving as your Chair of the Website and Data Governance Committee have been a journey of growth, challenges, and innovation.
Amid the pandemic, alongside esteemed colleagues Professor Clark and Atia, I had the privilege of leading our shift to a virtual platform for the ASM, creating an immersive 3-dimensional experience. This initiative was more than a response to a crisis; it was a testament to our collective resilience and adaptability.
Our IT infrastructure has seen significant enhancements under my stewardship. We’ve fortified data security, expanded the capabilities of the BSGE databases, and introduced critical updates to the BSGE Surgical Information Collection System, making it the most utilized surgical database in the UK. Together with Atia and Charis, we’ve reimagined our website, streamlining the membership system and simplifying electronic payments.
My commitment to the BSGE goes beyond maintaining the status quo. I envision a future where our digital resources are not just secure but smart, leveraging artificial intelligence to better serve our members and advance our mission.
I humbly ask for your vote to continue this journey. Together, we can keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, for our society and our members.
Thank you for considering me as your representative once more.
Warm regards,
Mr Zahid ‘Zed’ Khan
Bidyut Kumar
Consultant on the NHS since 2001, I have been performing minimal access surgery for gynaecological disease for over 3 decades. A BSGE member for several years, I am a generalist with broad based training in India and in the Mersey region of UK. My expertise includes hysteroscopic resection of uterine fibroids and total laparoscopic hysterectomy apart from other endoscopic surgeries. Personal audit of my endoscopic work shows excellent outcomes. I am a keen educator and have mentored consultant colleagues in laparoscopic procedures.
I Chair RCOG’s part 2 sub-committee on extended matching questions and also have been a member of several committees in the RCOG including RCOG’s Guideline committee. I am an examiner for part 3 MRCOG examination. Driven by my interest in education, I have completed a Master’s degree in Clinical Education in 2022 with a dissertation on Simulation based education. I am a visiting professor in Glyndwr University, Wrexham and have been recently appointed as Senior lecturer In North Wales Medical School at Bangor University.
As past Editor-in-Chief of Ultrasound, the Official Journal of British Medical Ultrasound Society, I have significant knowledge about review of evidence. I am a NICE Fellow and have worked as national lead topic adviser in NICE Committee for review of national guidelines.
My experience and qualifications will make me a good candidate to support the education committee and in development of guidelines by BSGE.
Rebecca Mallick
I’m a consultant gynaecologist based in Sussex and in 2020 established the BSGE-accredited ‘Sussex Endometriosis Centre’. My passions include minimal-access-surgery, hysteroscopy, scanning and education. It’s been an honour and pleasure to serve on BSGE council for the past 3-years as Information Resources chair. During that time, with the help of the subcommittee, we’ve developed the successful webinar series, whilst also expanding patient-facing ventures including the BSGE patient Instagram page.
We continue to run dedicated patient events to cultivate awareness and build links between the society and the patients we serve. This opportunity has given me a real insight into the workings of the BSGE and a passion and drive to continue to be involved. You’ll see I’ve put forward a nomination for vice-president and I’d be both humbled and wholeheartedly committed to the position if elected. If not, I’m hugely passionate to remain in the society and serve our members on council again and be delighted to receive your vote. This portfolio is an exciting one and looking to the future my vision is to further invigorate the webinar series, introducing new faces from across the globe keeping topics fresh and informative, whilst also championing all our members including our trainees, nurse-specialists and SAS-doctors.
We’ll continue to embrace new ways of information-sharing with our Podcast, video library and other social media channels. Most importantly we will continue to place all our members and patients at the centre of what we do and ensure this positively shapes the society.
James Rowland
I feel I have lot to give back as a Senior Council representative at the BSGE. In 2014 I was selected to be part of the BSGE/Ethicon Training Programme and with this opportunity I went on develop my own skills in minimal access surgery. From this point onwards I have regularly attended BSGE ASMs and as the events have developed seen the standard of training and work presented go from strength to strength. I work as part of the Central Lancashire Endometriosis centre and have maintained a strong commitment to training and opportunities for development. Most recently I have implemented a robotics programme at the regional elective surgical hub. As part of this process we have implemented same day discharge for around 70% of cases undertaken.
I’m fortunate to enjoy a varied working role encompassing endometriosis, outpatient hysteroscopy and robotics. Over the next few years I feel that robotic surgery will be the main area of development in benign gynaecology and as part of council would seek to ensure that the BSGE develops education and training programmes allied with industry to support these changes.
Benedetto Mondelli
As a Senior Registrar at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals, my passion for minimally invasive surgery has been the driving force behind my career. I am in the final stage of the training and I’m completing the ATSM in Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery for the Excision of Benign Disease.
In my capacity as the Regional BSGE Representative for the KSS Deanery, I have had the opportunity and privilege of sharing my enthusiasm for laparoscopic surgery through running courses and training days for my fellow colleagues, fostering a culture of learning. Additionally, my active participation in the BSGE Information Resources Subcommittee has allowed me to organize and moderate webinars covering a spectrum of topics, from hysteroscopic surgery to advanced laparoscopy, contributing to the dissemination of knowledge within the field.
I recognise the challenges that trainees face in achieving proficiency in surgery during the training and I believe in the importance of hands-on simulation training. The BSGE representatives have done a fantastic job in organising high quality courses.
My ambition is to further tailor these opportunities, initially offering specialized streams for diverse interests such as endometriosis, urogynaecology, hysteroscopy, and oncology. Following this, I am committed to enhancing the educational experience further, ensuring that the different trainees receive targeted and impactful training experiences based on their needs.
I am excited about the prospect of contributing to the BSGE’s mission and commitment to excellence in gynaecological endoscopy. Thank you for considering my dedication, experience, and vision for the future of surgical training within the BSGE.
Hassan Zeinah
I am currently an ST5 in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Royal Cornwall Hospital. I have been committed to pursuing a career in minimally invasive gynaecological surgery at the time of my application for specialty training. I have been fortunate to have had my training years from ST2 up till ST5 in BSGE accredited endometriosis centres and I will be starting the advanced training in laparoscopic surgery ATSM later this year in Cornwall Endometriosis Centre.
I have always been proactive in improving access to training opportunities. In my ST4 year in Exeter, I have founded a regional gynaecology simulation network for gynaecology endoscopy training in Peninsula deanery. Through this network, intermediate and advanced laparoscopy courses were arranged regionally for trainees throughout 2023 and more courses are planned for 2024. Additionally, my role involved coordinating with trainees in other units in the deanery to arrange local teaching and training sessions.
I am really enjoying my current role as BSGE RIGS regional representative for the South West. This has enabled me to help optimise access to BSGE training opportunities in the region and organise different RIGS training streams last year which received fantastic feedback.
It would be a huge privilege to be BSGE Senior Trainee representative as I am committed to the vision and values of BSGE. I am passionate about building upon the amazing work by my predecessors and also establishing the existing link between trainees and BSGE to increase the overall involvement of trainees within the society.
Florence Britton
I have been a proud and willing member of BSGE since the beginning of my training. I am a KSS trainee currently undertaking ST4 at St Georges Hospital, London. To date, BSGE has offered me my most enjoyable and career-advancing training opportunities. I have completed RIGS intermediate, attended and presented work at several inspiring and great fun ASMs. Additionally, I have been on the editor’s board for the FVVO for the past two years. BSGE has served as a crucial learning platform for me as an aspiring gynaecological endoscopist; to give back to this committee that has already supported me this far, acting as a junior council member, would truly be an honour.
Joining the BSGE as a junior council member would not only provide me with invaluable learning opportunities but would also allow me to actively participate in shaping the future of gynaecological endoscopy in the UK. If appointed, I would work enthusiastically with other council members to ensure the BSGE continues to thrive, upholding its ethos to improve standards and promote education. As a junior member I would act as a valuable advocate for fellow colleagues, ensuring that training opportunities are inclusive and made widely available to all clinicians.
The BSGE has been a front-runner in the huge advancements in minimally invasive surgery in recent years. To play a part in this committee would be a privilege and a position that I would be passionately dedicated to throughout the post.
Meena Deivanayagam
I am an ST3 trainee in South London, passionate about minimal-access surgery, with interests in benign gynaecology, subfertility and medical education. I believe that an essential part of holistically managing women with complex gynaecological issues, such as chronic pelvic pain and endometriosis, is developing safe laparoscopic skills during training.
As a trainee representative, I believe I can act as an advocate whilst bringing enthusiasm to the role. I will ensure positive feedback is highlighted and any concerns are addressed and fed back in a timely manner; e.g., with trainee-trainer focus groups or online surveys.
My previous representative roles during Foundation Training and ST2 demonstrate my good interpersonal skills in communicating, which I will apply to this role when attending council meetings and organising events. As the ST2 representative, I improved the trainee rota by collating and voicing trainees’ concerns and collaboratively reached a solution with the management team and College Tutor.
Having completed a PGCert in Healthcare Education, I aim to utilise these skills as a representative both by promoting the excellent existing BSGE training opportunities available, and by developing methods to integrate laparoscopic surgery throughout the curriculum; for example, access to box trainers with regular simulation, particularly in the early training years.
I am currently training at an NHS-England Regional Laparoscopic Simulation Hub that runs many training sessions. I aim to use this experience to bridge the gap between trainees, BSGE members and other national organisations sharing BSGE’s mission, to develop training and education policy in minimal-access surgery.
Ilias Liapis
Having been an O&G trainee and research fellow over the last 5 years in the UK, I am intimately acquainted with the current challenges and bountiful potentials in gynaecological surgical training. As a dedicated member of the British Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy over the last four years, my engagements range from authoring oral abstracts, participating in the GESEA educational programme and the inaugural laparoscopic suturing competition, to attending BSGE conferences and serving as faculty in BSGE courses. Through my involvement in such activities, I have appreciated the educational value and imperative importance of innovative theoretical and practical training methods in shaping the future generation of surgeons.
My vision for BSGE, involves further enhancing such initiatives that fortify our training frameworks and harmonize them with evolving surgical practices. My enthusiasm for the role of the Junior Trainee Representative stems from my sincere desire to make a meaningful contribution to the training and development of the future generation of gynecological surgeons. My aspiration as the BSGE Junior Trainee representative is rooted in facilitating robust, contextually relevant training and teaching opportunities, both through courses and webinars, maintaining a proactive and supportive liaison between trainees and the BSGE, and tirelessly advocating for educational opportunities that synergize with the progressive ethos of the society. Through this capacity, I am deeply committed to amalgamating collective voices in a resonant trainee advocacy. My aim is to infuse our national gynecological training framework with innovative, trainee-centric initiatives that will propel our BSGE Trainees towards continued excellence and evolution.
Laura Themis
I am an ST2 trainee in the Welsh deanery. Having moved from Cyprus, away from friends and family to pursue a career in medicine in the UK, I understand the true value of having a support network and the impact mentors can have. I am passionate about representing the voices of trainees and having a positive impact in this role. My colleagues would describe me as hard working, a good listener and communicator and I naturally enjoy the responsibility of leadership roles within teams. I am enthusiastic about teaching and sharing skills with others.
From early on in my training, I have developed a keen interest in minimal access surgery. Laparoscopy has revolutionized surgical practice and has become an integral part of gynaecology training. There is a greater emphasis on the obstetric side of training in the first years of the programme, while competencies in laparoscopic skills become a requirement in more advanced years. I am passionate about championing the development of basic laparoscopic skills for junior trainees. This can be achieved through fostering a culture of peer-to-peer teaching and utilizing simulation technology at a local level. It is my strong belief that every junior trainee should have sufficient exposure to training in laparoscopic techniques, enabling personal growth, promoting safe surgical practices, and nurturing a generation of skilled and confident gynaecological surgeons. I am eager to contribute to the advancement of the excellent training opportunities offered by BSGE and collaborate with fellow trainees to optimize simulated-based learning experiences.
Khaing Thu
I wish to serve as Junior Trainee Representative for BSGE as I love working with like-minded individuals to help career development in gynaecological surgery. Although I have previously been involved in various leadership roles, my proudest role to date would be founding and co-ordinating ‘Virtual Clinical Exams’ scheme where I stimulated clinical exam conditions via video-conferencing software during COVID-19 where clinical exposure for medical students were limited. I recruited 44 foundation year doctors to be tutors and provided teaching for approximately over 100 medical students over the academic year of 2020-2021. This experience highlights my organisational skills and shows that I am innovative in identifying alternative ways to help solve problems.
In addition, I received very positive feedback from the other team members, who stated that I was approachable and people-focused. This also reinforced my time management skills as I was able to co-ordinate this scheme, be involved in some research, while working full-time as a foundation doctor. Furthermore, it also gave me skills on project and resource management, which I believe will be useful in listening to the needs of the trainees to help develop education and learning opportunities as a junior representative of BSGE. I also wish to help develop online education platform as a part of BSGE as I have recently learned to set up Xerte. Nonetheless, I want to work together with other committee members to help organise the annual BSGE congress in the future and have more sessions which are aimed at junior trainees.
Sarah Wylie
As an ST4 trainee in the North Central East London deanery, my journey in Obstetrics and Gynaecology has been marked by a passion for laparoscopy since 2017. Engaging with platforms like BSGE has broadened my understanding, particularly in vNOTES, and I am privileged to collaborate with Mr. Yoong, one of the only practitioners of this procedure in NCEL.
Currently, I am organising a Basic Laparoscopic Skills course at Barnet Hospital, providing junior trainees with hands-on experience using box trainers. I am eager to share the insights gained during my training, especially with those in the early stages of their laparoscopic journey. Laparoscopic surgery is evolving at a remarkable rate, and I feel it is more important than ever to start learning these skills at an early stage from ST1.
My commitment began with dedicated attendance at minimal access laparoscopy courses, culminating most recently in the completion of the LapXLand course, an enriching experience that I highly recommend for those on a similar trajectory. Navigating the challenges of securing access to theatres, especially amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, has also been an important aspect of my journey as a junior trainee.
My aspiration extends to pursuing a SITM (the new ATSMs) in advanced laparoscopic surgery, intending to enhance access to laparoscopic training opportunities for fellow trainees across the UK.
My laparoscopy journey is not merely a personal endeavor but a commitment to elevate training standards within our community, ensuring accessibility for all aspiring colleagues.