BSGE Trainee Representatives
Updates from the Committee
As BSGE Trainee Representatives, we are keen to represent the views and opinions of members and have recently successfully completed the process of appointing eleven regional trainee reps. These will play an integral role within RIGS and the BSGE to provide useful feedback and opinions which can hopefully in time be incorporated into training. The representatives will all feature on the dedicated trainee section of the website.
Regular meetings will take place together with the BSGE trainee representatives and all regional reps will feature on the website and actively participate with the evolution and development of RIGS. Regional rep selection will occur annually, giving more people the chance to become involved.
Email: trainees@bsge.org.uk
Meet The Portfolio Members
Samantha Kirkwood
Robotics Subcommittee member
I am an ST6 O&G trainee in North Central and East London aiming for a Consultant post specialising in Complex benign minimal access surgery and endometriosis care in a BSGE accredited endometriosis centre. I recently completed an 18 month clinical research fellowship in advanced minimal access surgery at Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford which I absolutely loved.
I was hooked by MAS during my first lap box simulation course during ST1 and have since completed GESEA 1 and 2, the BSGE Ethicon laparoscopy course and GETUP amongst other courses. I won the Karl Storz Golden Telescope for Best Video presentation at the BSGE ASM 2023 which illustrated the use of ICG to identify tissue re-perfusion in ovarian torsion cases, and recently won the Best RIGS trainee video award at ASM 2024, demonstrating the intrafascial and vaginal colpotomy techniques in laparoscopic hysterectomy.
I completed Intermediate and Advanced levels of the RIGS Hub programme as a delegate before applying to join Council as Senior Trainee representative in 2023 and I am so delighted to currently be in that role. We are always trying to improve our trainee courses and programmes and evolve proactively.
I have 4 children and love spending time with my friends and family, ideally outdoors, and travelling. My undergraduate degree was in English Literature and I still love reading so I am a good bet for a fictional book recommendation!
Benedetto Mondelli
Robotics & Information Resources Subcommittee member
I am an ST5 trainee, currently undertaking a clinical research fellowship in endometriosis and minimally invasive surgery. I will be starting the ATSM in advanced laparoscopy (benign disease) in October.
I am passionate about minimal access surgery, in particular chronic pelvic pain and endometriosis.
I have been a BSGE member since 2018 and as RIGS regional rep, I look forward to supporting my colleagues who are interested in minimal access surgery.
I will also aim to increase the involvement of the trainees in the society.
Florence Britton
Junior Trainee Representative
As the newly elected, Junior Trainee Representative, I am excited to work enthusiastically with other council members to ensure the BSGE continues to thrive, upholding its ethos to improve standards and promote education.
I am a KSS Clinical Research Fellow in Minimally Invasive Surgery at the Lister Hospital.
Since the beginning of my training, I have been a committed member of the BSGE. To date, it has provided me with a fantastic network of friends and invaluable career-advancing training opportunities. As a junior council member, I will serve as an advocate for fellow colleagues, ensuring that all training opportunities are inclusive and made widely available to all trainees. I will ensure that I represent your views in an accurate way and work to make a positive impact during my post.
If you have any thoughts on how the BSGE can be improved for trainees, I would love to hear them and work to put your suggestions into action.
Zahra Azeem
Senior Trainee Representative
Zahra Azeem is an ST7 trainee in West Midlands undertaking Advanced Laparoscopic Excision of Benign Disease (ALAP) ATSM. She has a strong track record in laparoscopic surgery, gynaecological ultrasound, and multidisciplinary care for patients with chronic pelvic pain.
Zahra has been actively involved in national and regional teaching, serving as faculty on several BSGE-endorsed training courses including the Pre-ASM Advanced Ultrasound Course and BSGE RIGS Course. She is passionate about surgical education and is currently developing a National Gynaecological Ultrasound Training Programme for trainees.
In parallel with her clinical work, Zahra leads and collaborates on a range of research projects focusing on diagnostic pathways in endometriosis, intraoperative imaging innovations and the use of Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) in laparoscopy. She has authored many peer reviewed publications and won awards for her projects.
As Senior Trainee Representative on the BSGE Council, Zahra is committed to representing the voice of trainees, supporting equitable access to high-quality training opportunities, and shaping the future of minimally invasive gynaecological surgery through innovation, inclusion, and excellence.
Oscar Barnick
Senior Trainee Representative
As an ST7 Trainee at Darent Valley Hospital, my passion for minimally invasive surgery has been the driving force behind my career so far. I am in the final stages of completing the ATSM in Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery for the Excision of Benign Disease, and have a passion for robotic surgery as the future of complex benign disease.
As the Regional BSGE Representative for the KSS Deanery, I have actively promoted laparoscopic surgery by leading courses and training days, fostering a culture of learning in both theory and practical skills from beginner to advanced.
Additionally, my current role in the BSGE Robotics Subcommittee has allowed me an insight into the development of this evolving surgical technique, and I am truly passionate about the BSGE leading the way in the development of strong robotic training for the benign gynaecologist of the future. I aim to drive forward the RCOG Robotic SITM programme and further develop local and national robotic surgery teaching. My goal is to ensure senior trainees have access to high-quality, structured training that aligns with the BSGE’s mission of advancing surgical education.
My ambitions to contribute positively to the BSGE’s mission of improving surgical training in gynaecology would involve dedicated, enthusiastic and impactful leadership for senior trainees, and I would be so grateful if you could consider me as your representative to expand the future of your surgical training with the BSGE.