BSGE President Arvind Vashisht has addressed all members in his 2025 seasonal address. His message, which is shown in full below, reflects on a successful year of training, research, , innovation and international development for the society and looks forward to an exciting 2026:
Season’s Greetings!
As we race towards the finishing line of 2025, it is time to pause for reflection and consider the year gone by for the BSGE. Indeed, it is never a bad time for any of us to stop, even briefly, to reflect on the year: on our successes and failures, and to recalibrate for the year ahead. In a world that seems to accelerate exponentially, these moments of reflection are precious and should not be missed.
This year we welcomed Zahra Amin and Oscar Barnick to Council, replacing Sam Kirkwood and Ben Mondelli. While stepping down from Council, Sam and Ben will undoubtedly continue to contribute to the Society. With elections approaching, I encourage members to consider standing for Council — it is a highly rewarding and responsible role representing our members, and one that plays a central part in shaping the future of the BSGE.
We delivered a full and varied educational programme, including courses for Endo CNS, hysteroscopy and laparoscopic training often supported by our partners from Industry, GESEA and the ever-successful RIGS programme. Our ASM in Leeds was a particular highlight — congratulations to Dorota Hardy, James Tibbott and the entire Local Organising Committee for a superb educational and sun-soaked meeting.
Beyond our hallowed shores, the BSGE has strengthened its presence internationally with dedicated sessions at Endo Dubai, ESGE and AAGL, and in 2026 we will go even further to attend the AGES conference in Auckland. Reciprocal arrangements with sister societies continue to open exciting opportunities for member involvement overseas.
Diagnostics, innovation and research have evolved significantly, with the Scientific Advisory Group now integrated into the Research and Innovation portfolio. We delivered a successful online ultrasound study day and continue to work on initiatives to raise standards nationally. Collaboration with BIARGS is also progressing as robotics becomes increasingly embedded in gynaecological practice.
Training remains central to our mission, with growing trainee membership and a strong commitment to contributing to national discussions on the future of surgical training. Alongside this, we are developing nurse mentoring schemes and further integrating allied healthcare professionals into our work.
Our accreditation programme — a cornerstone of the BSGE — is undergoing important redevelopment for 2026. Thanks go to the Endocentres Committee for their extensive work in delivering a more modern, user-friendly system following widespread consultation with you all.
I would like to express my debt of gratitude to our management team who continue to keep the Society running smoothly, particularly during a challenging year that included the sad loss of our long-standing graphic designer, Sallyann Smith. Atia, ably assisted by Charis keep us functioning as the largest single-specialty women’s health society in the UK.
As we look ahead to 2026, excitement is already building for the ASM in London this April, which promises be one of the finest global conferences of the year with an outstanding programme, hosting national and international speakers in a remarkable venue.
So, it has been a busy year for us at the BSGE! I hope you are able to enjoy some well deserved time off during the festive season, to rest, recharge and spend time with loved ones. Merry Christmas — and here’s to 2026.