The SASL Committee of RCSEd is dedicated to representing the interests of all SAS doctors, dentists, locally employed surgeons and locum consultants, both within and outside the College. The committee is committed to promoting career development for SAS, LED and Locum Surgeons, advocating on behalf of its members and supporting the delivery of safe, high-quality surgical care.
Hear from Council Member & Chair of SASL Committee of RCSEd, Majid Mukadam, about his experience and what inspired him to get involved and how to apply.
My association with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) began in October 2000, when I passed the FRCS Cardiothoracic Surgery exit examination and was admitted as a Fellow. Receiving my diploma in the magnificent Playfair Hall remains one of the proudest and most memorable moments of my professional career. From that day, I developed a deep admiration for the College and a strong desire to contribute to its mission.
That opportunity came in 2015, when I was invited to join the Cardiothoracic Surgical Specialty Board. This gave me valuable insight into the College’s educational and examination work. I was struck by the commitment and professionalism of the volunteers who give their time and expertise to uphold the highest standards in surgical training, education, and assessment.
In 2018, I joined the SASLC Committee, which enabled me to support the development and advancement of SAS colleagues. Through this role, I gained a broader understanding of how the College supports its members across all grades, including the SAS and LED workforce, and how important representation is in ensuring that every part of the surgical profession is heard and valued.
I was later encouraged to stand for election to the College Council as a representative of SAS surgeons. As an International Medical Graduate of Indian origin and an Associate Specialist, I had never imagined being considered for such a prestigious role. I was delighted to be elected and honoured to take on the responsibility. That opportunity also enabled me to lead the SASLC Committee, advocate for SAS surgeons, promote their professional development, and ensure their perspectives were represented within the College.
I was formally admitted to Council on 12 November 2021 by the then President, Professor Mike Griffin, at the College’s Annual General Meeting in a formal ceremony. It was a major milestone in my long association with RCSEd. This ceremony rekindled the pleasant memory of my trip to Buckingham Palace when I received MBE from then Prince Charles, currently HM The King – another truly memorable event of my life. Attending my first Council meeting was a humbling experience. I found myself among distinguished surgical leaders, some of whom had examined me in the FRCS and others whose textbooks had guided my training. To sit alongside them as a fellow Council member was both inspiring and reassuring, not least because I was made to feel welcome from the outset.
One of the most momentous moments came when I later sat on the platform in Playfair Hall and watched Diplomates and Fellows receive their diplomas in the same hall where I had received mine more than two decades earlier. It was a powerful reminder of the continuity of the College’s mission and of my own journey from newly admitted Fellow to Council member.
As a Council member, I carried a dual responsibility. The first was to contribute to discussions and decisions on the governance and strategic direction of the College, including matters related to education, training, examinations, professional standards, and financial stewardship. The second was to represent SAS surgeons at the highest level and ensure that their interests and perspectives were included in College’s decision-making.
By serving on the Council, I discovered how inclusive and constructive its culture was. Every voice mattered, and colleagues were genuinely willing to listen to different viewpoints. I felt respected, valued, and fully involved in the process. This reinforced my belief that meaningful progress is best achieved through collaboration and engagement.
A particular highlight of my tenure was organising the College’s first educational event dedicated exclusively to SAS surgeons. The proposal received strong support from Council, reflecting the College’s commitment to the SAS workforce. I was especially honoured that the President personally attended the event, underlining its significance. What began as a single initiative has since developed into an annual conference for SAS surgeons, providing an important platform for education, networking, and professional development.
Through sustained advocacy, we also helped bring about important changes within the College. These included governance reforms that increased SAS representation on Council from one member to two, as well as progress in opening opportunities for appropriately qualified SAS surgeons to become MRCS examiners. Both developments were significant steps towards greater inclusivity and recognition of the expertise within the SAS workforce. Since then, I have been MRCS examiner for several diets in UK as well as internationally.
Serving on Council has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my professional career. It is a unique opportunity to contribute to the future of the surgical profession while working alongside dedicated colleagues who share a commitment to excellence. Although the role is voluntary and requires time, commitment, and support from one’s employer, it is immensely rewarding. I would wholeheartedly encourage anyone who wishes to make a meaningful contribution to the College and the wider surgical community to consider getting involved.
Majid Mukadam MBE, Associate Specialist in Cardiothoracic Transplantation, Council Member & Chair of SASL Committee of RCSEd