Since its inception in 1911, International Women’s Day not only celebrates the accomplishment of women from around the globe, but also serves as a call to action for advancing gender equality and supporting women's contributions in all fields, including surgery and dentistry. This year’s theme 'Give to Gain' could not be more pertinent. At RCSEd, volunteerism remains at the heart of all College activities, drawing upon the expertise and dedication of experienced professionals to ensure high standards in surgical education and training of the next generation of clinicians. Undoubtedly, the demands of working in the NHS and insufficient recognition of SPA time for College responsibilities create obstacles to involvement for both our members and fellows.
The situation for women volunteers is even more complex. We know from recent NHS workforce reports that women continue to be underrepresented in surgical specialities and that they are less likely to apply for leadership positions. We have seen this pattern in our own College committees, and in 2024 we had no new female applications for our College Council election. To address these gaps, RCSEd established the Hunter Doing Women In Surgery Group, a dedicated initiative aimed at understanding the underlying factors limiting women's participation. The group actively works to encourage and facilitate greater involvement from female surgeons and dentists, fostering an inclusive environment where future leaders can thrive.
This year, we are also proud to host a dedicated Women in Surgery exhibition at our acclaimed Surgeons Hall Museums. The exhibition serves to honour and celebrate the remarkable achievements of women in surgery over the past century. Through carefully curated displays, visitors can explore the inspiring stories of trailblazing women who have shaped the profession. Among those featured is Dr Elsie Inglis, who earned her licentiate from our College in 1892. Dr Inglis is recognised as a pioneer of humanitarian work, particularly for her efforts across Europe during the First World War with the Scottish Women’s Hospitals. Her dedication and impact exemplify the spirit of service and leadership that continues to inspire female clinicians today.
The centrepiece of the exhibition is the newly commissioned artwork, Eleven Surgeons. This striking piece pays tribute to our first female fellow, Alice Headwards Hunter, and our first female Council member, Caroline Doig. It also celebrates the nine recipients of the Hunter Doig medals, each of whom has consistently demonstrated excellence in both surgical practice and academic pursuits.
It is truly an honour to serve as the first female President of The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. My journey to this position has been shaped by a commitment to giving back whenever possible, particularly through supporting trainees and participating in a range of College activities. Throughout the years, I found that these experiences enriched my professional and personal life far more than I had anticipated. The opportunity to connect with remarkable colleagues, many of whom have become lifelong friends, has been invaluable. Additionally, travelling to various locations across the UK and beyond, often for lectures, courses, or examinations, offered experiences I would not have otherwise encountered. One particularly memorable moment was presenting an FRCS certificate to one of my own trainees during a recent diploma ceremony.
These experiences stand out as highlights in my career, all made possible because I embraced the principle of 'Give to Gain'. So, if you are at a place in your career where you have a little spare time, why not consider joining us as a volunteer? You would all be very welcome!