International Surgical Ambassadors (ISA's) in the Americas
The College has International Surgical Ambassadors and Tutors based in the Americas. Their role is to act as the representative of the College in their country or region. They can provide advice and guidance on:
- Career development
- Applying for and participating in RCSEd examinations and courses
- Local contacts in the surgical profession
- Access to RCSEd resources such as webinars or eLogbook
- Professional updates and skills development
- Local networking and events
For more information on the network or to connect with a local ambassador, please contact Ms Malou Micola von Furstenrecht, International Engagement Manager m.micola@rcsed.ac.uk
To find your nearest International Surgical Ambassador located in the Americas, please find your country in the list below:
United States of America (USA)
Professor Shahid Aziz – International Surgical Adviser (New Jersey)
Shahid Aziz is Assistant Dean and Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Rutgers University, is a Diplomat of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is also a Visiting Professor of Surgery, East West University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh, and one of only two OMS who are members of the Society of University Surgeons. He is a graduate of the Lawrenceville School and Rutgers College. Shahid received his dental degree from Harvard University School of Dental Medicine and his medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. He completed his general surgery and oral/maxillofacial surgery training at New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Medical Center. He has authored or co-authored over 50 peer reviewed journal articles and 22 book chapters. Shahid’s clinical area of expertise includes facial trauma/reconstruction and orthognathic surgery. He currently serves as President of the New Jersey Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and Chairman of the Section of Dentistry and Oral Health of the New York Academy of Medicine. Shahid is the co-founder and President of the NJ based non-profit Smile Bangladesh. To date, he has led 24 surgical missions to Bangladesh and provided free surgery to about 1600 children and adults with cleft lip and palate deformities. In 2006 Dr Aziz received the prestigious Faculty Educator Award from the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS). Dr Aziz is also the 2017 recipient of AAOMS Humanitarian Award for his charitable work in Bangladesh and in global surgery.
Professor T. Forcht-Dagi, International Surgical Adviser (Massachusetts)
T. Forcht-Dagi is a neurosurgeon working with Queen’s University Belfast and the Mayo Clinic Medical School, where he teaches residents and undergraduate medical students. In addition, he has deep interests in translational research, surgical innovation, online medical training and the history of surgery. He serves as a Director of the American Association of Neurological Surgery, and as an editor of Neurosurgery. He has been active in the patient safety movement and chaired the Committee on Perioperative Care for the American College of Surgeons and the U.S. Council for Surgical and Perioperative Safety. He served as a military surgeon, was elected to Fellowship in the College of Critical Care Medicine and is a member of the American Association for Automotive Medicine.
Jamaica
Dr William Aiken - International Surgical Adviser
Dr William Aiken is a Senior Lecturer and Consultant Urologist at the University of the West Indies (UWI) and University Hospital of the West Indies, at Mona, Jamaica. He teaches medical students and is involved in the training of urologists. He is the Immediate Past President of the Caribbean Urological Association. Dr Aiken was the first graduate of the DM Urology programme of the UWI.
Argentina
Professor Alberto Ferreres – International Surgical Advisor
Prof Ferreres received his medical degree “suma cum laude” from the University of Buenos Aires School of Medicine, where he also trained in General Surgery and Surgical Oncology. His accolades include: a JD degree, MPH degree, Patient Safety and Medical Error Fellowship (Virginia Commonwealth University) and a Clinical Ethics Fellowship at the University of Chicago’s MacLean Cent. He is presently Professor of Surgery and Department Chair at the University of Buenos Aires and also holds an appointment as Professor of Surgery and Ethics at the University of Washington (Seattle, WA).He has been bestowed with Honorary Fellowships from the American Surgical Association, the American College of Surgeons, the Chinese College of Surgeons, the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the ASGBI, among others. He is a Past Governor of the ACS Argentina Chapter and Past President of the International Society of Digestive Surgery (ISDS) and the Argentine Surgical Academy. Prof. Ferreres in a gastrointestinal surgeon and renowned ethicist, author of 4 textbooks, 30 book chapters and more than 100 contributions to medical literature. He is member of the Editorial Boards of Annals of Surgery, JAMA Surgery, JACS, JOGS and the American Journal of Surgery.
Guyana
Mr Bazil Brown – ISA for Guyana
Consultant paediatric surgeon in Guyana. Surgical training in Jamaica and the UK, and working in several UK and Caribbean hospitals, and in Malta. Special interests in neonatal surgery, urology, and lower GI surgery. Jamaican by birth, Canadian citizen. Married with 1 son. Enjoys sports and travelling to new places.
