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Contact your Regional Director

Our RCS England Regional and Devolved Nation Directors act as our local surgical representatives. Regional Directors are fellows of the College who have been appointed to lead local engagement with members, fellows, Schools of Surgery and other key surgical stakeholder groups.

You may wish to contact your Regional Director for feedback on issues of local or national importance to RCS England and to find out more information about membership, guidance or resources. Your Director will be happy to hear from you!

Regional Directors also chair our Regional Boards and provide leadership to regional representatives including Regional Specialty Professional Advisers and Surgical Tutors. They can put you in touch with your trust or speciality representative. If you cannot get hold of your regional director please email Outreach North or Outreach South

circle image of Raaj Kumar Praseedom, Regional Director for the East of England
Raaj Kumar Praseedom, East of England
Raaj Kumar Praseedom, East of England

About Raaj

I am a general surgeon, based at Addenbrooke’s Hospital (Cambridge), with a sub specialty interest in HPB & Liver Transplant Surgery. My professional interests are in ’Surgical Education & Training'. Outside of surgery I enjoy music and travelling.

In my 23+ years as a consultant, I have held various positions such as RCS tutor, TPD, SAC Liaison Member, SAC CESR lead, HPB CRG member, Liver Tx Commissioning member etc. Currently, I am the Chair of the Intercollegiate Board in General Surgery (FRCS exam board chair) and Deputy Head of School of Surgery in East of England.

As a Regional Director, I look forward to networking and learning from other specialties. I would like the Regional board to be in a position of strength to advise on matters of training, standards and commissioning.

circle image of Tawakir Kamani, Regional Director for the East Midlands
Tawakir Kamani, East Midlands
Tawakir Kamani, East Midlands

About Tawakir

I am an ENT Consultant, with a specialist interest in paediatric ENT and otology, working at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton. I was appointed Regional Director in September 2022. Prior to this, I was a Surgical Tutor at Nottingham University Hospitals. Within work, I am a passionate trainer to medical students and doctors in training as well as our locally employed doctors. I run an annual core trainee targeted ENT cadaveric course for School of Surgery and am a member of the ENT ARCP panel. 

My ethos is to bring the best out of our trainees through training, mentoring and coaching and by being a fair advocate for them. I am the Guardian of Safe Working for the Trust. I represent my Trust in the East Midlands Surgery for Children Network. As regional Director, other than being the surgical voice of the East Midlands, I continue to champion the wellbeing of our junior doctors.

Outside of work, I am a wife and a mother and love taking walks in the country, travelling and entertaining.

circle image of Syed Ahmed, Regional Director for Kent, Surrey and Sussex
Syed Ahmed, Kent, Surrey and Sussex
Syed Ahmed, Kent, Surrey and Sussex

About Syed

I am a Consultant Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in primary and revision Hip Arthroplasty in Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust in Kent.  I am passionate about minimally invasive surgery and enhanced recovery following joint replacement surgery. I am an active member of the British and European Hip Societies and a regional representative on the National Joint Registry Committee.

I completed my Higher Surgical Training in Trauma & Orthopaedics in Kent, Surrey and Sussex. I did Fellowships in Toronto and University College London Hospital gaining significant experience in complex hip and knee replacements, revision hip surgery and robotic hip and knee arthroplasty. I have been awarded fellowships by both the European and British Hip Societies and a scholarship by the CCJR. 

I am a passionate surgical tutor and supervise foundation, core, higher surgical trainees and fellows in the region. I am also a ‘Training Programme Director’ for Core Surgical Trainees in Kent, Surrey & Sussex.

I am a keen tennis player and an avid Roger Federer fan.  
circle image of Makis Laftsidis, Regional Director for London (Central)
Makis Laftsidis, London (Central)
Makis Laftsidis, London (Central)

About Makis

I am a Consultant kidney transplant, vascular access and general surgeon at the Royal Free Hospital with a specialist interest in the use of robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery. My clinical interests involve living donor nephrectomy and renal transplantation both soon to be performed robotic assisted.

In addition to my RCS position as Regional Director for London Central, I am a Responsible Officer for the GMC and a higher appraiser. I participate in National recruitment for Consultant surgical posts for the NHS and Ministry of Defence. I also used to be the Regional Director for South Coast. 

Being a Regional Director is a great opportunity to interact with colleagues from different specialties where not only I can provide mentorship and support but I can learn many things at the same time. Promoting world class surgical training and service in the UK is my #1 priority and working together with my colleagues is the only way to achieve this.
circle image of Saswata Banerjee, Regional Director for North East London
Saswata Banerjee, London (North East)
Saswata Banerjee, London (North East)

About Saswata

I have been a Consultant Colorectal Surgeon in North East London since 2011 and currently, I am the Regional Endoscopy Clinical Director with NHSE. Within the Royal College of Surgeons of England, I am an examiner for MRCS in addition to my role as the Regional Director for North East London. I am a key stakeholder in the development of an elective hub at my local Trust (which has been described as an exemplar at the Health Select Committee in Parliament). I am the Clinical Lead for Endoscopy, RDC and the Co-Lead for Gastroenterology at the Trust which has operational and strategic responsibilities. In terms of education and training, I am a SAC Liaison Member for General Surgery and I provide external quality assurance for West Midlands Higher Surgical Training. The thing I most enjoy about being a regional director is linking my trainees and colleagues together with the College and representing North East London. 

Outside work, I enjoy being on my bike in Epping Forest, being a parent and indulging in discovering great places to enjoy any world cuisine.

circle image of Mohiemen Anwar, Regional Director for London (North West)
Mohiemen Anwar, London (North West)
Mohiemen Anwar, London (North West)

About Mohiemen

I am an ENT consultant surgeon at Chelsea and Westminster NHS foundation Trust working mainly at West Middlesex Hospital in West London with main interest in Rhinology/Facial plastics and Paediatric ENT. I have completed my surgical training in North Thames and have rotated through all the main Trusts around North West London, and very familiar with the surgical structures in there.

I have a PhD in Gene therapy and Immunotherapy from Queen Mary University of London, completed during my higher surgical training and would be more than happy to provide support for surgeons thinking or already undertaking a post-graduate degree. In addition to being an Educational Supervisor, I am also part of the Pan Thames STC and ENTUK NWL Representative. I am a proud overseas graduate and would be more than happy to support and mentor surgeons graduated overseas looking for guidance through their surgical journey. 

Finally, if you are looking for a good tennis game or Padel, get in touch!
image of Jerome Davidson, Regional Director for London (South)
Jerome Davidson, London (South)
Jerome Davidson, London (South)

About Jerome

I am a Consultant Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgeon at Guy’s & St Thomas’ Hospitals, with special interests in multi-morbidity in hip arthroplasty, sickle cell disease, metastatic cancer around the hip, and in revision hip arthroplasty. In addition to my role as Regional Director for London (South), I am a member of the King’s Health Partners Sickle Cell Board as a representative for Surgery within KHP, and an Honorary Senior Lecturer at King’s College London. I believe that medical students and trainees are the future of surgery, and am a passionate advocate for teaching and training. 

In my spare time, I enjoy playing golf and trying and trying to keep fit in the gym.

circle image of Gwen Bromley, Regional Director for the North East
Gwen Bromley, North East
Gwen Bromley, North East

About Gwen

I am an Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon working at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead in the North East. Alongside this, I am a Specialist Advisor with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and work closely with the Northern Cancer Alliance on projects improving Breast Cancer Services across the region. I also sit on the General Surgery Specialist Training Committee in the North East, working closely with the Higher Surgical Trainees. 

When I’m not at work, I am a busy Mum to two young children and, if we’re not at home in North Yorkshire, we can be found on the incredibly beautiful beaches in Northumberland which is our ‘Happy Place’! Whether it’s digging sandcastles, in the water body boarding or paddle boarding we’re always enjoying the fresh air. 

As Regional Director I am encouraging engagement between the region and the College by promoting College initiatives such as Parents in Surgery which I feel particularly passionate about. It’s imperative that, with the support of the College, our colleagues can continue to deliver high-quality care in this post-covid era and I will endeavour to facilitate this. We have two fantastic medical schools in the region, and engaging and encouraging this diverse group of talented people to pursue a career in surgery is also a fantastically rewarding part of my role. 

circle image of Gemma Faulkner, Regional Director for North West (Eastern Sector)
Gemma Faulkner, North West (Eastern Sector)
Gemma Faulkner, North West (Eastern Sector)

About Gemma

I am a General and Colorectal Surgeon at the University Hospital of South Manchester (Manchester University Foundation Trust). My subspecialty interest is Pelvic Floor Surgery. I volunteer with a charity that works in Uganda treating women with severe birth injuries. I have an interest in clinical trials and research delivery and I am the NIHR CRN Lead for Surgery in Greater Manchester. I live with my husband and two stepchildren, outside of work I enjoy travelling, long-distance running and wild swimming. My favourite part of being a Regional Director is the opportunity to interact with colleagues at all stages of their surgical careers. I particularly enjoy the mentorship elements of the role and being able to work closely with students and trainees.

circle image of Ryan Baron, Regional Director for North West (Mersey and Western Sector)
Ryan Baron, North West (Mersey / Western Sector)
Ryan Baron, North West (Mersey / Western Sector)
Image of Paul Spraggs, Regional Director for South Central
Paul Spraggs, South Central
Paul Spraggs, South Central

About Paul

Although I spent 15 years at Medical School at the Middlesex Hospital and training in London, I have been working in North Hampshire as an ENT surgeon for the last 25 years.

My training included 3 overseas fellowships, during which I witnessed different health care and training models and this experience has had a major impact on my career. I witness time, enthusiasm and opportunities wasted in our training which, although improving, could be very much streamlined. I am also passionate about efficiency in our healthcare provision and campaign for improved working conditions for all grades of surgeons and in all healthcare sectors.

I have been a Training Programme Director, Specialty Advisory Committee (SAC) member and curriculum lead, JCIE examiner, and have recently demitted as a Royal College of Surgeons of England Council member. My roles have given me extensive experience and knowledge of the JCIE,  JCST and RCS England. I hope my role as Regional Director will help to bridge the gap between the College and surgeons at the coalface, I plan to achieve better access for South Coast surgeons to the College and its facilities.

When not working I am a keen sportsman and enjoy racket sports, golf, and fishing and boating of all varieties -  which I indulge in with my family when we retreat to Hayling Island.

circle image of Katie Cross, Regional Director for South West
Katie Cross, South West
Katie Cross, South West

About Katie

I am a Colorectal Surgeon in North Devon, with a specialist interest in IBD, anal fissures and now BCSP colonoscopy. I sit on the ACPGBI proctology committee and am chair of the Colonoscopy committee for ACPGBI. Outside of work, I love walking my Fox Red Labrador, scuba diving and sailing.

Within work, I am passionate to do what I do as well as I can and helping others be as good as they can be, through training, coaching, mentoring or setting up sponsored training opportunities. I also sit on the South West Senate Aiding with the reconfiguration of services.

What I enjoy the most about being regional Director is working with the incredible team of people from the College and my co-Director, trying to highlight the needs of the South West and the best ways to meet them.

circle image of Matthew Bowles, Regional Director for South West
Matthew Bowles, South West

Matthew Bowles, South West

About Matthew

I have had two consultant posts: the first was liver transplantation in London, and the second is HPB surgery in Plymouth. Surgery has always been 'Type 2' fun for me: pretty stressful at the time but very satisfying to look back on if all goes well. Family walks on Dartmoor are my Type 1 Fun! 

Throughout my career, I have been immersed in training and education. I finished up as Director of Medical Education in Plymouth for 7 years, including a spell on the Council of the National Association of Clinical Tutors. I was a member of the Court of Examiners of the RCS and a few years ago became an Assessor; I am due shortly to take up the role of Lead Assessor for the Intercollegiate Board. 

I was delighted to be appointed Deputy Regional Director. It has provided a great opportunity to gain a better understanding of the range of activities in which the College is involved and the services that it provides. The great enjoyment of the role is liaising with my Director and the wonderful College Outreach Team to spread the word about all the good work that the College does and to try to engage surgeons with it, from the outer reaches of the South West.

circle image of Ani Chakravarti, Regional Director for the West Midlands
Aniruddha Chakravarti, West Midlands
Aniruddha Chakravarti, West Midlands

About Ani

I have been a Consultant Urological Surgeon for 14 years with special interest in upper urinary tract robotic surgery and surgery for benign prostatic enlargement. Currently (since 2015) I am based at The Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust, UK. Previously I acted as Clinical Director, at Russell's Hall Hospital, The Dudley Group of Hospitals NHSFT 2009-2015, I have also been a Senior Clinical lecturer in Urology at the University of Birmingham, UK. 

Some highlights for me have been:

  • Pioneering laparoscopic renal surgery in Dudley 2009-2015, having performed over 500 laparoscopic upper tract surgeries  
  • Innovations in robotic surgery for renal cancer in Wolverhampton having performed 400 robotic renal procedures including 200 robotic partial nephrectomies.

I have worn many hats, outside of my college role. My other experiences and interests include:

  • Clinical research - Principal Investigator in national and international clinical trials (currently Deputy Clinical Specialty Research Lead for Urology in the West Midlands Local Clinical Research Network and representative for West midlands in the National Institute of Health Research in Division 2).
  • Clinical Director of Urology department 2010-2015.
  • Member, Expert Panel of Advisers NICE UK. 
  • Member, Expert Panel of Advisors, Fitness to Practice panel, GMC, UK.
  • Trainer and Mentor as Academic Educational Supervisor for specialist training in the region and member of regional specialist training committee in Urology
  • Expert Witness in Urology
 
circle image of Arin Saha, Regional Director for Yorkshire and the Humber
Arin Saha, Yorkshire and the Humber
Arin Saha, Yorkshire and the Humber

About Arin

I am a General, Upper GI and Bariatric Surgeon at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary (Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust). I obtained my undergraduate medical education at the University of Cambridge before moving to Yorkshire for Basic Surgical Training. I went on to complete a period of postgraduate research at the University of Leeds before completing my Higher Surgical Training in the Yorkshire and the Humber Deanery.

I am proud to be part of an award-winning surgical team which has worked to design novel job plans for surgeons and trainees, challenging and changing the traditional ways of working; many of these changes have led to markedly improved outcomes after both elective and emergency surgery in Huddersfield. I was appointed as the Regional Director for Yorkshire and the Humber in 2019 and am passionate about fostering and promoting connections between surgeons and trainees across specialities, throughout our region. I am proud of the outcomes and training that Yorkshire delivers and am grateful for the opportunity to represent our region within the wider College environment. I am a keen advocate for fairness and sustainability and believe that the College plays a vital role in developing the future of our profession; the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategy is a crucial part of this role. We have three brilliant medical schools in our region and an important part of our regional strategy is to engage with our students and encourage and inspire them into surgery.

I am determined to ensure that the health and well-being of all members of our surgical teams is maintained and strongly believe in the importance of a healthy work/life balance; away from surgery, I am a keen (though not particularly able) footballer and enjoy spending as much time as possible with my family; when not working, weekends are spent watching and ferrying my children to and from football matches with time spent walking and cycling whenever possible.

I am happy and keen to be contacted by anyone in the region and strive to improve the working lives of my friends and colleagues throughout Yorkshire.

Devolved Nations

circle image of Niall McGonigle, Director for Northern Ireland
Niall McGonigle, Northern Ireland
Niall McGonigle, Northern Ireland

About Niall

I qualified from The Queen’s University of Belfast in 1999 and spent my Houseman’s year at The Royal Victoria Hospital before beginning my surgical career. During this time, I was awarded the prestigious Royal Victoria Hospital Fellowship that allowed me to conduct research into the ‘Activation of Dendritic Cells in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery’.

I completed my training in Cardiothoracic surgery in 2011 and was appointed as a Consultant Thoracic surgeon at Harefield Hospital, London. During my time in London, I enjoyed various roles including; Lead for Thoracic Surgery, Chair for Cancer Services, Surgical Tutor RCS and Training Programme Director for NorthWest London for Core Surgery.

In 2017, I returned to my native Belfast. I have taken on such roles; as Lead for Thoracic Surgery, Chair of the Lung Cancer Clinical Reference Group (NICAN), Training Programme Director for Core Surgery, and Deputy Head of School for Surgery (NIMTDA). I am delighted to now be the Northern Ireland Director of the Royal College of Surgeons of England.

Outside of the hospital, I work with various charities including the Roy Castle Ling Cancer Foundation.  I am also a member of the Clinical Expert Panel for Mesothelioma UK.

circle image of Jonathan Barry, Director for Wales
Jonathan Barry, Wales
Jonathan Barry, Wales

About Jonathan

I am a Consultant General Surgeon specialising in metabolic surgery at the Welsh Institute of Metabolic and Obesity Surgery in Morriston Hospital, Swansea. I am currently Clinical Director of the Integrated Surgical Services Group. My main interest is the early metabolic response to surgery and hold an honorary contract with Swansea University. I have previously been the RSPA for General Surgery in Wales together with the ASGBI Welsh Representative. I am currently a council member of the Surgery Section of the Royal Society of Medicine.  

Outside of work, I keep a close eye on three teenagers and persist in supporting Cardiff City FC and the Welsh National rugby team. 

I am proud to be a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. The position of Director in Wales allows me to be more actively involved with policy development in Wales. I believe it is imperative that, as a College, we engage with the Senedd to improve access to surgical services for the people of Wales.

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