PRISM

PRiSM

About PRISM

The Pride in Surgery Forum (PRiSM) was formed in 2021 after a series of LGBTQ+ themed episodes on the RCS England podcast The Theatre sparked the creation of a formal network for LGBTQ+ surgeons and allies. The group held the landmark conference ‘Out at the College’ at RCS England in March 2022 and has since become formally affiliated with RCS England. 

We commit to reform in order to increase diversity, inclusivity and accountability in everything we do and every decision we make.

Find out more information about what we are currently working on our Diversity, equity and inclusion website.

Mission

We are a group of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies working towards cultural change in surgery.

We will develop our network of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies; provide mentorship and pastoral support; produce inclusive policies and guidance; raise the visibility and profile of the surgical LGBTQ+ workforce; and perform outreach work with medical students and trainees to encourage them to pursue a surgical career.

We will work with the College to ensure that its policies are inclusive, that any barriers to career advancement for LGBTQ+ surgeons and trainees are removed, and that RCS England is an inclusive employer.

Vision

We will achieve cultural change in surgery such that LGBTQ+ members of the surgical team are recognised and valued, their needs understood, and their identities respected.

We will attain fair representation of LGBTQ+ individuals working within surgery; ensure they are treated equitably, without harassment or discrimination; and create a supportive environment in which they are safe to bring their whole selves to work.

We will make surgery an inclusive specialty that is attractive and welcoming to the diverse surgeons of the future.

Our values

Pride

We believe that showing pride for our community and our work will encourage others to join and support our efforts. We will approach our work with enthusiasm and build upon the work of those who came before us.

Respectful role models

We believe our committee and representatives should act as positive role models for our group and the wider LGBTQ+ community, showing respect for others and open-mindedness. We will offer positive and constructive engagement when working with the College, our network, and third parties, and when performing outreach work.

Inclusivity

We believe our work should be inclusive of all parts of the LGBTQ+ community and of individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds. We will approach issues using an intersectional lens, and collaborate with other EDI organisations where appropriate.

Diversity

We believe we work most effectively when we incorporate the full diversity of experience and ideas available within our community. We will ensure diverse representation within our committee and working groups.

Environmental sustainability

We believe our work should not disproportionately impact the environment. We will consider ways of reducing our environmental footprint, and ensure that any partnerships are with organisations whose actions are not significantly harmful to the environment.

Committee roles

  • Chair – Miss Ginny Bowbrick
  • Vice Chair – Mx Karen Chui
  • Treasurer – Mr Richard Brady
  • Secretary – Mr Jonny Evans
  • DEI Lead – Dr Xander Stephenson-Allen
  • Events Leads 2023 – Miss Ginny Bowbrick and Mr Christian Macutkiewicz
  • Publicity Lead – Dr Alex Ashman
  • Mentorship Lead – Mr Mark Bagnall
  • Wellbeing Lead – Miss Amy Garner
  • Wellbeing Support – Mr John Piedad
  • Outreach Lead – Mr Evripidis Tokidis
  • Outreach Support – Dr Matthew McMillan
  • Open seats – Mrs Phillipa Burns,  Mr Harvinder Mann, Ms Greta McLachlan, Mr William Neary and Ms Chloe Scott
  • ASiT LGBTQ+ Representative – Mr Dujan Bhatti
  • BOTA LGBTQ+ Representative – Mx Karen Chui
  • GLADD Representative – Dr Emily Moran
  • RCSEng LGBTQ+ Staff Network Representative – Rhea Folkers
  • RCSEng D&I Manager – Corriene Bailey-Bearfield

Social media

Resources

The Theatre Podcast – LGBTQ+ in Surgery episodes

Webinars

Articles

Other organisations

The following organisations also campaign on behalf of LGBTQ+ individuals in medicine and surgery.

(RCS England does not take responsibility for content on external sites.)