Welcome to our elected Council members 2025
10 Apr 2025
We are pleased to announce that the membership has elected four members to our College Council. We are delighted to welcome Samantha Tross, Charles Maxwell-Armstrong and Gwen Bromley who will be formally admitted to the Council in the summer. Nuha Yassin has been re-elected.
Thank you to our demitting Council members, Bill Allum and Chris Lavy, for their contributions and dedication throughout their term.
Read the elected Council members' statements below, and find out more about our existing Council members.
Samantha Tross
Specialty: Trauma and orthopaedicsSamantha Tross
My aims are to ensure surgical training standards are maintained; to improve equity in surgical experience and training outcomes for all, including SAS/ International Graduates; and to improve the pipeline of future surgeons.
I will work with the College to review training standards and to support trainers to deliver on surgical training as well as improve their mental wellbeing.
Based on data outcomes, I will work with the College to address gaps identified and ensure regular review of processes to optimise progress.
My work with inner-city and underprivileged schools will enable me to raise the profile of the College and surgery as a career.
From my 20-year consultant career I have a good understanding of the workings of the NHS. I have held various educational roles at Ealing Hospital, am engaged with numerous Medical School Surgical Societies and give regular career empowerment talks to schools. I have been involved with the College as part of the Diversity Review Panel and as part of the previous EDI Forum. I am Secretary for International Orthopaedic Diversity Alliance and past Member of BHS Cultural and Diversity Committee / Mentorship Lead.
Charles Maxwell-Armstrong
Specialty: Colorectal and general surgeryCharles Maxwell-Armstrong
Surgery—probably the best job in the world—only currently it doesn’t feel like it.
- Trainees: Work-life balance is important. Training has to improve and cannot be compromised by Physician Assistants. Surgery is complex—we need to be pushing for more theatre time for the next generation of consultants.
- SAS Doctors: Need structure, mentoring and career development. They are not simply propping up creaking rotas.
- Undergraduates: Surgery is barely taught at Medical School in the curriculum. Inspiring the future has to be College-led.
- Consultants: Early retirement beckons for a significant number. The rest will be left grinding it out for years to come—something has to improve.
The College needs to be using its influence to lobby government to implement solutions. “Improvement”, not just “Change” for the sake of it.
I have been Past-President and Secretary of the Association of Coloproctology of GB&I, College tutor, and an MRCS examiner since 2005. I’ve worked with NHS England as Colorectal Lead for the National Consultant Information Programme and Specialised Commissioning.
I would welcome the opportunity to address some of the issues above.
Surgery is fundamentally still the best job in the world…
Gwen Bromley
Specialty: General surgery (oncoplastic breast surgery)Gwen Bromley
The Council plays a crucial role in ensuring the surgical community’s voice is heard at national and international levels. I will represent the diverse interests of members, particularly in addressing issues around training, workforce sustainability, and healthcare policy. My focus will be on enhancing the College’s support for its members, advocating for their needs through effective inter-disciplinary communication, and ensuring the surgical profession thrives in our evolving, and often challenging, healthcare environment.
As RCS Regional Director for the North East, I am committed to the College’s mission of improving patient care through excellence in surgery. My experience as a CQC Specialist Advisor provides me with a unique insight into the challenges of service delivery, further strengthening my commitment to patient safety and promoting evidence-based practice in all aspects of surgical care.
I am eager to contribute my experience, leadership, and commitment to the future of surgery and look forward to the opportunity to serve, collaborate, and drive positive change for the profession.
Nuha Yassin
Specialty: Colorectal surgeryNuha Yassin
Surgery is a rewarding career, but not without challenges. We excel when united and focused on maintaining high standards of care. RCS England is the home of surgery, ensuring everyone feels represented and welcome. I'm honoured to have served our members and fellows during my first term on Council. I’ve worked with colleagues from different sub-specialties and found this extremely rewarding and fulfilling. I've supported initiatives from grassroots to senior fellows and been part of committees on research, quality, membership, diversity and workforce.
I will focus on:
- supporting members/fellows in the totality of surgical practice and learning from adverse events;
- promoting equity of access and ensuring trainee representation within Future of Surgery and RCS England in general;
- advancing surgical standards and professional development;
- fostering collaboration within RCS England and between RCS England and the Faculty of Dental Surgery through digital surgery;
- continuing mentorship, training and research initiatives to empower our members and fellows.