On Friday 30 June, the College welcomed 6 special awardees, 61 diplomates and their guests to Playfair Hall for a day of celebrations. We were delighted to have people from Bangladesh, China, Denmark, Egypt, Kenya, India, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sudan, Thailand, The West Indies, the USA, and from all corners of the UK in attendance, a reflection of the College's international reach.
An air of excitement and anticipation filled the room as diplomates registered for the ceremony. Gowns fitted and programmes in hand, the diplomates set off to explore the historic Playfair Building with their guests. Pictures were taken in the corridors and on the iconic Playfair staircase, capturing special moments from the day. People explored the College's extensive Surgeons' Hall Museums, taking in the collections.
Before long, it was time for the ceremony to begin. Mr George C. Borthwick CBE, Chairman of Surgeons Quarter since 2009, was conferred as Companion of the College by former RCSEd Vice-President by Professor John L. Duncan. Mr Borthwick commented:
It was such an unexpected honour and privilege to receive the Companionship of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. I very much look forward to my continued involvement and support of the College and Surgeons Quarter in the future.
A truly memorable day – my thanks to the President and the Council.
Mr George C. Borthwick CBE with RCSEd President Professor Rowan Parks
Professor of Surgery and Senior Consultant at Odense University Hospital, Denmark, Professor Gunnar Baatrup, was awarded with Fellowship in Surgery ad hominem. This award was presented by RCSEd Council Member Professor Angus Watson. Professor Baatrup said of receiving this award:
Receiving the Fellowship ad hominem of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh is a great honour, and the ceremony was a once in a lifetime experience. It is not just a recognition of my accomplishments, but also an inspiration to pursue my line of clinical research - to bring new technology safely into clinical service, ensuring that each of them are providing true benefits to patients and society. I am grateful to be associated with the long line of excellent surgeons and dentists who contributed so significantly to the development of our profession for more than 500 years.
Professor Gunnar Baatrup
The College was also delighted to award Professor R. Bryan Bell – Director of the Head and Neck Cancer Program/Medical Director at Franz Head and Neck Cancer Clinic, Earle A Chiles Research Institute Portland – Fellowship in Surgery ad hominem. The Fellowship was presented to Professor Bell by Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Mr Roger Currie. On receiving this Fellowship, Professor Bell commented:
I am deeply honoured to be awarded Fellowship Ad Hominem in this august society, which for more than 500 years has championed excellence in surgical practice, training and innovation. The College’s commitment to global education and standards of training has been particularly impactful and is critical to elevating health care in both developed and developing countries. Furthermore, its commitment to research and the democratisation of clinical trials is something about which I am passionate, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to reduce inequities in cancer care and increase patient access to new and better therapies.
Professor R. Bryan Bell
Laparoscopic, GI & Robotic Surgeon Professor Jignesh A. Gandhi, and Professor and Head of Department in Burns and Plastic Surgery Professor Vishal Mago, were then awarded Fellowship in Surgery Without Examination. Specialist in Special Care Dentistry Dr Claire Curtin was also awarded Fellowship in Dental Surgery Without Examination. Professor Gandhi reflected:
It was an honour to receive my Fellowship from the oldest surgical college in the world spanning more than 500 years. The College believes in maintaining the highest standards of surgical education and propagating knowledge and soft skills to surgeons in academics and clinical practice. I feel every surgeon today should directly or indirectly contribute towards the mission statement of the College. The ceremony reflected the prestigious culture of the College, and it was an honour to share the stage with RCSEd President Rowan Parks and the senior Council Members. I feel humbled and honoured to be associated with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
Professor Jignesh A. Gandhi
The ceremony continued, with each of our 61 diplomates being presented with their respective awards. Professor Gunnar Baatrup addressed the diplomates, and the ceremony closed with a benediction. It was then onto the Quincentenary Building to continue the day’s celebrations.
We hope our diplomates had a fantastic day – congratulations to you all for your achievements!
