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Contact your Regional Director

Our RCS England Regional and Devolved Nation Directors act as our key representatives locally. 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 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 Richard Wharton, Regional Director for the East of England
Richard Wharton, East of England
Richard Wharton, East of England

About Richard

I am a Consultant Colorectal Surgeon at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, with particular interests in colorectal cancer surgery, inflammatory bowel disease and anorectal surgery. I trained at St Thomas’ Hospital, London and before I rotated through the South-West and North-West of London, including the Royal Marsden and the Chelsea and Westminster Hospitals. I was appointed as the Regional Director for the East of England in 2020 and am passionate about surgical training. I use my role as a Regional Director to advocate for trainers and trainees across the East of England. 

Outside of surgery, I enjoy cycling in the Norfolk countryside, organising piano concerts in my hospital and acting as a taxi service for my children.
circle image of James Casha, Regional Director for Kent and Surrey
James Casha, Kent and Surrey
  • Contact James: jcasha@rcseng.ac.uk
  • We are now recruiting a Regional Director for Kent, Surrey and Sussex, apply here by Friday 16 June 2023 
James Casha, Kent and Surrey

About James

I am a Consultant Orthopaedic and Spinal Surgeon at East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust. I have a great interest in teaching and have been involved in organising spine teaching for the South London and Kent, Surrey and Sussex Deaneries. I am proud to be appointed Honorary Senior Lecturer at Kings College London (since 2010), where I also act as a Personal Tutor. 
 
I was appointed as the RCS England Regional Director for Kent and Surrey in 2020, I'm also a member of the College's ATLS faculty, and act as an AAC representative and a member of the AO UK Trauma faculty. My other roles include Staff Governor on the Council of Governors EKHUFT and Co-Chair Audit and Governance Committee. I am particularly passionate about training, governance and wellbeing. 
  
Outside of surgery, I am a husband and a father to my two daughters. My hobbies include history and photography. I am involved in work with several charities.
 
circle image of Huma Sethi, Regional Director for London (Central)
Huma Sethi, London (Central)
Huma Sethi, London (Central)

About Huma

My neurosurgical training in the UK was mainly based in London. I have been working as a consultant neurosurgeon at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery since 2009. In addition to being a Regional Director, I am a faculty member. I am a passionate advocate for teaching and training and have worked as Training Programme Director for Neurosurgery.  Currently, I am an accessor and even a question writer for the intercollegiate Neurosurgery exam! 

My sub-specialist interests are:

  • Brain Tumour surgery
  • Gamma Knife peripheral nerve surgery eg carpal tunnel and nerve biopsies
  • Intraventricular endoscopy for obstructive hydrocephalus, colloid cyst, Tumour biopsy
  • Degenerate spine eg lumbar and cervical disc surgery, management of low back pain

Outside of medicine, I enjoy playing tennis, swimming and meditating. 

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 his bike in Epping Forest, being a parent and indulging in discovering great places to enjoy any world cuisine.
 
circle image of Bhavin Visavadia, Regional Director for London (North West)
Bhavin Visavadia, London (North West)
Bhavin Visavadia, London (North West)

About Bhavin

I am a Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon with a specialist interest in Head and Neck Cancer and Reconstruction. I have been a Clinical Director and Assistant Divisional Director in my Trust in Harrow and have helped build the regional Maxillofacial Network in London NW and the bordering counties.

My experience with higher surgical training, as assistant TPD and then as the SAC liaison representative, has allowed me to fully support both trainees and trainers. As Chair of the Consultants and Specialists Group of BAOMS, I engage with maxillofacial colleagues at all stages of their careers. I have a special interest in coaching and mentoring and have continued to support clinical staff – especially as we recover from the pandemic.

Being a Regional Director allows me to network with colleagues in other surgical specialities and allows the College's work to reach our surgeons and trainees. It is so important to continue to promote the College’s roles in providing externality, quality assurance and support at this time. I strongly believe that we have to embrace the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategy and provide the best support for all our trainees, who all too often are in the crossfire of change and uncertainty.
 
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)
circle image of Tim Nedas, Regional Director for South Central
Tim Nedas, South Central
  • Contact Tim:tnedas@rcseng.ac.uk
  • We are now recruiting a Regional Director for South Central (Oxford) and a Regional Director for South Central (Wessex), apply here by Friday 16 June 2023 
Tim Nedas, South Central

Makis Laftsidis, South Coast 

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 Ayaz Lakdawala, Regional Director for the West Midlands
Ayaz Lakdawala, West Midlands
Ayaz Lakdawala, West Midlands
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 Irfan Ahmed, Director for Scotland
Irfan Ahmed, Scotland
Irfan Ahmed, Scotland

About Irfan

I am a Consultant Surgeon specialising in complex liver, pancreas and bile duct diseases (HPB) with a specialist interest in advanced laparoscopic surgical techniques and the development of modern surgical innovations. 

I completed my higher degree (MD) at the University of Leeds, funded by the Royal College of Surgeons of England via a research fellowship. I completed my higher surgical training in Mid Trent Higher Surgical Rotation and was appointed Consultant Surgeon in NHS Grampian in 2007. I hold academic appointments at the University of Aberdeen as an Honorary Professor and a visiting Professor at Robert Gordon University. I also serve on the Court of Examiners for RCS England and JCIE (Joint Committee of Intercollegiate Examinations). 

Outside of surgery, I am a husband and father to three beautiful children (a son and two daughters) who are now starting their professional careers. This gives me time to follow my passions, including aviation, studying nature and charity work.
 
circle image of Mark Taylor, Director for Northern Ireland
Mark Taylor, Northern Ireland
Mark Taylor, Northern Ireland

About Mark

I am a General and Hepatobiliary (HPB) Surgeon in Northern Ireland, past president of GBIHPBA and Pancreatic Society of GB and Ireland and Visiting Professor at Ulster University. Outside of work, I love cold water swimming, cycling, walking my dog Charlie and spending time with my family.

Within work, I am passionate about transforming our health service and supporting colleagues to achieve their potential. I have a keen interest in supporting our surgical trainees and am passionate about innovation, change and collective leadership within the HSCNI. In 2017 I was appointed to the Department of Health’s Transformation Implementation Group (TIG) and in 2020 to its Regional Management Board. In 2022 l led the Department’s Review of General Surgery standards document which provides a blueprint of best practices for our local hospitals. I am also the District Surgeon and Trustee of St. John Ambulance.

What I enjoy the most about being the Northern Ireland Director is working with the incredible team of people from the College and board members to highlight the needs of patients and the surgical community, as well as lobbying stakeholders on ways we can accelerate elective recovery.
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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