June 2025 - Issue 6
On Saturday, 5 and Sunday 6, of April, the Association of Women Surgeons Ireland (AWSI), hosted their first conference in RCSI. The theme of the conference was ‘Bridging the Gap’ highlighting, the vital work of women in surgery and ongoing effort to close disparities in surgery, across gender, access, opportunity, research, mentorship and innovation. This conference consisted of keynote speakers, engaging panel discussions and skills workshops which brought together surgeons, trainees, educators, researchers and innovators to share insights, celebrate progress and consider strategies for a more inclusive future.
The two day event was opened by AWSI co-Presidents Dr Laura Staunton and Dr Suzanne Murphy along with RCSI President Professor Deborah McNamara, who welcomed attendees, recognising the importance of diversity and inclusion in surgery. A message from Sr Orla Tracy, director of Loretto Rumbek and AWSI charity partner followed. Loretto Rumbek is committed to the education of young girls in South Sudan. AWSI are proud to support this worthwhile cause, with a percentage of ticket sales dedicated, to assist in their valuable work.
Saturday morning consisted of research talks including an enlightening presentation by keynote speaker Prof. Rolf Stahel, ETOP-IBSCG President, Switzerland, who discussed the importance of MDT involvement in clinical trials. Translational research panel discussion, followed including Dr Kathy Gately, PI, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and STAR MD candidates Dr Suzanne Murphy and Dr Sandra Hembrecht, showing the positive impact that translational research can have, on both the educator and the patient. Next was an interesting talk from pioneering robotic surgeon Ms Uzma Mahmood, UHL, who performed the first gynaecological procedure in Limerick. Mid-morning talks included Mr Colm Taylor, Orthopaedic Consultant Surgeon CUH, who spoke about his mentorship pathway and the value of mentorship both formal and informal. Our second keynote speaker Ms Felicity Meyer, Women in Surgery (WinS) Chair, Consultant Vascular Surgeon, England, discussed her role as WinS chair and gave an informative talk on the ongoing disparities and gaps that exist for women in surgery.
Saturday afternoon commenced with a fellowship seminar with two engaging talks. Firstly, Ms Lena Mary Houlihan FRCSI, Neurosurgery Fellow, spoke about her ongoing fellowship in the UK and future plans for the US, the second talk was delivered by Prof. Jarlath Bolger FRCSI, who completed two fellowships in Canada. Both spoke about the strategic, academic and administrative steps required to progress to a successful fellowship position – from identifying educational gaps, to securing institutional support and accreditation, alongside real-world personal experiences. Engagement and bridging the gap in research is important in surgery and the AWSI conference, provided a platform for both trainees and students, with oral research presentations on Saturday afternoon and poster presentations on display throughout the weekend (winners announced below).
Workshops then completed the first day with Mr Nithin Murkerji, Editor of BJNS, providing invaluable tips and advice in publishing. The IMO discussed all things finance with tips and tricks on payslips, pensions, investments and beyond. Skills workshops gave students and trainees opportunity to hon their operative skills. Navigating Irish Healthcare facilitated intriguing discussions on different pathways and options in pursuing a surgical career.
The second day commenced with a compelling panel discussion led by Dr Claire Stenson on the importance of surgeon involvement in innovation, as well as challenges, roadblocks and the successes they have achieved. The panel consisted of Ms Siobhán Power, Spark Fellow, Dr Lisa McNamee, Commandant and GP, and Dr Aamir Hameed, Co-founder and CMO of Pumpinheart. Dr Emilie Mahon then discussed the importance of the Green Theatre Checklist and sustainability in healthcare. The morning concluded with an insightful panel discussion led by two female surgeons Ms Abeeda Butt, General and Breast Surgeon, Beaumont, and Ms Taffy Mandiwanza, Neurosurgeon, Beaumont, on He-for-She mentorship. Their invaluable insights into professional and personal obstacles, alongside their ongoing successes, was inspiring.
The afternoon brought our third keynote speaker Prof. Rhea Liang, General & Breast Surgeon, Australia, who was lead author on a study in the Lancet entitled Why do Women Leave Surgical Training? A Qualitative and Feminist Study. She gave an insightful talk on the progress and challenges women continue to have, whilst pursuing a surgical career. The last panel discussion of the conference explored the international and alternative pathways to surgical training. Ms Amy Gillis, General Surgery, TUH, Dr Amira Amir, Neurosurgery, Beaumont, Dr Mohammed Al Azzawi, Beaumont, gave their thought-provoking perspectives.
Presidents and founders of AWSI, Dr Laura Staunton and Dr Suzanne Murphy, would like to thank RCSI Department of Surgical Affairs especially Caroline McGuinness and Kieran Ryan, RCSI Bookings especially Julie Plunkett. They would also like to thank Professor McNamara, RCSI President for her ongoing support. Many thanks also to the committee members: Clodagh Canavan, Amanda O’Halloran, Katie Nolan, Sandra Hembrecht, Emily Carey, Claire Stenson, Amira Hanis Amir, Ailish Bradley, Ishapreet Kaur, Lena Dablouk, Rosin Pollack, Áine O’Neill and Adeline Foo for their commitment to AWSI.
Winners of the oral presentations were:
Student Winner: A Systematic Review of the Use of Prophylactic Myocutaneous Flaps in Neoplastic Spine Surgery: Utility and Efficacy in Preventing Surgical-Site Infection. Presenter: Shreya Sankar, RCSI
NCHD Winner: Is Endometrial Biopsy useful for Postmenopausal Bleeding in Outpatient Hysteroscopy? A Randomized Control Trial. Presenter: Dr Elizabeth Tunny, Rotunda Hospital Dublin
Winner of the poster presentation was:
Exploring how better to treat brain tumours: targeting anti-apoptotic proteins in paediatric medulloblastoma. Presenter: Anushka Basu, Medical Student RCSI
