Affiliations

General Medical Council Worried that your surgeon may not be qualified? This is the place to check whether they are on the Specialist Register - the marker of a doctor capable of independent specialist practice in the UK ie a Consultant. The GMC will be responsible for regular revalidation of a doctors' fitness to practice in the near future.

British Medical Association The BMA is the doctors' professional organisation established to look after the personal and professional needs of it's members. Realising that it is failing miserably in achieving these goals, most of the last few years have been spent in a root and branch reform.

Royal College of Surgeons of England Long established Royal College with a educational remit and particularly fierce examiners. Responsible for awarding the traditional 'FRCS'. Modernisation has resulted in the diluted entrance examination -'MRCS' and the excellent inter-collegiate exit examination - 'FRCS (Gen, Ortho, Plastic etc)'.

Royal Society of Medicine Most active in terms of variety of meetings held- short, sharp and current. Central London location also makes it a well attended venue. Possibly the best medical library in the world. Has a number of sub sections (fora) of which the author is a member of the:
- Section of Surgery
- Section of Coloproctology
- Venous Forum

Association of Surgeons of Great Britain & Ireland Formed in 1920, an umbrella organisation representing most surgeons in UK. Annual scientific meeting.

The Vascular Society Over 700 members including vascular surgeons, radiologists and angiologists. Organising scientific meetings, promoting clinical audit and governance, advising on provision of vascular services, medical education and patient information.

London Consultants Association Recently formed group representing Consultants views, relating particularly to the fair and efficient practice of private medicine in the UK. Useful information for patients on dealing with the occasional 'difficulty' with Health Insurance companies.