BBUGSS
British Benign Upper Gastrointestinal Surgical Society
A Partner of AUGIS Dedicated to Benign Upper GI Surgery
Cholesafe 1.0
BBUGSS Council
President:
Professor Y K S Viswanath
FRCS, FRCSI, FRCS (Glas), MBBS, MS
I am a Professor of Surgery and a senior Upper GI, laparoscopic, and endoscopic surgeon with nearly 26 years of experience at a tertiary hospital. I currently serve as President of the Society, actively advancing its mission to prepare tomorrow’s surgeons today through comprehensive education, courses and training, particularly in the management of benign foregut disorders.
Additionally, I am the Program Director for MCh Surgical specialities and work closely with Teesside University, where I hold an honorary appointment,fostering academic partnerships that enhance surgical training and research.
Title of my story: A Surgeon’s Odyssey; a journey of healing and leading
Favourite Place: Paris - a global hub for luxury, fashion, art, history and culture
Spirit Animal: Unicorn - symbolises grace, purity, and courage to dream beyond the norm.
BBUGSS President is a 2 year appointment, the position is open to any current member of BBUGSS or AUGIS. In the case of more than one expression of interest, the council members of BBUGSS would vote and the decision made by majority. The President of BBUGSS is the highest appointment within the Society. The position is automatically linked to Benign Upper GI Lead on AUGIS Council.
The President’s primary responsibilities include oversee the running of the Society as the Head of the Council and Head of the BBUGSS Executive Team – this will include delegating duties, overseeing others in their roles and supporting all members of council in their roles. The Presidents role is to set the direction, aims and objectives of the Society after consultation with the Council. The President would, with the support of the secretary be expected to chair council meetings.
The President of BBUGSS serves as the primary face of the Society and leads on negotiation and working partnerships with other groups within AUGIS and external to this. The President also acts as the final signatory in conjunction with the AUGIS President, signing off Practice Guidelines for the Society.They also hold final responsibility for organising the BBUGSS presence at the Annual Scientific meeting of AUGIS.
N.B. The president Elect is automatically promoted to President at the end of their term, and elections are not held directly for the position of President.
President-Elect
Ian Finlay
BBUGSS President-Elect is a 2-year appointment, the position is open to any current Consultant or peri/post CCT member of BBUGSS or AUGIS. In the case of more than one expression of interest, the council members of BBUGSS would vote and the decision made by majority.
The BBUGSS President-Elect is part of BBUGSS Executive Team and holds a number of responsibilities, these include but are not limited to: shadowing the role of the President and preparing for their following term as President, assisting with preparation and delivery of the Annual Scientific Meeting, setting the direction of the society with Council and co-ordinating projects that Council is undertaking. The President Elect acts as deputy for the president in their absence.
Secretary:
Mr Ashok Menon
MA MB BChir ChM FRCS FFSTEd
I am an Upper GI surgeon in Stockport and specialise in benign hiatal and biliary surgery.
I recently joined BBUGSS Council as Secretary, mainly because I saw the great work that they have done over the years and wanted in!! My aim is to help promote BBUGSS across the UK, whether that is by enhancing our social media content and reach, or by delivering more BBUGSS regional events and courses.
Title of my story: Surgical training and navigating the early years as a consultant sometimes felt like crawling through a dark, gloomy tunnel. So maybe the Shawshank Redemption?
Favourite Place: Doing the Inca Trail to Macchu Picchu because it reminds me of a time long ago, when I was fit enough to do things like that!
Spirit Animal: What the hell is a spirit animal?
BBUGSS Secretary is a 2 year appointment, the position is open to any current member of BBUGSS or AUGIS, including non-Consultant grades. In the case of more than one expression of interest, the council members of BBUGSS would vote and the decision made by majority.
The BBUGSS Secretary is part of BBUGSS Executive Team and holds a number of responsibilities, these include but are not limited to: defining the constitution of the society, organising council meetings, minute taking and distribution of action points from the meeting, maintaining a list of council members, their terms and a list of their contact details. The secretary also coordinators enquiries from members to the appropriate person for response.
Honorary Treasurer (via AUGIS)
Clinical Practice Recommendation Lead
Ms Claire Brown
BBUGSS Clinical Practice Recommendation Lead is a 2 year appointment, the position is open to any current Consultant or peri/post CCT member of BBUGSS or AUGIS. In the case of more than one expression of interest, the council members of BBUGSS would vote and the decision made by majority.
The BBUGSS Clinical Practice Recommendation Lead is part of BBUGSS Executive Team and holds a number of responsibilities, these include but are not limited to: creation and maintenance of the clinical practice guidelines from the society including in areas related to organisation of a service and clinical outcome expectations
Clinical Practice Recommendation Lead (Support)
Ruchir Mashar
The support role is appointed in the same way as the lead role and assists with the above duties. It is open to any member of AUGIS or BBUGSS, including Resident Doctors and other non-consultant grades.
Education & Training Lead
Ms Jihene El Kafsi
BBUGSS Education and Training Lead is a 2 year appointment, the position is open to any current Consultant or peri/post CCT member of BBUGSS or AUGIS. In the case of more than one expression of interest, the council members of BBUGSS would vote and the decision made by majority.
The BBUGSS Education and Training Lead is part of BBUGSS Executive Team and holds a number of responsibilities, these include but are not limited to: develop educational events including organising and delivering the BBUGSS component of the AUGIS webinar series and connecting/networking with benign Upper GI surgical courses/training events around the UK of interest to our members.
This position would also hole the primary role for organising/coordinating the BBUGSS room at the Annual Scientific Meeting of AUGIS.
Education & Training Lead (Support)
Ms Heather Davis
The support role is appointed in the same way as the lead role and assists with the above duties. It is open to any member of AUGIS or BBUGSS, including Resident Doctors and other non-consultant grades.
Research & Audit Lead
Mr Michael Wilson
BBUGSS Research and Audit Lead is a 2 year appointment, the position is open to any current Consultant or peri/post CCT member of BBUGSS or AUGIS. In the case of more than one expression of interest, the council members of BBUGSS would vote and the decision made by majority.
The BBUGSS Research and Audit Lead is part of BBUGSS Executive Team and holds a number of responsibilities, these include but are not limited to: leading on new research projects with the members of their sub-committee, chair the National Hiatal Surgery Registry committee and present regular updates on NHSR to the BBUGSS council, liaise with other surgical societies in the UK and abroad for introducing new innovations in benign upper GI surgery.
Research & Audit Lead (Support)
Krashna Patel
The support role is appointed in the same way as the lead role and assists with the above duties. It is open to any member of AUGIS or BBUGSS, including Resident Doctors and other non-consultant grades.
Communication Officer :
Mr G Balamurugan
MS, DNB, MRCS
I am a General Surgery Registrar at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, with a special interest in minimally invasive surgery, particularly in benign foregut, bariatric and metabolic surgery.
I believe that BBUGSS plays a crucial role in uniting surgeons to advance the field of benign foregut surgery through research, education, and meaningful collaboration.
Title of my story: Guts and Glory
Favourite Place: Paris – for its rich history, romantic spirit, the Seine’s charm, and exquisite French cuisine.
Spirit Animal: Otter - curious, loves water, and full of quiet determination.
As BBUGSS Communication Officer, they hold a number of responsibilities, these include but are not limited to:being responsible for the running and content of BBUGGS Facebook/Twitter/LinkdIn accounts, working with the Educational and Training team as well as the Research and Audit team to be responsible for advertising BBUGSS educational and training events and other relevant communications from BBUGSS, to be vigilant with regard to national activity related to benign Upper GI Surgery that may be of interest to the society and its members and reach out to strengthen networking and collaborative working.
Communication Officer (Support)
Shashnank Iyer
The support role is appointed in the same way as the lead role and assists with the above duties. It is open to any member of AUGIS or BBUGSS, including Resident Doctors and other non-consultant grades.
Website Lead:
Hari Nageswaran
MBBS FRCS BSc MD PGCertME
I am a benign UGI surgeon working in Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB), Newport, South Wales. I am interested in medical education and research and hold an honorary lecturer position at Cardiff University. I am currently the regional representative for Wales on the AUGIS council.
I am proud to be affiliated to BBUGGS, the leading organisation in the UK representing my sub-specialty. My aim is to develop the BBUGGS website into a useful companion for trainees, specialists and consultants, filled with guidance for clinical work and resources for career development in Benign UGI Surgery.
(If you have any feedback or ideas for the development of the website, please let me know through the contact page)
Title of my story: The Accidental Surgeon
Favourite Place: Istanbul – the layers of history, the contrast between European and Asian halves of the city and the enchantment of the Bosphorus
Spirit Animal: Monkey – cheeky, playful, creative
BBUGSS Website Lead is a 2 year appointment, the position is open to any current member of BBUGSS or AUGIS. In the case of more than one expression of interest, the council members of BBUGSS would vote and the decision made by majority.
As BBUGSS Website lead, they hold a number of responsibilities, these include but are not limited to: maintaining and updating the BBUGSS website with content generated by other Council members, ensuring the website is useful, engaging and appealing, aiding the comms team to send emails or campaigns through the website.
Website Lead Support:
Mr Parth Gada
MBBS MS DNB MRCS
I am a Colorectal Surgery Registrar at James Cook University Hospital in NHS South Tees, and an incoming General Surgery Speciality Trainee (ST3) in the East midlands Deanery.
I enjoy teaching and actively engage in social work and leadership activities. I am always eager to learn new skills and techniques. My interests include hiking and running.
This website is the main medium of interaction between BBUGSS and its members and has the potential to make a significant positive impact for the upper GI trainees, hence my aim will be to constantly make positive improvements to it.
Title of my story: Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness
Favourite Place: The Great Rann of Kutch: A salt marsh in the Thar Desert in the Kutch District of Gujarat, India is reputed to be the largest salt desert in the world. As my native land, it holds my roots and my memories. The vast white salty desert sand, clear skies and the colourful traditions make it a unique experience
Spirit Animal: Charmander - Resilient, Passionate, Loyal
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead (Council Role)
TBC
BBUGSS EDI Lead is a 2 year appointment, the position is open to any current Consultant or peri/post CCT member of BBUGSS or AUGIS. In the case of more than one expression of interest, the council members of BBUGSS would vote and the decision made by majority.
This is a new position, currently up for election; the first appointee would be expected to define the role and its remit.
Endoscopy Lead:
Mr Raj Veeramootoo
MBBS MD FRCS (Eng)
I am a consultant upper GI surgeon & advanced endoscopist with keen interest in EUS & ERCP. I have occupied various roles within the hospital (lead clinician) & college set-up (surgical tutor, CCrISP instructor); and actively participate in research and educational activities, with regular peer-reviewed publications.
The opportunity to learn EUS/ ERCP happened by chance and my vision is to make these tools accessible to selected trainee surgeons. Endoscopy is paramount to benign upper GI practice, and I firmly believe surgeons have a natural aptitude and have learned skills to perfect this art.
Title of my story: Samskara - return of the dodo.
Favourite Place: Vancouver, Canada. It is scenic, in harmony with nature, feelgood life and people.
Spirit Animal: Peacock - protection, integrity & rebirth
BBUGSS Endoscopy Lead is a 2 year appointment, the position is open to any current Consultant or peri/post CCT member of BBUGSS or AUGIS. In the case of more than one expression of interest, the council members of BBUGSS would vote and the decision made by majority.
This is a new position, currently up for election; the first appointee would be expected to define the role and its remit. As Endoscopy lead, they would hold a number of responsibilities, these include but are not limited to: liaising with other societies and organisations such as other wings of AUGIS, JAG, and the JCST on matters regarding surgical endoscopy and advocating for surgeons and surgeons in training.
Endoscopy Lead (Support):
Mr Danylo Yershov
Webinar Lead:
Prof Ravi Date
Webinar Lead (Support):
Mr Ian Maheswaran
Trainee Representative
Mr Ash Sukumar
BBUGSS Trainee Representative is a 1 year appointment, the position is open to any current trainee member of BBUGSS or AUGIS. In the case of more than one expression of interest, the council members of BBUGSS would vote and the decision made by majority.
As BBUGSS Trainee Representative, they hold a number of responsibilities, these include but are not limited to:
working with the Educational and Training Lead and Educational and Training Lead Support to organise BBUGSS training events, to work with Roux Group and other trainee groups (ASIT etc.) to collaborate with benign Upper GI surgery Educational and Training Events, to encourage membership of BBUGSS as a trainee member, to report back to BBUGSS Council any issues related to benign Upper GI surgical training in the UK.
The position also is linked to the Benign Lead on the ROUX Group Council and therefor has responsibilities in relation to ROUX.
Regional Representatives
BBUGSS Regional Representatives are appointed for 2 years, the position is open to any current member of BBUGSS or AUGIS. In the case of more than one expression of interest, the council members of BBUGSS would vote and the decision made by majority.
The BBUGSS Regional Representative hold a number of responsibilities, these include but are not limited to: networking with surgeons within your region to promote BBUGSS and membership, to obtain feedback from benign Upper GI surgeons in your region and report this to BBUGSS Council during meetings, to assist with promoting BBUGSS events within your region.
South England:
Mr Matthew Browning
Mid England:
Mr Jonathan Guy Finch
I have been a Consultant Surgeon in Northampton for 20 years. Having been an Upper GI cancer Surgeon and Bariatric Surgeon, the pathologies moved but I didn’t, so I now concentrate on Benign disorders, complex hernias and therapeutic endoscopy.
I have long been keen on teaching and training and have been on the BBUGSS committee, since it’s inception, originally to contribute to several of our published guidelines.
Title of my story: I think laughter is the best medicine, so I think Patch Adams
Favourite Place: I’m not telling you my favourite place because I want to keep it all to myself.
Spirit Animal: I don’t have a spirit animal but I do love dogs – faithful, industrious and unmaterialistic
North England:
Mr Sayan Bhattacharya
Wales:
Mr David Robinson
I am currently a Post-CCT fellow in UGI surgery in the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.
I studied medicine at Cardiff University, graduating in 2013 and continued my postgraduate training in Wales, securing my NTN in 2017. Following my ST3 year, I undertook a period of OOPR and was awarded a PhD in 2021 for my work studying the barriers to progression in surgical training.
I was elected to my first role with the Roux Committee in 2021 as the Education and Training lead before being appointed as President elect and subsequently President of the Roux Group in September 2022. In 2023, I was appointed to the Royal College of Surgeons accredited South Devon Benign Upper GI fellowship where I developed my interests in complex hiatal and biliary practice.
Title of my story: The Perpetual Fellow
Favourite Place: Mexico (Rivera Maya) – Breath taking beaches, great food, welcoming locals, phenomenal boat trips and amazing memories
Spirit Animal: Red fox – An indulgent father who likes to wind his offspring up (especially at bed time much to his wife’s dismay)
Scotland:
Mr Michael Wilson
Northern Ireland:
Mr Gary Spence
Ex-Presidents:
Mr Stuart Andrews 2020 - 2022
Mr Kirk Bowling 2022 - 2024
BBUGSS has a strict non-discrimination policy. We believe everyone should be treated equally regardless of race, sex, gender identification, sexual orientation, national origin, native language, religion, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you feel that you have been discriminated against by our society, please let us know as soon as possible. Every complaint will be appropriately investigated and responded to.