A shared vision and a commitment to challenging the surgical status quo brought together over 40 aspiring and practising medics at the inaugural National Women in Surgery Conference 2025, held at the University of Liverpool.
Spearheaded by a dynamic trio - Francesca Theodoropoulou-Estacchini, Ruby Wai Lam Ip, and Praveena Sekar, Founder and President of the Women in Surgery Society and the University’s Regional Representative for the Women in Surgery National Student Association - the event was a landmark celebration of leadership, representation, and possibility.
This wasn’t just about skills or CV building. It was about community, representation, and redefining what the surgical world can look like.
- Francesca Theodoropoulou-Estacchini
The organising team ensured the day ran smoothly and meaningfully. Supporting roles included Noor Kaur (Treasurer), Pakhi Goel (Vice President), and Amara Vijayadurai (Secretary), with workshops coordinated by Shree Bhattacharjee and Sandra Djourmessi Tonle, and social media managed by Ffion Hilling and Varnikaa Bharathi.
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With attendees from medical schools across the UK - including early-career doctors - the conference fostered a truly inclusive, interprofessional space for learning, dialogue, and connection.
Empowering speeches
The day began with an address by Professor Hazel Scott, Dean of the University of Liverpool School of Medicine. Her remarks framed the day with ambition and urgency.
“Per ardua ad astra - through adversity to the stars.”
“Status quo is not an option. We owe it to ourselves and to future patients to keep pushing boundaries.”
The keynote was delivered by Miss Kiran Altaf, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon and Chair of the EDI Steering Group for ACPGBI. She reflected on her own career - one shaped by both challenge and determination.
“We cannot move forward until every woman is helped.”
Her message resonated with many attendees and one student reflected:
“It was moving to hear someone who’s now at the top describe how isolating it felt to be the only woman in the room. It reminded me why visibility matters.”
Inspiration from across the specialties
A powerful line-up of female surgeons shared personal journeys, insights, and encouragement throughout the day:
- Miss Clara Vella (ST8 Trauma & Orthopaedics)
- Miss Deborah Harrington (Consultant Cardiac & Aortic Surgeon)
- Miss Fiona Murphy and Miss Sarah Almond (Consultant Paediatric Surgeons)
- Miss Hannah Lennon (ST8 Breast Surgery)
- Miss Deepti Bhargava (Consultant Neurosurgeon)
- Dr Angharad Care (ST7 Obstetrics & Gynaecology, NIHR Lecturer)
- Dr Elizabeth O’Connell (CT2 General Surgery)
“I didn’t realise how diverse surgery could be until today. It was inspiring to see women from so many different backgrounds and specialties thriving.”
Attendee, University of Manchester
Hands-on skill building 
Two popular workshops gave attendees the chance to step into the surgical world:
- VRiMS Simulation Station: This immersive 360° viewing experience broke down barriers to traditional theatre access, allowing participants to understand real-time surgical dynamics.
- Suturing Workshops: Led by Miss Murphy and Miss Almond, these sessions offered supportive, hands-on training in core surgical techniques.
Demystifying research
Miss Sumita Chahhbra, Consultant Paediatric Surgeon, delivered a practical and empowering session on research in surgery - addressing how to get started and why it matters.
“Research isn’t just for academic surgeons. It’s about being a better clinician.”
She offered advice on identifying opportunities, finding mentors, and integrating research with clinical responsibilities.
Celebrating achievement
The conference also honoured the work of student attendees with research presentations:
- Oral presentation winner: Sophia Tucker (3rd Year, School of Medicine, Liverpool)
- Poster presentation winner: Amelia Stephenson (3rd Year, School of Medicine, Liverpool)
A lasting impact
The atmosphere of support and ambition clearly struck a chord. Feedback from attendees spoke to the event’s clarity, community, and inspiration.
“It felt like more than a conference - it felt like a community.”
“Great mix of practical tips and career guidance. I left with so much clarity on my next steps.”
“Seeing such passionate female role models across surgical fields was unforgettable.” 
Promotional partners
- Keele Surgical Society
- Edge Hill Surgical Society
- Birmingham Surgical Society
- Manchester Women in Surgery
- Chester Surgical Society
Sponsors
- Medical Defence Union (MDU)
Discover more
- Find out what other events and activities the School of Medicine’s Women in Surgery Society have got going on.
- Keep up to date with other inspiring events happening across the University of Liverpool.
- Have a story to share? Contact mednews@liverpool.ac.uk - we’d love to celebrate more inspiring students and conferences.