Council Members

It has been a pleasure to serve on BSGE council for the past 2 and a half years and I have thoroughly enjoyed taking on the role of chair of the Information Resources Committee. With the help of the subcommittee we have strived to bring to you a diverse range of education activities including our popular webinar series. All our previous webinars can be found here on the BSGE website and every month we will bring you an exciting new episode (usually on the last Wednesday of the month between 6-7pm).

I have really strived to also ensure our patients are at the centre of what we do at the BSGE and over the past 2 years we have really developed our patient facing activities. We have run a number of informative patient webinars on adenomyosis and endometriosis and the feedback has been excellent. Our BSGE Instagram page (@THEBSGE) is a great resource for patients and I do encourage you to share it in your clinics and beyond. It shares up to date evidence based information with patients and signposts them to helpful resources and much more.

As ever we continue to look to the future to improve and develop and if you have any thoughts on webinar topics or any suggestions at all please do get in touch.

When I was first elected as trainee representative, I was involved with the inception and development of the trainee Registrars in Gynaecological Surgery (RIGS) platform, which is growing from strength to strength and continuing to motivate and engage with enthusiastic young surgeons, which ultimately are the future of our society. I later led the Patient information and guidelines sub-committee where I was involved with national guideline development including the soon to be released updated Gynaecological laparoscopy RCOG Green Top guidance. Currently I am the Chair of the Website and Digital Governance Sub-committee where I led the development of the BSGE conference APP and in 2019 we had our first paperless ASM with the introduction of this.

Having served over the last 7 years on the BSGE council, I have gained significant knowledge with regards to several aspects of financial management within the society. Such management is crucial currently given the global situation, and I feel I have the skill and attributes to ensure the society maintains a healthy financial future by realising innovative funding opportunities, through collaboration and partnership with other subcommittees/societies.

Donna has completed a two-year term as trainee representative on the BSGE council, from 2016-2018, and sits on the BSGE subcommittees for Awards & Bursaries and Communications & Website.

She has gained considerable experience in minimal access surgery, having won a BSGE travelling fellowship in 2013 to work within Sydney Women’s Endosurgery Centre and having completed the ATSM in advanced laparoscopy, subsequently commencing a Post CCT fellowship at the Wirral University Teaching Hospital. She has recently been appointed as Consultant at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals.

Donna has supported the development of Registrars in Gynaecological Surgery (RIGs) to improve opportunities and communication amongst trainees. She conducted a BSGE laparoscopic training survey and completed the RCOG Gynaecological Surgery training analysis for 2017. Having identified deficiencies in training across the UK she subsequently conceived, organised and implemented the RIGs/ BSGE Intermediate Laparoscopy Course in 2018.

Donna was responsible for the introduction of the ‘Pecha Kucha’ into the BSGE Annual Scientific Meeting as well as organising the first trainee breakout session. She is organising faculty for the 2018 pre-congress video-editing workshop and the RIGs Annual Dinner in Edinburgh.

Mikey is a Consultant Gynaecologist and Endometriosis Surgeon at the Centre for Endometriosis and Minimally Invasive Gynaecology (CEMIG) at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (ASPH) in Surrey.

He specialises in Advanced Minimally Invasive Gynaecological Surgery, focusing on endometriosis. He obtained specialist training from the Kent, Surrey, and Sussex Deanery. Additionally, he completed a high-volume fellowship in advanced endometriosis surgery and a recognised training scheme in Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery for the Excision of Benign Disease (Endometriosis).

Mikey received training in Neuropelveology and obtained Level 2 (2022) and Level 1 (2019) accreditation from the International Society of Neuropelveology (ISON), making him one of the very few surgeons with formal training in treating pelvic nerve problems.

He has received National and International prizes, including the prestigious Golden Telescope Award from the British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy in 2022. In 2019, he was elected as a council member responsible for the trainee portfolio for the BSGE and re-elected in 2021. Currently, in 2023, Mikey holds the position of senior council member.

Throughout the years, Mikey has made significant contributions to training in minimally invasive gynaecological surgery by establishing and teaching on multiple regional, national, and international courses.

His focused interests include surgical education, endometriosis, pelvic pain, and treatments for patients with pelvic nerve pathology.

I am an experienced minimal access gynaecologist specialist in Oncology and Colposcopy. I have been based in Cumbria, UK since 2014 and just recently moved to Surrey in London.  I specialise in providing evidence based care in gynaecology, colposcopy and oncology adopting cutting edge innovations in minimal access surgery.  I have completed certification in Obstetrics and gynaecology with training in colposcopy, oncology and advanced laparoscopy for endometriosis in 2012 in the Wessex deanery, UK.

I have an excellent record in developing services in ambulatory gynaecology, enhanced recovery and achieving exceedingly high standards in minimal access surgery. I am also a royal college tutor and I am passionate about teaching, training and simulation. I have been facilitating, participating in advanced courses nationally and internationally. I visited international centres of excellence to connect and share skills and I strongly believe in the value of surgical audit and standardisation of techniques and appraising innovations. In my role as a lead colposcopist I trained many of the staff who successfully completed their British certification and contributed greatly to service development and audits. I am leading the teaching and research on the Novel technique of Vnote. I aspire to contribute with the help of the BSGE and its members to produce the best evidence in current novel concepts and innovation in gynaecologic surgery and ambulatory gynaecology.

Miss Antoun is a Consultant Gynaecologist at the Birmingham Women’s & Children’s Hospital specialising in minimal access surgery, particularly endometriosis and advanced endoscopic procedures. She has completed her training in advanced laparoscopic surgery and colposcopy at Birmingham Women’s Hospital and was a research fellow at University of Birmingham. She authored and co-authored peer-reviewed publications, presented both nationally and internationally on numerous occasions and received both national and international prizes at scientific meetings for her contribution and work in minimally invasive gynaecological surgery.

In 2022, she was elected as a BSGE council member responsible for the trainee’s portfolio, and was re-elected in 2024 as senior council member overseeing the laparoscopic training portfolio. She continues to participate as facilitator for the RCOG/BSGE Laparoscopic training courses, and works as part of the team to help deliver the successful and popular national RIGs Hub National Training Programme.

To date, the BSGE has provided me with an amazing network of friends, colleagues and mentors. Throughout my training, it has provided the resources and collaborations to achieve sought goals. As a newly elected council member, I am excited about the opportunities to work within the committee and amongst the membership to develop training platforms and resources for pre-operative imaging in minimally invasive gynaecology.

I trained in advanced gynaecological ultrasound and minimal access surgery at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, where I completed a three-year OOP research fellowship and then the advanced laparoscopy ATSM. I now work as a consultant at Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, which is an accredited BSGE Endometriosis Centre with an innovative robotic service.

I have trained in ultrasound diagnosis and mapping of endometriosis and am passionate about addressing the delay in diagnosis nationally, improving diagnostics and developing one-stop clinics for women, building the bridge between community and tertiary level care. I’m committed to improving training in gynaecological imaging, which is hugely beneficial for counselling of patients, providing a timely diagnosis and treatment planning. My research areas include ultrasound assessment of endometriosis, the natural history of endometriosis and the relationship between endometriosis and pregnancy.

Mr Tony Chalhoub is a highly skilled and dedicated gynaecological surgeon with extensive expertise in laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery. With a career committed to advancing minimally invasive surgical techniques, Mr Chalhoub has trained and mentored surgeons not only across the UK but also throughout Europe and the Middle East. His training programmes have reached surgeons in countries including Germany, France, Italy, Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, Dubai, Lebanon, and Iraq, ensuring that the latest innovations in surgery are widely disseminated and adopted.

Carrying the UK flag as a pioneer in the field, Mr Chalhoub is known for his innovative approach to surgery and surgical education. A leading educator and sought-after international speaker, Mr Chalhoub has presented at numerous national and international conferences, sharing insights on the latest advancements in laparoscopic and robotic surgery. He has earned a reputation as a respected thought leader, shaping the future of surgical practice worldwide.

Driven by a passion for improving patient outcomes. Mr Chalhoub has continually pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in surgery, combining technical precision with a dedication to fostering the next generation of surgeons. His contributions as an educator and speaker have had a lasting impact on the global surgical community.

His work in developing new approaches to minimally invasive surgery—especially in robotics, myomectomies, and endometriosis—has set new global standards for gynaecological care. His passion for innovation, patient-centred care, and education ensures that his legacy will continue to impact the field for generations to come.

As a Consultant Minimal access surgeon at the Southern Endometriosis center I have been tasked to develop a minimal access service and more recently expand this as a robotic service. This has been a challenge and one for which I am keen to offer my experience on the journey for anyone else who wishes to develop their services.

I have been a member of the BSGE since 2015 and I have had an active role in the society website and communications. I have enjoyed doing this and the service that has driven me to stand for the council to represent your views which I have been given during my time on the editorial board of the journal.

With support from the society, I have travelled abroad, visiting centres of excellence and gained experience from other colleagues. This is one of the most valuable opportunities offered by the society and I would aim to strengthen relationship with recognised training hospitals abroad. I am part of the faculty at the University in Bologna – Masters in minimally invasive surgery. This experience will enable me to help support others wanting to gain similar exposure. If elected I would endeavour to help strengthen the research profile and advanced training opportunities, especially for trainees, through collaboration and partnership with other centres abroad.

I feel really honoured to be appointed as a senior council member of the BSGE in 2022. The BSGE council oversees a vast program of medical education and surgical governance that I have admired for many years. This remit of work provides an opportunity and community for all members to learn, develop and safely practice endoscopic surgery.

Joining this esteemed council as chair of Award and Bursaries (A&B) has given me the direct opportunity support the continued professional development for all our members. During this time, we were able to increase funding for trainees and nurse specialists during challenging financial times.

I am excited to have moved on to the international relations portfolio and hope to build the profile of our society overseas. We are working to achieve an increased international presence through four streams: education; conferences; societal relations; and research. 

In my clinical practice I work as a consultant gynaecologist and endometriosis specialist at Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital. I work full-time as a gynaecological surgeon specialising in excision surgery for people with endometriosis. I have completed a post graduate Medical Doctorate research degree from Queen Mary University of London evaluating diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in endometriosis care. Through this work I have, with collaborators, published over 30 peer reviewed publications in the area of endometriosis. I feel fortunate to have received national recognition awards from NHS improvement, The British Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy and Health Education England.  

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Consultant Gynaecologist

University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff

Lead Hysteroscopy Nurse; Lead Colposcopy Nurse; CSPL

Bradford Royal Infirmary

Endometriosis Clinical Nurse Specialist

Guys and St Thomas NHS Trust

Zahra Azeem is an ST7 trainee in West Midlands undertaking Advanced Laparoscopic Excision of Benign Disease (ALAP) ATSM. She has a strong track record in laparoscopic surgery, gynaecological ultrasound, and multidisciplinary care for patients with chronic pelvic pain.

Zahra has been actively involved in national and regional teaching, serving as faculty on several BSGE-endorsed training courses including the Pre-ASM Advanced Ultrasound Course and BSGE RIGS Course. She is passionate about surgical education and is currently developing a National Gynaecological Ultrasound Training Programme for trainees.

In parallel with her clinical work, Zahra leads and collaborates on a range of research projects focusing on diagnostic pathways in endometriosis, intraoperative imaging innovations and the use of Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) in laparoscopy. She has authored many peer reviewed publications and won awards for her projects.

As Senior Trainee Representative on the BSGE Council, Zahra is committed to representing the voice of trainees, supporting equitable access to high-quality training opportunities, and shaping the future of minimally invasive gynaecological surgery through innovation, inclusion, and excellence.

Now Post-CCT, I am undertaking a Robotic Fellowship at CEMIG London with Mr Shaheen Khazali, continuing to build on my passion for minimally invasive and robotic surgery. I believe robotics represents the future of complex benign gynaecological surgery, and I’m keen to be part of shaping how we train the next generation in this field.

As the BSGE Council Senior Trainee Representative, I continue to champion high-quality surgical education and engagement among trainees. During my time as the BSGE Regional Representative for KSS, I organised training days and courses to encourage hands-on learning and confidence in advanced laparoscopic skills.

My involvement with the BSGE Robotics Subcommittee has given me valuable insight into how we can develop structured, accessible robotic training pathways within benign gynaecology. I’m particularly enthusiastic about supporting the RCOG Robotic SITM and helping to integrate robotics more fully into mainstream surgical training.

I am also a member of the BSGE Endometriosis Centres Subcommittee and am actively involved in shaping the new BSGE database.

My focus remains on ensuring that trainees and new consultants have the tools, guidance and opportunities to excel — and that the BSGE continues to lead the way in advancing innovation and excellence in gynaecological surgery.

As a BSGE administrator, I am dedicated to providing essential support to the BSGE manager in handling day-to-day tasks and ensuring the smooth functioning of our society. My personal interest in the BSGE stems from my own experience with gynaecological conditions, which has fostered a genuine commitment to women’s health. Embracing my role in the background, I take pride in contributing in any way possible to promote excellence in women’s healthcare. The collaborative and passionate atmosphere within the BSGE community inspires me to continue working diligently, knowing that every effort made contributes to the advancement of gynaecological care.

Dr Jane Gilbert qualified as a doctor from St Mary’s Hospital Medical School just as it was being eaten up by Imperial College. She has been working for the past eighteen years as a health journalist. She has been published widely and created content for Roche Pharmaceuticals, Diabetes Wales, Hamlyn books, Boots, ITV and Channel 4 and a number of NHS Trusts.

She is currently employed as the BSGE’s assistant editor as well as creating digital health information ‘prescriptions’ for the E-Health company Pocket Medic.

As BSGE Manager, with over 15 years of dedicated service, my role is to be the first point of contact and a reliable support system for all BSGE members. I take pride in coordinating and managing various events and activities that contribute to the growth and development of our society. From organizing educational workshops to coordinating engaging conferences, I am dedicated to ensuring that our members have access to enriching experiences. I look forward to continuing to support and strengthen the BSGE as we collectively work towards advancing the field and benefiting our members. Please feel free to reach out to me for any inquiries or assistance,