ASiT Yearbook 2011 - The Association of Surgeons in Training

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not to put the poisoned chalice back into the hands of
the profession. I wonder where the fingers will be
pointing in 5 years time when the NHS has become
more frugal and there is a media outcry over
“rationing”.
Thank you
One of the stalwarts of the association is Suzy Mercer
who goes above and beyond her duty as secretariat for
the association. The ASiT machine is run with military
precision by Suzy and Kristina and we are lucky to have
them on our conference team too.
The ASiT Executive has been fabulous this year. As
always the majority of the work is done by a few, and all
that work in their own time. I, like them, never looked
forward quite so much before this year to public
holidays and annual leave so I could “really get something
done”. The exec has my sincerest gratitude - thank you
to Simon, Goldie, Bettina, Jonny, Jess and David. A
special thanks to our Treasurer Rob for picking up the
baton and giving the association financial stability and
the trustees better quality sleep. I’m sure you all agree
that Ed has surpassed himself with such a great
conference. He has also been the font of all ASiT-related
knowledge, has passed on much valuable information
and always been available for advice and direction.
When I look at where my personal journey started with
ASiT, I have an immense sense of pride about all that
the association has achieved over the last three decades.
We have a niche that has blossomed to provide all
trainees with an independently mandated, well
connected, highly productive, record breaking and social
benefit.
It might feel like we work in gloomy times with constant
worries over surgical training and patient care, but I
would never discourage doctors who choose a career
in surgery. Having toured medical school surgical
societies I have no doubt that the future of the
profession will be in safe hands and it is good to see so
many medical students interested and enthusiastic about
a career in surgery. It is still the best job in the world,
and we should all take heart and inspiration from our
colleagues to strive for excellence.
TRAINING & CAREERS POLITICAL PORTFOLIO ASiT COUNCIL ASiT EXECUTIVE
SCIENTIFIC
ASiT - the pursuit of excellence in training
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STUDENTS