Ben is a diligent and kind person. He is passionate about medical education and representing trainee views. His desire to enhance medical education can be seen through all the work he has done regionally with the deanery. He has an excellent understanding of the training and educational needs of orthopaedic training, and is in tune with using technology to maximise educational benefits for surgeons. Ben is organised and responsive, and I cannot think of anyone better to be the next SAC Representative. Charmilie Chandrakumar

I am delighted to support Ibrahim in his application for the Specialty Advisory Committee Representative role for BOTA. Ibrahim is an exceptionally hardworking and organized trainee, with a deep commitment to improving orthopaedic education. He consistently demonstrates strong leadership and plays a key role in guiding and advising junior trainees. His mentorship goes beyond clinical instruction—he provides invaluable career advice, support, and practical guidance to help trainees navigate the complexities of orthopaedic training. His approachable nature and willingness to share knowledge make him a trusted mentor and a positive influence on those around him. Ibrahim is passionate about enhancing the training experience, particularly through the integration of modern technologies. He actively contributes to curriculum development and advocates for changes that improve the quality of training for all. His clear communication skills, collaborative approach, and dedication to the specialty make him well-suited to represent the orthopaedic training community on the Specialty Advisory Committee. I am confident that Ibrahim will bring a fresh perspective and unwavering commitment to the role, and I fully support his candidacy. Kanwal Cheema

I would like to nominate Nat Green for the BOTA SAC representative role for this year. Having worked with her since core training, I know she has an absolute passion for all things educational as well as a strong leadership background from her time in the Royal Navy earlier in her medical career. Educationally, she is an ATLS instructor, helps looks after the Guyanese orthopaedic training programme (World Orthopaedic Concern) and recently co-ran the West Midlands deanery FRCS revision course. In the past, she has had higher educational experiences, taking a full-time role within the Defence Medical Services and helping reshape the military ‘Defence Medic’ course. Having recently experienced the FRCS exam, she is well placed and keen to gain a greater insight into the educational background of this, as well as understand how to make improvements for future trainees. As a current and previous rota registrar, Nat has always maintained an advocacy towards her fellow trainees. During the time of a number of trust mergers in the wider region, she has stepped up to represent the resident doctors and liaise with management to ensure fair pay. I have no doubt that she will continue to keep trainees’ best interests at the forefront during this role. Well-respected by peers and seniors alike, she is often able to find the common ground during discussions, working to bring everyone together. I feel as a highly engaged and capable trainee, Nat would be ideally placed for the representative role. James Archer

I am writing to express my full support for Mr Pedro Ferreira, a highly dedicated ST7 trainee currently on the Oswestry rotation. Having known Pedro for a number of years, I have full confidence in his ability to represent trainees on the BOTA committee as SAC Representative. Mr Ferreira has demonstrated exceptional clinical expertise and leadership abilities throughout his time in training. His experience working with the Stoke Major Trauma Unit is particularly noteworthy - during his tenure, he played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration between clinical and management teams. Mr Ferreira’s effective communication skills and diplomatic approach enabled him to unite colleagues, leading to a significant increase in departmental funding for Trauma and Orthopaedic Services. This increased funding facilitated the recruitment of multiple new staff members, strengthening the department's capacity to provide high-quality patient care. Moreover, Mr Ferreira's efforts were instrumental in establishing a separate, independent spinal unit, further enhancing the department's specialised services. Mr Ferreira has networked with the BOTA committee this year and discussed ongoing plans with our outgoing SAC Rep Mr Dash. He has discussed his application with his regional TPD and has full support for the study leave required to undertake this role effectively. He has a working knowledge of the requirement of the role and I am confident that she will be a valuable asset to the National Committee. Dominic Waugh

I first met Beth in 2017 when, as a medical student, she launched an initiative to engage more women in Orthopaedics within her university cohort. This event led her to launch a survey around how BOTA could better involve, learn from and listen to medical students. It won’t come as much of a surprise that she then went on to work along side me as the Medical Student rep on the BOTA Committee. It has been a privilege to remain involved in Beth’s orthopaedic journey and I can say that she would be an asset to the BOTA Committee and the membership/community they serve. She is phenomenally hard working, a completer:finisher to the core, while bringing creative and insightful solutions to problems that declare themselves. She is an active listener, a team worker and able to get people to open up to her about issues they find challenging – a key skill in any regional rep. I could write pages more about her but I hope you can see, as I do, that she is the clear choice for the betterment of orthopaedics within the Scottish and wider UK landscape. Simon Fleming

I’m delighted to nominate Chryssa as the Scotland Rep for BOTA. I first met Chryssa at a conference when we were both preparing for core surgical training in Trauma and Orthopaedics. Since then, she’s been an incredible colleague and friend, and I’ve seen firsthand just how dedicated and hardworking she is. She has trained in the Northern Deanery before moving to Scotland to continue her journey. She’s someone who consistently goes above and beyond to support her team and improve patient care. Over the years, I’ve heard great feedback from her colleagues at various conferences and her being one of the South East Scotland nominees for Bon Oeuf Prize highlights how well-respected she is. I know she’d be a great addition to the team as she will bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm to BOTA. Please feel free to reach out if you’d like more information. Thank you for your time. Sarah Shammout

Miss Zace would be an outstanding addition to the BOTA Committee as Scotland Representative for the 24 / 25 AGM. Miss Zace has taken on multiple roles within the West Scotland Region demonstrating leadership experience, commitment patient care and development of excellence. This has included running regional journal club and as Chief Registrar for NHS Clyde. She is an excellent communicator and has an innate ability to build strong relationships with colleagues. In addition to supporting trainees through the region in their development, Miss Zace would bring diversity to the role. As an international medical graduate who trained in England before starting ST3 in Scotland, Miss Zace brings a lived experience to the role which will allow her to represent trainees from a variety of backgrounds. Pamela has networked with the BOTA committee this year and discussed ongoing plans with me for the next year. I am confident that she will be a valuable asset to the National Committee. Dominic Waugh

It is my view that Mr. Waugh is an excellent candidate to this position due to his experience in the current role in the committee and his understanding of the financial pressures involved in delivering the service expected and deserved by BOTA members, including charitable projects. He briefly studied accounting in his early education and fiercely advocates financial responsibility. He has shown resolve in his current post as Scotland rep. and has delivered the STOTS national meeting and social programme. He also succesfully delivered the social programme at BOTA and BOA within budget constraints. In the last year, he has accumulated further important positions in the RCPSG trainee committee and the NHS NES Surgery STB. This required efficient time management and he was able to represent trainees’ views fairly and unbiasedly. As part of social responsibility, he acted on the results of the EXPOSED trial by encouraging Scottish trainees to discuss and engage with radiation protection. I fully endorse his application and I have no doubt he will continue to demonstrate efficiency and sensitivity in this new role. Pedro Ferreria