It is my absolute pleasure to nominate Charmilie for the position of President. Over the past 12 months, Charmilie has been an invaluable member of the BOTA national committee in her role as Education Representative, where she organized BOTA’s flagship event, the national congress, with exceptional dedication. Charmilie’s diligence, energy, and clear vision for advancing medical education and advocating for trainees have been evident in her strong leadership. She coordinated the national committee, sponsors, and speakers with enthusiasm, resulting in one of the most successfully planned congresses to date. Additionally, as the founder of the award-winning Fundamentals of Orthopaedics online webinar series, Charmilie has demonstrated impressive technological acumen, leveraging digital platforms to greatly enhance educational access for surgeons. Her deep understanding of the challenges in T&O training is reflected in her contributions at BOA sessions this year and her work across various educational committees. I am confident that her ambition, organizational talent, and responsiveness are exactly the qualities needed in the next BOTA president. Charmilie is a dynamic and disruptive force, and I am certain she would deliver an outstanding term, championing trainee needs and setting new standards for leadership on a national scale if given this opportunity.

I am honoured to nominate Oliver Townsend for the role of President of the British Orthopaedic Trainees Association. His tenure as Sustainability and Workforce representative has been marked by his commitment to green surgery and his collaboration with the RCS and BOA on the regulation of physician associates. With a dual background in medicine and economics, he brings a rare combination of clinical expertise and strategic insight. Having worked together for almost a decade I can attest to his integrity, vision, and commitment. He is undoubtedly an excellent candidate for this position.

I am privileged to nominate Mr Vasudev Zaver for the role of BOTA President. Vas is an enthusiastic orthopaedic trainee who is passionate about improving surgical training. He has been an integral member of both the BOTA Committee and the ASiT Executive Council, contributing to landmark initiatives including the ASiT PAs in surgery report and the BOTA Census. Vas has advocated for surgical trainees across the country at national stakeholder meetings, including the JCST, ISCP, ICBSE, Trauma SAC and CSTAC, and worked tirelessly to advocate for underrepresented groups and improve culture and morale in surgery. I look forward to seeing him continue his fantastic work as the incoming BOTA President.

Mr Marios Ghobrial has demonstrated strong leadership and a consistent commitment to advocating for orthopaedic trainees through his role as the Publicity Officer. He has a proven track record in effectively increasing BOTA’s visibility and enhancing trainee engagement through social media channels. He clearly understands the training issues that require urgent attention and will be able to address them nationally in his role as an executive officer. I am confident that his dedication and strategic vision will positively impact the organisation and I am privileged to endorse him for the position of BOTA Vice President.

I have dedicated five years to BOTA, including two years on the BOTA executive, which places me in a unique position to know that Kumar would be an outstanding asset to the BOTA 2025 national committee. I fully endorse his application for the position of Vice-President. Kumar has done an outstanding job as the BOTA SAC representative over the past 12 months. His deep knowledge of T&O training, combined with his unmatched motivation to advocate for trainees' issues, truly makes his application stand out. Kumar brings a wealth of international experience and has been actively involved during his current term on multiple committees with JCIE, JCST, and ISCP, advocating for trainees on important issues such as the T&O curriculum review and enhancing support for the Section 1 exam. He is hardworking, insightful, and consistently meets deadlines, as demonstrated by his excellent contributions to the BOTA Census and BOTA Trainer of the Year working groups. Kumar is the colleague you want to plan a difficult case with or plan on how to tackle institutional change in your department. I have no doubt that he will make an excellent Vice-President, hitting the ground running on issues that truly matter to trainees.

I have had the privilege of working with James for the last 6 years, and the attributes he has consistently demonstrated make him an excellent candidate for the position of BOTA Secretary. James is diligent, organized, and values good time management and effective communication—all trademarks of a great secretary. Over the last 12 months, James has done a fantastic job on the BOTA committee as the current Webmaster, restructuring both the BOTA website and the BOTA emailing service while working closely with the current executive committee. This experience will enable a smooth transition and provide him with a deeper understanding of his new role as Secretary, Chief Data Officer, and member of the executive committee. His enthusiasm and dedication to T&O training have been evident in the excellent work he has done leading the BOTA Census group and participating in the BOTA TOTY group. I strongly support his application for the role of BOTA Secretary, and I am confident he will excel in the role given the opportunity.

Sam is a diligent and kind person. She is passionate about medical education and representing trainee views. Her desire to enhance medical education can be seen through all the work she does as the Fellow to the NHSE Future Leaders Programme 2024/25, North Yorkshire BOTA regional rep, Orthopaedic Trauma Society (OTS) trainee rep and as an executive committee member of the award-winning online webinar series Fundamental of Orthopedics programme, where she has organised multiple teaching series. She has an excellent understanding of the training and educational needs of orthopedic training, and is in tune with using technology to maximise educational benefits for surgeons. Sam is organised and responsive, and I cannot think of anyone better to be the next Education Representative. I am certain she will deliver an awesome BOTA Academic congress.

I am pleased to support John GUIRGUIS in his application to join the BOTA committee. Having supervised and worked closely with John, I have witnessed his dedication to both his personal development and the quality of training as a whole. He is a positive, proactive trainee with good organisational skills. He is well liked by everyone he works with and has good working relationships with trainees, junior and senior colleagues. He has been a collaborator on multiple collaborative studies. He has always been passionate about education with involvement in organising and delivering teaching programs, as well as sitting on the ARCP panel for junior trainees regularly. John is passionate about trainee wellbeing, sustainability and rotational training. Whether it’s advocating for better educational resources, suggesting improvements to clinical rotations, or ensuring trainees are adequately supported during high-pressure moments, John is always proactive in seeking constructive solutions. John brings a thoughtful and inclusive approach to teamwork. He is supportive of the middle grade cohort and always goes out of his way to offer help where needed. He is highly approachable and maintains a supportive presence, which has earned him the respect and trust of their peers. This quality would serve him well in a committee role, where working collaboratively to represent the interests of all trainees is essential. Having previously been on the BOTA committee myself for four years I believe John has the necessary skills to excel in one of these positions. I wholeheartedly support John’s application for this role.

Michael is an enthusiastic and focused individual who would be a welcomed addition to the BOTA committee. Having known him for a few years, he is a great team worker and is keen to promote the education of orthopaedic trainees. He has been in contact with our current Academic Representative and is aware of the responsibilities and requirements that the role entails. Michael presents an impressive academic portfolio with achievements including the Bone & Joint Publishing Core Trainee Prize 2020/2021, for which he was asked to be Featured Author in Bone & Joint 360 in July 2022. He is also accomplished in publications ranging from original data to systematic reviews, presentations at conferences, and has worked in national collaboratives to collect data and recruit patients. In addition, he has organised national courses which have achieved accreditation from the Royal College of Surgeons, and been integral to committees on quality improvement conferences. He is a good communicator, and is vocal in organisation around the KSS and South London deaneries. Furthermore, he has been the East Surrey Hospital LFG as the higher surgical trainee representative, gathering feedback and concerns and relaying them to the group. I am sure he will do a great job as the next Academic Representative.

Having worked with three different BOTA Publicity Secretaries over the last 3 years, I am in a unique position to express my enthusiastic support for nominating Meg for the role. Meg is a powerful catalyst for improvements to training within South Yorkshire. She has singlehandedly spearheaded several innovative programs that significantly enhance junior colleagues' career progression and training, facilitating a smoother transition to higher training. In addition to her exemplary leadership in training, Meg has been at the forefront of social media and communication initiatives within our rotation. She effectively utilises these platforms to keep both trainers and trainees connected, sharing regular and timely updates on regional developments and advances in our field. Meg has also played a pivotalal role in creating a monthly regional newsletter that benefits both trainees and trainers. This resource includes valuable information such as FRCS exam preparation tips, discussions on important research papers, clinical examination strategies, and essential basic science knowledge. Furthermore, the newsletter highlights personal achievements and interests, promoting a healthy work- life balance for trainees. It is interesting and engaging to read and has become a popular addition to the rota. Meg has incredible ambition and drive, and readily engages everyone she works with. She has reached out to the current Publicity secretary to further understand the challenges of the job and strategize ways to further elevate standards. She is extremely efficient, works highly effectively with colleagues, never misses deadlines, and above all tries to shine a positive light on those around her. She is a true role model to her peers and has an incredible amount to offer to BOTA.

I’d like to nominate Raashad Hasan for 2024/25 webmaster. He has previous website experience in his deanery and would be a valuable asset to the BOTA Committee.

I am delighted to nominate Florence Shekleton for the position of Women in Surgery Representative on the BOTA Committee. Florence exemplifies passion, dedication, and a commitment to supporting women in Orthopaedics. She is an excellent communicator, team worker and leader, full of innovative ideas for creating supportive environments for women in surgery and maximizing the potential of a diverse workforce. With her excellent work ethic, I have no doubt that Florence would be a very effective Women in Surgery Representative on the BOTA Committee. I entirely endorse her nomination.

I am pleased to nominate Sarah for the Culture & Diversity Representative position. Sarah joined the Birmingham Orthopaedic program in August 2023 as its first British Arab Muslim female trainee. With all her training in the West Midlands, Sarah has deep insights into how culture and religion influence health and career choices, which she brings to her work in orthopaedics. Her commitment to diversity aligns with BOTA’s inclusion goals, as she advocates for representation within the specialty, ensuring it reflects the diverse patient base it serves. Driven by a mission to increase visibility and support for those who may feel underrepresented, Sarah encourages individuals from various cultural, religious, or gender backgrounds to consider orthopaedics. She has led and participated in initiatives such as the Birmingham Orthopaedic Fair, mentoring medical students, serving as a surgical teaching fellow, and co-leading education in the Birmingham Orthopaedic Network. Here, she focuses on improving training access and visibility for students and trainees. Sarah’s values and leadership make her an ideal candidate for this role, and I am honoured to support her nomination.

I am pleased to recommend Joao Valverde for the position of Culture & Diversity Representative with BOTA. Throughout his training, Joao has demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity within the field of orthopaedics. His experience includes serving on the Royal College of Surgeons of England PRiSM Committee, where he has contributed to initiatives aimed at enhancing representation. Additionally, Joao has represented the PRiSM Committee at international conferences and collaborated with the University of Exeter to deliver impactful talks on equality and diversity. I am confident that Joao will bring the same dedication and enthusiasm to the BOTA committee

I am pleased to support John GUIRGUIS in his application to join the BOTA committee. Having supervised and worked closely with John, I have witnessed his dedication to both his personal development and the quality of training as a whole. He is a positive, proactive trainee with good organisational skills. He is well liked by everyone he works with and has good working relationships with trainees, junior and senior colleagues. He has been a collaborator on multiple collaborative studies. He has always been passionate about education with involvement in organising and delivering teaching programs, as well as sitting on the ARCP panel for junior trainees regularly. John is passionate about trainee wellbeing, sustainability and rotational training. Whether it’s advocating for better educational resources, suggesting improvements to clinical rotations, or ensuring trainees are adequately supported during high-pressure moments, John is always proactive in seeking constructive solutions. John brings a thoughtful and inclusive approach to teamwork. He is supportive of the middle grade cohort and always goes out of his way to offer help where needed. He is highly approachable and maintains a supportive presence, which has earned him the respect and trust of their peers. This quality would serve him well in a committee role, where working collaboratively to represent the interests of all trainees is essential. Having previously been on the BOTA committee myself for four years I believe John has the necessary skills to excel in one of these positions. I wholeheartedly support John’s application for this role.

I am delighted to nominate Mr Adam Pilarski for the position of BOTA Sustainability & Workforce representative. Adam is an LTFT ST5 trainee in the West Midlands, and the BOTA representative for the Warwick deanery. He has been both the T+O LTFT representative and School of Surgery SuppoRTT representative in the West Midlands for a number of years. These positions have given him a deep understanding of ongoing workforce issues for T+O trainees, as well as the JCST, RCS, HEE and BMA guidelines that are important benchmarks to ensure training and conditions for junior and senior T+O trainees are maintained at the highest standard. Having been awarded an MBA with distinction from Warwick Business School, he has extensive experience of high-pace, high-level work analysing and solving problems, as well as a solid understanding of sustainability and the business approach towards achieving carbon neutrality. His work with PwC’s Strategy& consulting division during this time demonstrated his ability to work with multiple stakeholders to achieve measurable outcomes in a short space of time. BOTA’s Top 5 Priorities for Trainees encompass a great deal of issues that fall under the remit of the sustainability and workforce rep, and I have no doubt that Mr Pilarski’s experience would be incredibly valuable in working towards achieving these. I have no hesitation in recommending him for the role, believe he would be an excellent addition to the BOTA committee.

Vikram is a hardworking and passionate individual. He cares about representing trainee views and has been advocating for trainees in his region. He has been an effective member of the BOTA congress sub-committee and has contributed to the running of the congress. He has a brilliant understanding of the training and educational needs of orthopaedic training and would be a champion of trainees regarding the sustainability and workforce of Trauma & Orthopaedics. Vikram is organised and responsive, and I cannot think of anyone better to be the next Sustainability & Workforce representative for BOTA.

Alex is an ST5 in the West Midlands. We first met over zoom when he presented some of his PhD work looking at outcomes of open tibia fractures in Malawi! He has since been ever present at World Orthopaedic Concern events and conferences, and is a true advocate for global surgery. He participates regularly in Global Surgery education events with our journal club and continues to pursue his research interest in trauma networks, cost-effectiveness interventions and policy implementation to ensure research has impact. He has also worked clinically in several LMIC trauma centres (Uganda, Cambodia and Malawi). He has always been happy to help with various WOC projects, including the onorous task of developing the website. He advocates strongly for his colleagues based in LMICs, ensuring their work is recognised on international platforms, and supports other UK-based trainees with their global surgery endeavours. He would be an exceptional Global Surgery representative for BOTA and I'm delighted that he's applying!

Mr Jonty Sterne is a motivated and enthusiastic Orthopaedic trainee who would be ideally suited to the role of Northern Ireland Representative. He has a passion for improving both training and patient care and will be an undoubted asset to the BOTA Committee if elected. BOTA plays an important role to Northern Irish trainees in maintaining close links to the greater UK Orthopaedic fraternity ensuring that local trainees remain fully involved and engaged with national initiatives and opportunities. I have no doubt Jonty will accomplish this and much more if elected and offer him my full support.

Kanwal is excited to stand for election as your Welsh BOTA representative and has full backing of the Welsh Higher Surgical Trainees. Having been a trainee in this Deanery for over eight years, she knows it is the best place to train. However, she is also aware of the challenges. Kanwal is passionate about improving training and believes that there are areas that we can develop by learning from our colleagues in other regions. Kanwal says, “I would love the opportunity to represent our Deanery nationally and continue the fantastic work undertaken by Jules, Fran and Clara in recent years. I have previously sat on the Welsh Training Committee; I am enthusiastic, organised and now also have the time to dedicate to this role. As your representative, I will advocate for the issues that affect us in Wales and with your support, hope to work to shape the future of our training."

Armandeep will be an excellent CST Rep for BOTA. She is enthusiastic and passionate about early years orthopaedic training. She has helped in organising core surgical trainee bootcamp in 2023. In her current deanery in Wales, she has pioneered a platform to discuss challenges, brainstorm solutions and share information. She has had a diverse background, both socially and professionally, which will help her in having a mature and measured perspective on issues relevant to trainees. She has been looking forward to work for trainees in BOTA, and has approached me quite early in the year to learn about the organisation, working structure and her role in representing core trainees. I have no doubt that she will excel in the role.