Orthopaedic surgeon appointed regional programme director | News

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mr Syed Ahmed has been appointed Programme Director in Trauma and Orthopaedics for the Kent, Surrey and Sussex deanery.

The deanery is responsible for training, recruiting and managing 38,000 learners – specialty trainees and foundation doctors – across the south east, as they work towards becoming consultants.

It covers a large area spanning 14 NHS trusts and 250 general practices, and Trauma and Orthopaedics is one of eight training programmes within its School of Surgery.

Mr Ahmed is an orthopaedic surgeon at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, and has a specialist interest in hip surgery and a strong commitment to advancing surgical training.

He has previously served as Programme Director for core surgery training, a two-year programme which provides resident doctors with the surgical skills for higher specialty training.

Speaking about his appointment, he said: “I’m passionate about developing the next generation of surgeons and take pride in creating a supportive, hands-on learning environment.

“I believe good training blends technical skill, clinical judgement, and professional growth — and I aim to model all three in my daily practice.”

After medical school, graduates spend two years as a foundation doctor, followed by two years of core training before progressing to higher training in their chosen specialty.

The Trauma and Orthopaedics programme takes six years, and trainees usually spend two years in one hospital trust and then another two years in a trust close by. This allows working and training relationships to be fostered and creates a stable platform for research projects.

The first year (ST3) is usually spent doing trauma. In ST4 trainees gain skills in hip and knee surgery. ST5-7 allows progression through the subspecialties in trauma and orthopaedics: foot and ankle surgery, shoulder surgery, spine surgery, paediatric orthopaedics and hand surgery.

The trust’s Chief Executive, Miles Scott said: “I’m pleased to congratulate Mr Ahmed on his appointment. It’s important we offer the best training and development opportunities to tomorrow’s surgeons and his new role reflects our collective commitment to growing the next generation of healthcare professionals.”