About Us

ASGBI is the statutory organisation representing general surgeons in the UK and Ireland. The Association was established in 1920 and has a long history of providing information, advice, opportunities for further education and networking for its members. It provides leadership in general and emergency surgery and collates sub-specialist knowledge from 12 sister organisations who comprise modern general surgery.

The founding objectives of the Association, were twofold – the advancement of the science and art of surgery and the promotion of friendship amongst surgeons; these objectives remain the same today.

EDI @ ASGBI

The core values of ASGBI lie in the desire to promote the highest standard in the practice of General Surgery, for the benefit of patients and members.

We at the ASGBI understand that equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are very important as we strive for excellence. Our members come from every walk of life and, therefore, to represent them effectively, so should we. The ASGBI recognises that inclusion is about the choices we make, the words we use and the actions that we take every day.  It is essential that our members are respectful and open to ideas, perspectives and outlooks different from their own. The ASGBI association expects all members to uphold this ethos in their interactions with patients and colleagues alike. The ASGBI is well aware of the true benefits that equality, diversity and inclusion can bring. We recognise its positive effect on innovation, quality of care and the well-being of the workforce.  As such, the ASGBI will ensure equality is at the core of future work that is carried out, and we look forward to the positive impact it will have in education, research and clinical excellence.

It was an honour to serve as President of ASGBI, an organisation that brings general surgeons together to share knowledge, support one another and advance our specialty. I remain closely connected to the Association, which continues to be a vital home for collaboration, education and leadership in surgery across the UK and Ireland.

Professor Rowan Parks

ASGBI President 2017–2018
Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh President 2022-2025
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