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Hello Everyone!
My name is Alex Fraser and I’m excited to apply for the Role of EDI representative in Cutting Edge.
I am passionate about making a career in surgery a space where all students regardless of gender, ethnicity, background or identity feel represented, welcomed and empowered to feel they belong.

In the past surgery has carried a long history of exclusivity and while progress has been made there is still much work to do to ensure the field reflects the diversity of today’s medical students. Through this role I would aim to create initiatives to celebrate diversity - particularly for groups historically underrepresented in surgery - including women, ethnic minorities and LGBTQ+ students.

A key focus of mine if elected would be to organise events that highlight diverse role models and their lived experiences, such as Women in Surgery events, inclusive skills workshops and any other events students feedback to me they feel they would benefit from. I am a friendly, approachable person who would be there to discuss anything members of the society are concerned about EDI and am excited to work alongside the welfare team in this regard.

Another priority for me would be to focus on improvement of financial accessibility within the society. Whether it’s working to offer subsidised tickets to conferences, travel support for external events or free practical workshops, I want to make sure no student feels left out due to cost. Talent and passion for surgery shouldn’t be limited by financial barriers.

I believe it is important for students to be able to see themselves in roles that they aspire to go into. If elected I would run a monthly EDI newsletter to celebrate firsts in surgery to remind students of the progress being made and how we are entering a generation of change where no one should be discouraged from surgery for any external reason.

EDI is not just a tick box exercise – it is the foundation to a stronger, more compassionate and functional healthcare system and I am passionate about driving this within medical students university life.

I appreciate your consideration for this role. Thank you!
Alex :)