Two Medical Specialist Group consultants have received Royal College appointments that will place them at the heart of medical education and professional assessment in the UK.
Dr Kalaivani Ramalingam has progressed to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists’ Part 3 OSCE Examination Committee after seven years as an examiner, while Mr Jay Allu has achieved his longstanding ambition of becoming an examiner for the Royal College of Surgeons of England covering the final part two OSCE examination.
The roles help to ensure that local clinical expertise aligns closely with UK standards, providing reassurance that patients continue to receive care benchmarked against the wider NHS healthcare system.
The selection process for examiners takes around eight months from application to confirmation, involving a rigorous assessment of potential candidate’s clinical expertise and a peer review from colleagues.
Medical examiners can hold their post for six years, with a minimum commitment of five examining days per year.
Both consultants will support the assessment of doctors and surgeons undertaking Royal College exams in the UK, and internationally, which must be passed for postgraduate professionals to progress with their chosen specialty and become a consultant.
Dr Ramalingam, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, said: “I wanted to be an examiner to maintain my strong interest in medical education and to keep in touch with current guidance and practice in UK, which often changes as new research and studies emerge.
“The appointment represents a personal milestone and valuable recognition from peers within the profession.”
Mr Allu, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon, said: “My motivation for pursuing the examiner role is to give back to the profession that has shaped my career. I grew up in awe of surgeons who held this qualification, and I wear it myself with pride and gratitude.
“It’s my way of supporting others on their own journey towards becoming qualified surgeons who are held to international standards, just as I once looked up to those who guided me.”
Michelle Le Cheminant, MSG Chair, said: “We are incredibly proud to see two of our clinicians achieve career milestones. Their new roles reinforce the MSG’s ability to attract and retain consultants who are recognised nationally within their specialties. It is also testament to the respect and support that Kalaivani and Jay have from their peers and their incredibly high standard of patient care.”
Pictured: Left to right – Kalaivani Ramalingam, Jay Allu
