Day One

Day one set an energetic pace with the Mercian Microsurgery session from Gráinne Bourke on microsurgery in children, followed by a fascinating Hunterian Lecture from Tom Andrew on using AI to improve clinical outcomes for skin cancer patients, a timely topic that sparked plenty of conversation about how these tools can be integrated. The programme continued with sessions on limb reconstruction and head and neck & facial palsy, before closing with the New Consultants Forum, an important addition to Congress that was clearly valued by colleagues navigating the realities of early consultant life.

  

Day Two

Day two opened with sessions on aesthetics and paediatric plastic surgery, and theexcellent Hunterian Lecture from Mr Niall Bulstrode on developing a holistic approach to the surgical management of congenital ear deformities. The Gillies Lecture from Professor Peter Dziewulski was particularly moving, exploring how Stoic virtues: wisdom, courage, justice and temperance, can help surgeons meet the emotional and ethical pressures of burn care, and how this aligns with Gillies' principles and broader reconstructive ethos. Sessions on breast and burns maintained the momentum, and it was a real pleasure to be joined by our Irish colleagues for a session that underlined the value of shared learning across neighbouring associations.

 

A highlight across the three days was the Association Dinner at Titanic Belfast. A memorable evening in one of the city's most striking venues, and an ideal opportunity to network and strengthen the sense of community that remains at the heart of the Association.

  

Day Three

Day three brought a wide-ranging programme with sessions on skin and sarcoma, hand surgery and a research and innovation session. The John Potter Lecture, delivered by Ravi Mahajan, was a highlight, showcasing transformative impact of sustainable cleft lip and palate care in India. We also heard an outstanding and very relevant military session from Mr Graham Lawton.

Following last year's success, the Women in Plastic Surgery Symposium was brought into the main programme as a session, which is an important signal of its place in our shared priorities. BFIRST and JPRAS sessions added a welcome global and academic perspective, and Congress concluded with an international collaborative association session where we were joined by Presidents from our partner countries including India, Egypt, Australia, Argentina and Ireland.

 

Alongside the main scientific programme, Friday hosted the 8th Plastic Surgery Nurses Education Day, and sincere thanks to Reena Agarwal and Claire Porter for convening another excellent day for our nursing colleagues, whose contribution is fundamental to patient care and to the function of every unit.

 

The recording of the sessions at BAPRAS Congress 2025 will become available to members in 2026.