Post by Mareem Sami Faris

A little late in posting, but I’ve been reflecting on the Incision to Innovation Conference that took place on 31 January, which I had the pleasure of helping deliver as part of the Women in Surgery Student Association UK (WinSSA). On the day, I supported the vascular anastomosis workshop, working alongside a fantastic team to deliver a hands-on surgical skills session for students, while also contributing to the conference’s publicity in the lead-up to the event. It was not only highly insightful but also a wonderful opportunity to connect with medical students from across the UK. What struck me most was the sense of collaboration throughout the day and seeing what can be achieved when students come together with a shared passion. Despite studying the same course, the diversity in our experiences, interests, and research creates an environment where we continually learn from one another. I’m incredibly proud of everyone in WINSSA who helped make the conference happen, especially our event leads who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring it all together. A huge thank you as well to our brilliant speakers and judges, Professor Dame Averil Mansfield, Felicity Meyer, Mohammad Fallaha, and Yasmin N., for giving their time and sharing their knowledge with us. Your support plays a huge role in encouraging the next generation of surgeons to remain curious, ambitious, and committed to learning. It was an inspiring day and a reminder of the power of collaboration, mentorship, and student-led initiatives in shaping the future of surgery!