Dr Afsana Elanko honoured with Royal College of Surgeons of England Medal
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European Society of Surgical Oncology (ESSO) joins the surgical community in celebrating Dr Afsana Elanko’s achievements in surgical education. Dr Elanko – Fellow, Ambassador, and the Transversal Working Group Chair of the ESSO Education and Training Committee – has been awarded the RCS England Medal, one of the profession’s most distinguished honours.
The medal recognises her sustained leadership in surgical education, her influence on professional culture, and contributions that have, in the College’s words “benefited generations of surgeons”.
Ceremony Steeped In Tradition
Award was presented in March 2026 during a formal diplomates ceremony in London. President, Tim Mitchell signalled the weight of the occasion: “We now move onto the most important part of the ceremony”. Both Vice presidents escorted Dr Elanko to the Stage – a ceremonial gesture reserved for the College’s highest recognitions.
Dr Elanko is an internationally recognised expert in education, whose selfless and indefatigable work for the Royal College Of Surgeons Of England, and the profession more widely, has benefited generations of surgeons
Reviving Organisations, Reshaping Practice
Dr Elanko’s impact extents across institutions. As Director of Education for the British Association of Surgical Oncology, she transformed what colleagues described as “a waning organisation” into a thriving, inclusive community – introducing innovations like multidisciplinary Cancer care prizes, speed mentoring and devoting a third of the Scientific meeting for trainees’ programme ran by trainees for trainees – that have since become models for professional societies.
Her work with the General Medical Council on professionalism and good medical practice has touched every doctor practising in the UK. At the Royal Society of Medicine, she developed the Leadership and Management Masterclass and pioneered blended learning approaches now adopted widely.
Recognition Upon Recognition
The College Medal adds to a remarkable list of honours:
Royal Society of Medicine Medal (fourth recipient in its history)
Global health Medal for contributions to Education, Healthcare and Policy
Zenith Global Health Special Recognition award for sustaining international cancer surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic
“Stay Curious. Stay Humble. Stay Kind.”
Dr. Elanko’s address to the diplomates drew a standing response. The Vice President’s vote of thanks captured the room’s sentiment:
Excellence is about learning from our experiences, learning when things go wrong. Your final message – keep learning, stay curious, stay humble, stay professional, and above all, stay kind – these are very wise and inspirational words
President added simply: “Thank you for your wise words”
A Legacy Compared to John Hunter
The citation’s conclusion placed Dr Elanko in rare company, drawing a direct line to John Hunter, father of modern scientific surgery:
Like him, Dr Elanko has inspired successive generations of surgeons. Probably none of us know how many. Her legacy will be perpetuated in the skills and surgical practices of those who have benefited from a influence. She is a worthy recipient.
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