BABS Medicolegal Course 2026

Module 1

The Legal Landscape For Surgeons

Zoom

Thu 9th April, 19:00 – 20:30

An overview of GMC regulatory processes, Fitness to Practise procedures, and medicolegal risk in UK surgery.

Learning Objectives:

Explain how GMC Fitness to Practise procedures operate and where surgeons interact with regulatory processes.
Understand UK healthcare governance, professional accountability and legal responsibilities.
Apply systemic, procedural, and legal knowledge, including consent, documentation, and AI, to clinical practice safely and confidently.

Format:

Course Introduction
Presentations

Speakers

Jessica Norlay

Solicitor – Clinical Negligence at Capsticks LLP

Chris Lawlor

General Medical Council – Senior Regional Liaison Adviser

Professor Rotimi Jaiyesimi

Associate Medical Director for Patient Safety • Medicolegal Expert • Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Mr Olusola Oni

Expert Witness • Former GMC council member • Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon

Mr Edward St John

Concentric Health – Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer • Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon • Honorary Associate Professor.

Module 2

Race, Regulation and Risk

Zoom

Wed 29th April, 19:00 – 20:30

Do you know how to safeguard yourself when bias or unsafe conditions arise?

Learning Objectives:

Review how landmark cases and bias can influence professional risk, regulatory scrutiny, and career progression, and use these insights to anticipate and navigate challenges in practice.
Evaluate the adequacy of different types of indemnity and professional support for managing medicolegal risk.
Develop strategies to navigate challenging environments while maintaining resilience, well-being, and professional integrity.

Format:

Cased based Learning
Panel Discussion

Talks:

Landmark Cases, Personal Risk and Safety

Explore how landmark regulatory cases shape clinical decision-making, professional accountability, and personal risk.

Speakers

Adam Smith

Hempsons London - Partner and specialist in Regulatory, Crime and Inquests

Professor Rotimi Jaiyesimi

Associate Medical Director for Patient Safety • Medicolegal Expert • Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Miss Evelyn Mensah

President of Ophthalmology Section of the Royal Society of Medicine • Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon

Panel Discussion:

Claims, Coverage and Protection

Are you confident your indemnity covers every situation?

Panellists

Kamal Bedi

NHS Resolution - Deputy Director of Claims Management

Mr Mark Henley

President of the Confederation of British Surgery • Lead on the Surgical Advisory Service • Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon

Dr James Thorpe

Medical Protection Society - Medicolegal Consultant

Module 3

Medicolegal and Coroner Cases

Zoom

Thu 7th May, 19:00 – 20:30

Learn how coroners’ inquests affect your surgical role and professional responsibilities. Gain expert insight to demystify the process and strengthen your preparedness for these professional situations.

Learning Objectives:

Recognise the roles of expert witnesses and coroners, and understand the legal frameworks involving surgeons in investigations and inquests.
Explain surgeons’ responsibilities in medicolegal and coroner cases, including documentation, communication, and preparation for inquiries.
Discuss and reflect on lessons from cases to enhance professional practice, patient safety, and risk management.

Format:

Presentations
Pre-reading course material for the Interactive seminar with breakout rooms for Cased Based Learning

Speakers

Coroner Jacqueline Devonish

HM Senior Coroner for Cheshire

Professor Frank Chinegwundoh MBE

Expert Witness of the Year 2019 • Medicolegal Expert • Consultant Urological Surgeon

Mr Andrew Alalade

Expert Witness • Consultant Neurosurgeon

Module 4

Clinical Governance and Defensive Practice

Zoom

Wed 27th May, 19:00 – 20:30

Do you understand how governance tools protect your patients — and your career? Could routine clinical or non-clinical roles expose you to legal or professional risk?

Learning Objectives:

Recognise the medicolegal aspects of surgeons’ practice across clinical, non-clinical, and private contexts;
Understand and apply governance tools—such as incident reporting, risk registers, and the Serious Incident Framework—and how they may inform medicolegal decisions, including negligence investigations.
Develop skills in documentation, case reflection, and strategies to maintain professional integrity, resilience, and best practice in complex or high-risk situations.

Format:

Presentations
Panel Discussion
Pre-reading course material for the Interactive seminar with breakout rooms for Cased Based Learning

Speakers

Mrs Beth Donaldson-Hugh

Clinical Governance Lead for Neurosurgery • Consultant Neurosurgeon

Dr Heidi Mounsey

Medical Protection Society - Medicolegal Consultant

Dr Emma Green

Medical Protection Society - Medicolegal Consultant

Professor Frank Chinegwundoh MBE

Expert Witness of the Year 2019 • Medicolegal Expert • Consultant Urological Surgeon

Mr Olusola Oni

Expert Witness • Former GMC council member • Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon

Module 5

Managing Public and Online Presence

Zoom

Wed 10th June, 19:00 – 20:30

Understand how public visibility and media interactions affect your professional reputation.

Learning Objectives:

Recognise the impact of visibility on professional scrutiny and risk, including hypervisibility for underrepresented surgeons.
Understand ethical communication in public and online spaces, including guidance on social and traditional media.
Apply practical strategies to manage your public presence, protect your reputation, and engage confidently in professional interactions.

Format:

Presentations
Quick Fire Coaching

Speakers

Nicky Swire

The Academy of Medical Sciences - News and Media Manager

Miss Evelyn Mensah

President of Ophthalmology Section of the Royal Society of Medicine • Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon

Ms Louise Alder

BABS Education and Training Lead • Consultant Oncoplastic Breast and Skin Surgeon