6 September 2024: The Council for The Royal Society of Medicine is establishing a new Section for Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery next month (October 2024).
This is the first time in decades that a new Section has been added to the RSM and this formally recognises aesthetics as a medical speciality.
Named The RSM Section of Aesthetic Medicine & Surgery (RSM SAMAS), it will be led by its first president, Dr Christopher Rowland Payne, Consultant Dermatologist, and will undertake the following:
- Promote evidence-based best practice in the field of surgical and non-surgical aesthetics to improve outcomes for patients.
- Provide a forum for scientific debate in the field of aesthetic practice to enhance best patient outcomes.
- Elevate professional standards and safety across the field of aesthetic medicine and surgery.
- Provide regular educational events to support relevant medical and dental professionals.
Dr Christopher Rowland Payne, Consultant Dermatologist, said: “This is a significant and historic moment for the RSM as, for the first time, it recognises aesthetic medicine and surgery as a speciality.
“Aesthetic medicine and surgery are multi-disciplinary areas and have for decades worked alongside other branches of medicine. As a result, this new Section will be pooling expertise and will embrace not only dermatologists but surgeons, physicians, dentists, and other GMC-registered doctors, all of whom have an interest in this growing area. RSM SAMAS will follow the principles of good clinical medicine in a collegiate and inclusive manner.
“Aesthetic medicine should not be seen as an industry or a shop, where people can ask for what they want. It should be regarded as any other branch of medicine, where the patient asks a doctor for advice which they can then take or not.”
Professor Gillian Leng CBE, President, Royal Society of Medicine, said: “We are delighted to incorporate this new Section for Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery into the Royal Society of Medicine. This is an important and growing medical field and one that deserves to be recognised in its own right.
“The new Section will be drawing on the support of the world’s leading experts and emerging research evidence in this area. By sharing learning and best practice, it will support the Society’s educational mission of better healthcare for better lives.” 2
The RSM Section of Aesthetic Medicine & Surgery (RSM SAMAS), will be the RSM’s 56th Section. It will formally commence on 1 October 2024 and, ahead of this, will be the Royal Society of Medicine’s inaugural RSM Aesthetics Congress. This will see speakers from around the world attend the two-day Congress (6 and 7 September 2024) which will include presentations and workshops led by a faculty of 40 experts on anatomy, aesthetic technologies and treatment approaches.
Dr Christopher Rowland Payne, Consultant Dermatologist, added: “It is crucial that we refocus on placing patient care at the heart of everything we do. We must elevate standards of care and safety and uphold excellence in teaching. The Congress will serve as a vital platform to achieve these goals.”
