This post, originally titled "Postgraduate Dean", was established by the Society many years ago to liaise with the trainees and give then a direct link to the Executive Committee of the Society. The role involved providing career advice and pastoral care to the trainees and the incumbent is a member of the Specialist Advisory Committee.

The Executive Committee recognised the importance of involving the younger members of the profession and has further expanded the links – the Committee now has representatives both of trainees currently David Hopkinson, and also of "young" (within five years of appointment) consultants (currently Stephen Hunter).

Postgraduate education has developed and formalised within the UK and regional responsibility for education for all trainees now lies with the regional Postgraduate Dean. Thus, the similar names caused confusion and the Society has elected to change the name of our post to "Cardiothoracic Dean".

I was elected to this post last year - the constituents are the trainees and the nomination is ratified by the Executive Committee. In addition to membership of the SAC, the post also carries membership of the Examination Board (as Secretary to the Board). Having now had time to get involved in these various aspects of the post I understand more fully the responsibilities that go with it. However, I can only be effective if the trainees feel free to contact me to give me their views – I am happy to be contacted at work or at home at any time – see my homepage on the CTSnet.