The art of noticing: Micro-assertions for patient safety
9th September 2026, 11:00 to 12:00 BST
Overview
Sustained education and scholarship over more than 20 years have increased baseline knowledge about the link between surgical workforce DEI and patient safety. However, emerging evidence suggests that translation of knowledge into collegial actions such as noticing and addressing inequity remains uneven. This webinar will present a research update and practical suggestions for how to use micro-assertions effectively, both verbal and non-verbal.
Aims
To strengthen the ability of clinicians and leaders to recognise and address inequity in surgical workplaces through timely, effective workplace actions.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this webinar, attendees should be able to:
- Summarise current evidence on surgical workforce diversity, equity and inclusion and its link to patient safety
- Identify examples of behavioural, environmental and structural inequity arising in surgical contexts.
- Plan and practice effective micro‑assertions to raise awareness, prompt reflection, reinforce expectations and support colleagues.
Panellists
Our panellists include:
A/Prof. Rhea Liang
Rhea Liang is a general and breast surgeon on the Gold Coast of Australia, medical educator, and MD Curriculum Lead at Bond University. She researches and advocates in breast cancer, medical education, diversity, and workplace culture.
She has a 'conventional' career, for example serving on the British Journal of Surgery editorial board and the American College of Surgeons International Relations Committee, but has also been variously described as a diversity advocate, systems change leader, and 'that noisy woman' for her work with the Operate With Respect project of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the development of the Australian federal A Better Culture curriculum. In 2023, she became the first Australian woman awarded FRCSEng(Hon) to recognise two decades of contribution to surgical education and workforce diversity.
Dr Simon Fleming
Simon Fleming is a consultant orthopaedic hand and wrist surgeon, medical educator and culture change advocate, with an acclaimed international reputation for his trailblazing work.
He has a clinical focus on complex trauma, as well as the management of arthritis, Dupuytren’s disease and other challenging conditions of the hand and wrist. Dr Fleming is a founding member of the International Orthopaedic Diversity Alliance (IODA) and currently serves on the Executive Board of the Faculty of Surgical Trainers. He is a past Associate Editor for Medical Education and The Clinical Teacher, and is a current member of the Editorial Board of the British Journal of Surgery. His scholarly work, as well as his widely recognised and influential presence on social media, engages a global audience in evidence-informed discussion on surgical education, assessment, professionalism, workforce sustainability and training culture
CPD
1 Hour
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Recording
A recording of the webinar will be made available on this page in the days following the live broadcast.
