Max's Trust Present at Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh

Kate and Kate outside the RCSEd

Surgeons News March 2026 (1) (1).pdf

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At a meeting of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Kate Tyler, a trustee and patient advocate, delivered a talk reflecting on her lived experience of complex congenital conditions and what it’s like to live more than her diagnoses.

Her presentation focused on the personal, social and healthcare‑related realities of growing up and living with multiple congenital anomalies, moving beyond medical labels to emphasise person‑centred perspectives.

This talk aimed to broaden understanding among surgical professionals about the lifelong lived experience of people with complex congenital anomalies, not just their surgical or clinical aspects.

Surgeons’ News Magazine Article

Following that presentation, Kate was invited to write an article for the Surgeons’ News magazine the publication of RCSEd that showcases insights, expert commentary, and contributions from surgeons, allied health professionals and patient advocates.

In the February 2026 edition of Surgeons’ News, her piece was published under the title “Raising the Voice of Patients – Always shine brightly. Don’t let anyone dim your light”. This article draws on her experiences and reflections to advocate for deeper awareness and empathy within surgical care.

Her work emphasises that people with rare and complex congenital conditions are more than their diagnoses — challenging stigma, highlighting daily lived reality, and encouraging healthcare professionals to listen to patient voices in shaping care and outcomes.