TWO surgeons from Newcastle Hospitals have been featured in a new exhibition by the Royal College of Surgeons, which shines a spotlight on women transforming the future of surgical practice across the UK.
Miss Isma Iqbal, consultant ENT surgeon, and Dr Nina Purvis, core surgical trainee in general surgery, were both included in ‘Insight: Portraits of Women in Surgery’, a new exhibition at the Hunterian Museum, Royal College of Surgeons of England.
The exhibition, which is open to the public until 18 April 2026, is free to attend and brings together women surgeons from a range of specialties and career stages, highlighting their experiences, motivations and the ongoing challenges they continue to navigate in a male‑dominated profession.
Isma joined Newcastle Hospitals in 2005 and specialises in rhinology (nose, sinus and nasal conditions) and anterior skull base surgery. She has built a reputation for delivering complex, minimally invasive procedures that significantly improve patients’ quality of life.
Her work and commitment to inspiring future surgeons, particularly women and those from under-represented communities, are reflected in her participation in the exhibition. She has previously spoken about her passion for encouraging aspiring surgeons and challenging perceptions of who belongs in the operating theatre.
Isma said: “The most rewarding aspect of being a surgeon is the profound impact on patient’s quality of life. I find great fulfilment in taking direct action to treat a patient and hearing first-hand how my work has transformed their wellbeing.
“My advice to future surgeons is to continuously challenges yourselves and think creatively. Never lose sight of the fact that the patient; their wishes and their care must always take centre stage.”
Nina’s career as a surgical doctor in the NHS spans medicine, astrophysics and space physiology. She recently completed a 13-month mission with the European Space Agency as research medical doctor at Concordia Station, Antarctica, one of the most extreme and isolated environments on Earth.
Her work explores how the human body adapts to extreme conditions, informing both surgical practice and the future of astronaut health. Nina’s inclusion in the exhibition recognises this unique contribution to science, medicine and surgical innovation.
Nina said: “As someone relatively early in their surgical career it’s a great honour to be included in this exhibition alongside such inspirational surgeons from a variety of specialties and career grades. To be recognised for both my surgical training and my academic interest in space medicine is important – we are shaped as surgeons not just by the training we receive on formal programs but by other experiences too and I hope this inspires others to think outside of the stereotype pathway when embarking on a surgical career.
“For me it took me to the end of the Earth and back, and I bring a skillset to the NHS that I hope will benefit my patients for the rest of my career.”
The exhibition highlights the progress made by women across the profession while acknowledging persistent inequalities, such as women remain significantly under-represented at consultant level. Each portrait is accompanied by personal reflections, giving audiences a deeper understanding of the lived experiences behind the surgical mask.
The exhibition forms part of RCS England’s ongoing commitment to supporting diversity, equity and inclusion in surgery through the Women in Surgery (WinS) network.
You can find full details on how to attend the exhibition here: Insight: Portraits of Women in Surgery — Royal College of Surgeons
