Dr Alasdair MacRae is a consultant geriatrician and BGS Falls and Bone Health SIG Chair. He is also the current BGS Meetings Secretary.
Imagine being at the heart of everything the British Geriatrics Society does, where clinical brilliance meets logistical wizardry. No, it's not Hogwarts. It’s the BGS Meetings Secretary post: part academic ringmaster, part event whisperer, and entirely essential.
What is the Meetings Secretary?
For those not fluent in BGS-speak, the Meetings Secretary is the person who ensures our scientific meetings don’t just happen, they happen brilliantly. That includes:
- Helping to shape programme content for Spring and Autumn Meetings
- Collaborating with section leads (Falls, Movement Disorders, Cardiovascular, you name it) to ensure our agenda is balanced and relevant.
- Occasionally muttering “how are we going to fit all this into one conference again?” (but always finding a way)
In short, you’re the metronome of the meeting calendar. Without you, sessions would clash, coffee would run out, and half of geriatrics would be lost in the foyer!
Who is this role perfect for?
This role suits someone who:
- Has a good grasp of clinical geriatrics priorities and knows what’s going to excite a room full of consultants, trainees, nurses and allied health professionals.
- Enjoys the thrill of the schedule, from keynote speakers to case-based discussions and workshops.
- Can diplomatically wrangle enthusiastic contributors, ambitious chairs, and the occasional rogue submission titled "An Observational Study of Hip Fractures in One Patient: Myself!"
Bonus points if you enjoy coloured spreadsheets and acronyms. Triple points if you can stay enthusiastic during abstract scoring season.
Perks of the role
- You get to influence the programme lineup (basically the Netflix of geriatrics content).
- You play a real role in shaping national CPD and keeping content fresh and forward-looking.
- You’ll work alongside inspiring, funny, whip-smart colleagues who care deeply about older people’s health.
- You get to stand up at meetings and say things like, “And now I’m delighted to introduce our next speaker…” (without needing to present your own audit).
- Complimentary attendance at the Spring and Autumn Meetings.
- You get to work alongside some amazing people – like Angeline (The Meetings Secretary to be) and the fabulous BGS support team!
Past secretaries have been known to…
- Have robust opinions about lanyard lengths.
- Plan sessions in the shower, while walking the dog, or during late-night abstract marathons.
- Keep a notebook titled “Session Ideas Too Good to Forget” (and actually use it).
The bigger picture
Geriatric medicine thrives on shared learning across disciplines, regions, and experiences. As Deputy Meetings Secretary (then full fat Meetings Secretary), you’re helping shape the national conversation on frailty, healthy ageing, end-of-life care, and the future of our specialty.
Yes, there are Teams calls and yes, you'll mutter about AV glitches at least once, but there are also “wow” moments when a session hits just right, and you realise you helped make that happen.
Thinking of putting your hat in?
Go on. Throw your walking stick into the ring. First up is a 2-year tenure as the Deputy Meetings Secretary before automatic promotion to Meetings Secretary.
If you’ve got energy, curiosity, and a love of bringing people together to talk about the care of older adults, this role’s calling your name!
Apply now to be the BGS Deputy Honorary Meetings Secretary – applications close on 24 October 2025.