An orthopaedic surgeon at Ealing Hospital has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Portsmouth University, adding to a series of career achievements.
Samantha Tross received the honour just months after being elected to the Council of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, one of the highest accolades in her profession. Chosen by her peers, she will help shape national policy on surgical training, safety, examinations and future development.
Originally from Guyana, Ms Tross moved to the UK aged 11 and said boarding school taught her the independence and resilience that shaped her success. She said: “I wasn’t aware I was the first black woman to qualify as an orthopaedic surgeon at the time and it has never been an issue for me.”
She joined a roster of recipients from across public life, including business leader Tim Campbell and UN Goodwill Ambassador Sabrina Dhowre Elba. Honours were given to figures from entertainment, healthcare, media and philanthropy.
Professor Graham Galbraith, the university’s vice-chancellor, said: “We are immensely proud to honour these exceptional individuals who embody the very best of human achievement and social impact. Their diverse contributions across business, healthcare, media, advocacy and philanthropy perfectly reflect our university’s commitment to excellence, innovation and community impact.”
