British Elbow and Shoulder Society (BESS)

The British Elbow and Shoulder Society was founded as a result of an increasing interest in shoulder and elbow surgery in the UK in the early 1980s, and particularly after a very successful Third ICSS meeting in Japan.

The stimulus came from Michael Watson, who said in a letter on 3 November 1986:

"I think the time has come to take the bull by the horns and seriously consider the nuts and bolts of setting up a British Shoulder Surgery Association. I am sure that we are going to start to get enquiries for our corporate stance on technical and administration."

As a result of that letter the founding members of BESS met on 28 March 1987 at 92 Harley Street in London and set up the Society. The meetings of BESS have been held annually.

President: Steve Drew
Honorary Secretary: Adam Watts
Honorary Treasurer: Vijay Bhalaik

Next BESS Annual Meeting: 24 - 27* June 2025, Brighton (*exact dates to be confirmed) 

Contact: Joanna Hall
38-43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3PE
Telephone: 020 7269 5200
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.bess.ac.uk