BMLA2026 Archives

BMLA 2026 Conference Highlights: New President, Award Winners and Key Announcements

Written by BMLA on 28th May 2026. Posted in Blog, Conference, Events.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for BMLA 2026 in Solihull. Over three inspiring days, we shared knowledge, explored the latest advances in laser and energy-based medicine and enjoyed valuable discussions with colleagues from across the community.

This year’s conference also allowed us to celebrate outstanding contributions and exciting new developments within the Association. Read on for the latest news and special announcements from BMLA 2026.

Watch the BMLA 2026 highlight video here

Welcoming Our New President

The British Medical Laser Association (BMLA) has announced Dr Tom Lister as its new President following appointments made at the Association’s recent AGM. Dr Sanjay Rajpara was also appointed as Vice President.

Dr Tom Lister will lead the BMLA in advancing its strategic objectives, supporting professional education and strengthening engagement across the medical laser and energy-based device community. The role is intended to provide leadership, drive key initiatives and represent the BMLA across its educational, clinical and stakeholder activities, according to the Association.

The BMLA also expressed its sincere gratitude to outgoing President, Prof Vishal Madan, for his dedicated leadership and contributions to the Association over the past 10 years.

Dr Lister said: “I am honoured to accept the role of President of the British Medical Laser Association. For many years, the BMLA has played a vital role in championing excellence, safety and innovation in the use of lasers and energy-based technologies across medical, aesthetic and veterinary practice. I want to pay tribute to Prof Vishal Madan for his outstanding leadership, commitment and contribution to the Association over the last decade. I look forward to working closely with colleagues and members to strengthen education, foster collaboration, and support the continued advancement of our field.”

Recognising outstanding contributions

The conference was also the perfect opportunity to celebrate the exceptional contributions of BMLA founding member, Mr Vasant Oswal, and his wife, Mrs Nirmal Oswal. It was with immense gratitude that they received the BMLA Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to a standing ovation from delegates. Although stepping down from his role as BMLA Vice President, Mr Oswal will continue to support the Association as Chair of the Education Committee, and we look forward to the continued collaboration!

Inaugural Shark Tank Prize Winner Announced

BMLA 2026 featured our first-ever Shark Tank session, showcasing innovative research and emerging ideas from delegates across the field. Participants competed for the prestigious ‘Vasant and Nirmal Oswal Research Prize 2026’, presenting their work to both peers and industry experts.

We are delighted to announce that Mr Theodore Pezas, from Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, won this year’s prize for his presentation: “Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging for Perfusion-Guided Laser Interventions in Paediatric Plastic Surgery.”

The prize comes with a cash award and a complimentary ticket to BMLA 2027 in Manchester. Congratulations to Theodore, and thank you to everyone who contributed to making this inaugural session such a success.

BMLA Best Oral Presentation Prize Winners

With so many excellent presentations delivered throughout the conference, the Programme Committee faced an exceptionally difficult task in selecting this year’s winners.

Congratulations to:

Dr Byung Jin Kim, Dermatology Registrar at RUH Bath, for the presentation:
“Ablative CO2 in palliative management of symptomatic metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma”
Dr Thandiwe Banda, Internal Medicine Trainee at Birmingham Skin Centre, for the presentation:
“Laser hair reduction as primary treatment for sacral pilonidal sinus disease”

Both winners receive a cash award, one year of complimentary BMLA membership, and tickets to attend BMLA 2027 in Manchester. Congratulations from everyone at the BMLA.

Save the Date: BMLA 2027

We are pleased to announce that the next BMLA Conference, including pre-conference Educational Courses, will take place from 19–21 May 2027 at the King’s House Conference Centre in Manchester.

Please save the date and look out for abstract submissions and registration opening later this year.

Celebrating a Pioneer: Honouring Mr Vasant Oswal’s Extraordinary Contribution to the BMLA

Written by BMLA on 28th May 2026. Posted in Blog, Events, Honorary Members.

At the recent 42^nd Annual Conference of the British Medical Laser Association (BMLA 2026, 7-8 May 2026), delegates came together not only to celebrate innovation, research and clinical excellence in laser and light-based medicine, but also to recognise an individual whose contribution to the field has been truly extraordinary.

In one of the conference’s most heartfelt moments, BMLA founding member Mr Vasant Oswal and his wife, Mrs Nirmal Oswal, were presented with the BMLA Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of their exceptional dedication to advancing medical laser education and practice over many decades. The presentation was met with a standing ovation from delegates – a fitting tribute to two people whose influence has shaped countless careers within our field.

For many within the BMLA community, Mr Oswal is far more than a respected colleague. He is a pioneer, educator, mentor and one of the key figures responsible for advancing the use of lasers in medicine in the UK.

Pictured from left to right: Prof. Vishal Madan, Mr Vasant Oswal, Mrs Nirmal Oswal

A Visionary in Laser Surgery

Long before lasers became part of mainstream clinical practice, Mr Oswal recognised their potential to transform surgery.

In the early 1980s, as an ENT surgeon, he became one of the first in the UK to explore how laser technology could improve surgical precision and patient outcomes. Through pioneering bench experiments, he demonstrated the effectiveness of the CO₂ laser in tissue cutting and blood vessel sealing, helping to pave the way for safer and more precise surgery.

His innovative laboratory work helped bring complex concepts to life and laid the foundations for the successful implementation of laser technology in surgery.

At a time when laser medicine was still in its infancy, Mr Oswal was helping to shape its future.

A Lasting Educational Legacy

If innovation defined one part of Mr Oswal’s career, education has defined another.

Together with Mrs Nirmal Oswal, he became a passionate advocate for sharing knowledge and raising standards in laser practice. Over nearly three decades, they organised internationally renowned hands-on laser courses, helping generations of clinicians understand the science, safety and practical application of laser technology.

For many practitioners, these courses were a first introduction to laser medicine and a defining moment in their professional development.

Their contribution to education has left an enduring legacy, not only within ENT and laser surgery, but across the wider medical laser community.

Now aged 92, Mr Oswal continues to demonstrate the same passion for education and knowledge-sharing that has defined his career.

In 2024, he produced a series of instructional videos using original recordings from 1982 to support both established practitioners and newcomers to laser technology. Covering laser physics, tissue interactions, treatment parameters and essential safety principles, the videos reflect his enduring belief that education should remain accessible and rooted in strong scientific understanding.

_{^{A BMLA celebration of Mr Oswal’s work}}

_{^{Watch the BMLA 2026 Conference Highlights}}

Recognised Across the Profession

Mr Oswal’s contribution has rightly been recognised beyond the BMLA.

In 2023, he received the prestigious Rowena Ryan Lifetime Trainer Award from ENT UK, recognising his many years as a trainer, innovator and leader in medical education. The award celebrated the enormous impact he has had on generations of surgeons and healthcare professionals throughout his career.

Continuing the Journey

While Mr Oswal is stepping down from his role as BMLA Vice President, we are delighted that his contribution to the Association is far from over. He will continue to support the BMLA as Chair of the Education Committee, helping to shape one of the organisation’s most important areas of work.

For an Association built on education, collaboration and scientific advancement, there could be no better person to continue guiding this mission.

On behalf of everyone at the BMLA, we extend our deepest gratitude to Mr Vasant Oswal and Mrs Nirmal Oswal for their extraordinary contribution, generosity and unwavering commitment to advancing laser medicine.

The standing ovation at conference said it all!

Tag: BMLA2026