Meet the Team

On this page you will be introduced to the leadership team behind the KSS School of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. If you would like to contact the team below or the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Workforce Specialty Team, please visit the London and KSS Support Portal here.

Melanie Tipples, KSS Head of School for O&G

I have been a Consultant Gynaecologist at St Richards Hospital since 2007. Since appointment I have been involved in education and was appointed as the College Tutor in 2008 and Training Programme Director for HEE KSS in 2009. During this time, with support from the workforce team, Head of school and Training programme Director for Higher trainees, I have delivered a rolling training programme covering key topics through all the units within HEE KSS.  Alongside this role I have supported the Medical Training Initiative, which is run through the RCOG, bringing trainees into the United Kingdom to train and gain qualifications with the aim of sending them home better placed to improve healthcare in their country of origin.

At St Richard’s Hospital I am the Cancer Unit lead and Colposcopy lead as well as lead for Gynaecology Ultrasound.  Outside of work my husband and I enjoy a busy family life with our four children and my dog, Bella, a Hungarian Vizla.

I believe that the training programme is the trainees’ programme and they need to be actively involved in its development and delivery.

Sridevi Sankaran, ST1-2 Training Programme Director

I have been a consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Frimley Park Hospital since 2012. I am the lead for the Early Pregnancy unit at Frimley Park Hospital.

I am the Deanery ultrasound co-ordinator for Gynaecology and Preceptor for Acute Gynaecology and Early Pregnancy ATSM since 2017. I am the Training programme director for ST1-2 Obstetrics and Gynaecology trainees in KSS since April 2023. I am keen to nurture and mentor trainees and help them achieve their career goals. Outside work, I love yoga and nature walks.

Padma Vankayalapati, ST3-5 Training Programme Director

I am a consultant at Medway NHS Foundation Trust. My special interests are Maternal Medicine and Fetal Medicine. I am also college tutor for Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Medway.

I have been Training Programme Director for ST3 -5 Obstetrics & Gyanecology trainees in KSS since November 2016.  

I am easily approachable to trainees and provide guidance and support regarding various issues related to training. I have an overarching responsibility for Interim reviews and ARCP.

I strive to support trainees during their training time in KSS, ultimately to help them achieve their ambitions and goals for their career and to excel in their profession.

Catherine Wykes, ST6-7 Training Programme Director and Advanced Training Specialty Module (ATSM) Director

Rebecca Malick, Training Programme Director for Regional Training Days and Return to Training

I am a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trusts and am based mainly at Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath. My special interests are minimally invasive surgery, endometriosis and gynaecological scanning.

I qualified from the University of Aberdeen, however did all my O&G training in London/KSS.

I have been a consultant since May 2018 and Training Programme Director for regional training (ST3-7) and return to training since March 2019. Outside work I have a busy life with twins and a dog and try to fit in a bit of kayaking when I can!

Ruth Mason, Workforce Behaviour Champion

I’ve been a consultant in O&G at Western Sussex Hospitals (Worthing) since 2010, having trained in Wessex.  I have a special interest in developing and promoting good workplace behaviours throughout your training and have been the RCOG Workplace Behaviour Champion for KSS since the inception of the role. 

I welcome contact from you in regard to difficult behaviour you might experience. My aim is to support you to manage any difficult behaviours you experience to ensure that both you, and future trainees, enjoy their time in KSS and can learn without concerns.