What inspired you to pursue your career in medicine?
I loved sports especially football but my mother always urged me to have a “Plan B.” At school I gravitated toward biology and chemistry, so after briefly trying law (influenced by relatives who are lawyers) I switched to medicine, discovering it was where my real passion lay.
Can you walk us through your educational journey? Where did you complete your medical degree and training?
I did my foundation years in Exeter, completed core surgical training in Bristol, then became a plastic-surgery registrar in Exeter before moving to London in the same role.
What attracted you to plastic surgery?
Its diversity and creativity. Plastic surgeons operate on almost every part of the body from head to foot, excluding the eye/orbit so the work stays varied and intellectually challenging, which keeps me motivated.
How long have you been practicing medicine?
After five years of medical school and a one-year master’s, I have now spent seven years practicing within the NHS.
Have you pursued any additional certifications or specialist training?
Yes. UK plastic-surgery training lasts about 11 years post-medical school; I’ve completed two of the three required stages and am currently working as a plastic-surgery registrar while I finish the final phase.
Are you a member of any professional organizations?
I hold membership in the Royal College of Surgeons, having passed Parts A and B of the surgical membership examinations.
What are the most common conditions or cases you handle in practice?
Recently I’ve focused on upper-limb, wrist and hand surgery (trauma, congenital and elective cases), plus craniofacial and burns work. I also run theatre lists for skin-cancer excisions.
How do you stay updated with the latest advances and research in your specialty?
Through evidence-based medicine and active research. I’m finalizing a manuscript on COVID-19–related hypercoagulability and lower-limb free-flap surgery, and preparing a systematic review and meta-analysis on single versus dual venous anastomoses in traumatic lower-limb reconstruction.
