I didn’t – it sort of chose me. I guess always interested in hernia. During my surgical training years in Scotland, AWR was left for trainees to perform when the boss was away. I trained really as an Upper GI surgeon, but started doing incisional hernia repair when I could. I was asked to lecture on the topic, and then became deluged in referrals. And I had the opportunity to travel and watch recognised experts in this field, and the rest is history. Inspired by many friendly and dare I say it human people in hernia surgery (the non cool and awesome kind) as well as the personal reward and patient gratification that I rarely saw in my cancer practice. I was hooked and encouraged to do better in the management of a benign condition, where quality of life was a key outcome of such surgery.
2. What are your ambitions and goals to serve the EHS Board?
To reach out to all surgeons, scientists and patients interested in making hernia surgery of all types. And collaborate to make the outcomes of hernia surgery better and safer for the many who suffer from this condition.
3. Where do you get your motivation and inspiration in life?
From the people around me who have passion, enthusiasm and energy for both living and seeking to improve the lot for patients.
4. What are the biggest challenges in the abdominal wall surgery right now?
Ensuring all who practice hernia surgery are up to date with the science and practice of hernia surgery, from diagnosis, patient selection, pre-habilitation, operation selection, post-operative care, re-habilitation and knowing their outcomes.
I didn’t – it sort of chose me. I guess always interested in hernia. During my surgical training years in Scotland, AWR was left for trainees to perform when the boss was away. I trained really as an Upper GI surgeon, but started doing incisional hernia repair when I could. I was asked to lecture on the topic, and then became deluged in referrals. And I had the opportunity to travel and watch recognised experts in this field, and the rest is history. Inspired by many friendly and dare I say it human people in hernia surgery (the non cool and awesome kind) as well as the personal reward and patient gratification that I rarely saw in my cancer practice. I was hooked and encouraged to do better in the management of a benign condition, where quality of life was a key outcome of such surgery.
2. What are your ambitions and goals to serve the EHS Board?
To reach out to all surgeons, scientists and patients interested in making hernia surgery of all types. And collaborate to make the outcomes of hernia surgery better and safer for the many who suffer from this condition.
3. Where do you get your motivation and inspiration in life?
From the people around me who have passion, enthusiasm and energy for both living and seeking to improve the lot for patients.
4. What are the biggest challenges in the abdominal wall surgery right now?
Ensuring all who practice hernia surgery are up to date with the science and practice of hernia surgery, from diagnosis, patient selection, pre-habilitation, operation selection, post-operative care, re-habilitation and knowing their outcomes.
5. What is your hidden talent?
Sadly, I have none. No superpowers either.
2024 CONFERENCE
Register now for the EHS 2024 Conference, held 29-31 May 2024
