Leicester University, external examiner

It was really good to return to my own 'alma mater' at Leicester University to act an external examiner. I was also able to meet up with my old supervisor Professor Ross Naylor who is currently president of the Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital's 25th Anniversary Ball

As the Medical Advisory Committee Chairman, I was required to give one of the after dinner speeches at the Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital's 25th Anniversary Ball. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the evening and the event was a very good way for the hospital to thank all the staff who work so hard during the year. I would like to add my heartfelt thanks to the staff in the hospital who look after my patients so well. It is very reassuring to know that my patients are treated in such a safe and professional environment.

Photo credit: Liquid Photo

National Institute of Health Research at the Royal College of Surgeons of England

I attended a meeting of the surgical group of the National Institute of Health Research at the Royal College of Surgeons of England. This body co-ordinates and monitors important government funded surgical research projects throughout the country. I represent the West Anglian region and I am responsible for the conduct and progress of NIHR funded projects in that region.

Bateman Feast at Trinity Hall College

I attended the annual Bateman Feast at Trinity Hall College to commemorate the founding of the college by Bishop Bateman of Norwich in 1350. One of the privileges of working in Cambridge and being a member of the university is the opportunity to attend such splendid events and meet leading figures from the worlds of medicine, science, economics, politics and the arts. Conversations range from the latest scientific advances in one of Cambridge's Nobel Prize winning laboratories to the euro crisis with one of the world's leading economists. A truly inspiring event and my thanks to the Master and Fellows of the college for their kind invitation.

AGM Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital Medical Society

I chaired the AGM of the Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital Medical Society. My presentation focussed on the latest developments in the General Medical Council's enhanced revalidation process for doctors which is being rolled out this year. As chairman of the hospital's Medical Advisory Committee I have been trained to perform these annual appraisals which are an integral part of revalidation which will grant each doctor in the UK a licence to practice. The role of the appraiser is essential to ensure that all consultants are up-to-date with the latest knowledge and techniques and practising medicine according to accepted standards for the protection of patients.

Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital – Lecture on the latest developments in the treatment of varicose veins and thread veins

I was delighted to be invited to lecture on the latest developments in the treatment of varicose veins and thread veins to the nurses and clinical staff of the Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital. Topics included my experience of treating many thousands of patients with established techniques such as the endovenous laser and radiofrequency ablation treatment of varicose veins and the excellent results we have achieved. A description of our successful introduction of the latest Clarivein treatment of varicose veins as a walk-in, walk-out local anaesthetic technique and the role of injection microsclerotherapy and VeinWave for the treatment of thread veins and red veins. My sincere thanks go to the nurses and clinical staff for their excellent feedback.

My new book launches in New York

By the time you read this, I will be in New York promoting my new textbook, Outpatient Surgery.

The book was originally published in the UK, entitled General Surgery Outpatient Decisions, and I am delighted with the second edition which has been especially tailored to the American market.

I have worked on the book with Professor Alan Dardik, an associate professor at Yale, and whose father, Herbert, was one of the founders of modern vascular surgery – so much so that many of the instruments we use bare the Dardik name.

Michael Gaunt with Professor Alan Dardik launching their new book - Outpatient Surgery in New York

Alan and I struck up a friendship due to the close ties between Yale and Cambridge universities. I am part of a research group of Cambridge academics which annually attend the renowned American university or indeed host them in East Anglia.

When I showed Alan my textbook, he was very enthusiastic and thought there was scope for an American edition and I am delighted to have got various experts on board to write chapters for the book.

There has to be some differences between the UK and US editions as there are differences in the American healthcare system compared with the NHS – although when it comes to actual techniques there are a lot of similarities.

What is unique in the UK is the healthcare system is primary care, with patients going to GPs, while in America and most of the rest of the world, patients go direct to specialists.

I am delighted to have the opportunity to have my family accompanying me in New York which means I get to mix a little pleasure with business in one of the finest cities in the world.

The book will be out on April 30 and I will report back from my American adventures as soon as I get back.