2015 - Looking forward to the year ahead

As we head into 2015 I would like to wish all my patients past, present and future all the very best for the year ahead. 2015 promises to be another busy and exciting year for me. Recently I was elected to the council of the International Society of Vascular Surgery and I look forward to fulfilling my duties associated with this post. I have also been invited to lecture at international research meetings in Europe and South America. As always it will be a pleasure to meet with colleagues from around the world and share advances in treatments and new techniques.

In addition I have been invited to contribute to an international textbook of vascular surgery in collaboration with my good friend and colleague Professor Alan Dardik from Yale. Alan and I have already co-authored a book called ‘Outpatient Surgery’ which has proved very popular and is the first of my books to be translated into Chinese.

So here’s to 2015 and if you have decided that this is the year to finally get those troublesome veins sorted out, it would be a pleasure to see you in one of my clinics.

Annual scientific meeting between Cambridge and Yale Universities

On the 9th to the 11th September I took part in the annual scientific meeting between Cambridge and Yale Universities at Trinity Hall College, Cambridge. As usual, the meeting provides a fascinating and highly enjoyable opportunity to hear the latest research findings from both centres. It also provides an opportunity to reinforce academic and social links with colleagues from across the Atlantic. One such link is with my good friend Alan Dardik, Associate Professor of Surgery at Yale. Earlier this year Alan and I collaborated to write a textbook for higher surgical trainee surgeons entitled ‘Outpatient Surgery’ which has been very well received. As part of the meeting we presented a signed copy of the book to the joint organisers Dr John Bradley (Cambridge) and Professor Jordan Porber (Yale) as a vote of thanks for all their hard work.

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.