Vascular Society of GB & Ireland

I gave evidence on minimally invasive treatments of varicose veins and in particularly the 'Clarivein' technique to the government body NICE on behalf of the Vascular Society of GB & Ireland. As a UK surgeon who has performed several hundred of these techniques the committee where keen to hear of my experience and assessment of Clarivein (mechanochemical ablation) compared to other techniques such as radiofrequency and endovenous laser.

Research Advisory Committee meeting at Addenbrookes

I attended the Research Advisory Committee meeting at Addenbrookes (Cambridge University Hospitals NHSFT). This body is responsible for funding and monitoring research carried out at the hospital.

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.