My Journey to Becoming Your Thoracic Surgeon

Most surgeons have the same certificates hanging on the wall. But not every doctor fights for you outside the operating theatre. Years ago, as a medical student, I watched a surgeon captivate a hall of nervous teenagers. He spoke of lives saved, of hope given. I knew then that medicine wasn’t just about anatomy – it was about standing by someone when the world gets complicated.

Today, I see the truth of that every single day.

We all know the script: patient arrives, diagnosis made, treatment delivered. But the script doesn’t mention the hours arguing with insurers who seem to find new ways to say no. It doesn’t capture the hundreds of phone calls, chasing down the right scan, the right prescription, the right bed at the right price.

Here’s what most people don’t realise:
→ Being a great doctor isn’t just about what happens in the operating room.

→ It’s about what happens when the system gets in the way of your patient’s life.

Let me be blunt. The NHS sets the gold standard for clinical governance. Most of us train at the same world-class centres. We all know how to wield a scalpel. But I refuse to accept that my job ends when surgery is done.

When a patient walks into my clinic, my promise goes beyond the operation:
→ I will fight your insurer for the treatment you need. Not the cheapest, not the quickest, but the right one.

→ If your prescription gets rejected, I don’t shrug. I pick up the phone and make sure you get what you’re prescribed.

→ I negotiate with private hospitals for the fairest fees, ensuring you get world-class care without emptying your savings.

Too many people think private medicine is just about a nicer waiting room. For me, it’s about time.

↳ Time to listen, so you don’t feel rushed out the door.

↳ Time to explain, so you’re not left with unanswered questions.

↳ Time to follow up, so you’re not alone after you leave hospital.

My team knows that a quick reply can ease anxiety. That gathering your scans and chasing results shouldn’t fall on you, especially when you’re unwell.

Here’s what makes me different:

I don’t accept delays without a fight. If an appointment is cancelled, I reschedule to suit your life – not mine.

I’m relentless with bureaucracy. If a letter is needed, it’s written the same day. If a referral is urgent, it’s chased until complete.

My care doesn’t end at discharge. I track your recovery and catch problems before they grow.

That’s the difference.

Most of us can operate. But not everyone will walk that extra mile outside the theatre. Not everyone will argue with a faceless insurer or spend hours negotiating on your behalf. Not everyone will make sure you’re never left waiting for answers.

I will.