MBChB FRCS ORL-HNS MMedSci
I was appointed as an ENT Consultant in 2008 in the University Hospital of North Staffordshire. Initially with a sub specialist interest in Head and Neck surgery, but in the latter part focusing on Thyroid and Parathyroid surgery, essentially an Endocrine Surgeon.
I have published over 25 papers in medical journals. I have contributed to national research projects under the auspices of the British Association of Thyroid and Endocrine surgeons BAETS. I was educational lead for my department for over 10 years and clinical lead for ENT for three years.
I have worked as a doctor in the NHS close to 30 years, 15 years of which were as a consultant, I’ve experienced everything from the most mundane routine clinics to devastating life threatening emergencies.
So… How did I get here, today?
The NHS has changed dramatically over the decades, the approach now is more bureaucratic, target led, ultimately everyday feels like a fire fighting exercise. We’ve moved away from prevention and holistic care to blanket treatment of every conceivable condition. Everything has a label now and often a prescribed treatment, which in turn may have its own consequences. A word of caution though, we must be careful not to put the blame solely at the feet of the NHS, the modern world is a much more nuanced place. However, it is evident that in the case of testosterone deficiency, most would agree that the treatment offered is less than satisfactory.
Back to my experience…
Hospital on calls for emergencies are stressful, relentless and by their very nature unpredictable, with fully booked elective clinics and theatres running in parallel. There was no work life balance, I would wish my days away just to get through them, and then… the epiphany!
My life is precious, each day is a gift, why should I wish it away so frivolously? The change in mindset led me to rethink my future and ultimately led a path to Dr Stevens and The Men’s Health Clinic. I genuinely believe the ethos /model of TMHC provides the best outcomes for men with testosterone deficiency. I’m fully invested in the doctor-patient relationship model as a result of 30 years of clinical experience, I know it works. It’s one of the reasons I chose TMHC to treat me as a patient.
I’m in the unique position to be a patient and clinician with an interest in testosterone deficiency and men’s health. Don’t be surprised to find your TRT journey will not be too dissimilar to mine. I want you to realise that life is a gift, don’t let it pass you by. Complacency is the enemy of progress! Realise that TRT is just a tool, one part of the puzzle. You must focus on the remaining parts of the puzzle to solve it; namely nutrition, sleep, exercise and mental fortitude.
In my spare time, I enjoy reading. I am currently reading “Think like a monk” and trying to learn to shift from the monkey mind (erratic, chaos) to the monk mind (calm, peaceful)….a work in progress. I also collect and restore antique Indian arms and armour and have a respectable collection and library.
I have two six month old Rottweiler brothers whom I’m training, and it seems constantly feeding (man, those boys can eat!). I’m also dabbling with wild camping, but at a very basic amateur level i.e. haven’t got pass the stage of sleeping in the garden….again a work in progress!
So going forward, I will be heading TMHC’s new satellite clinic in Staffordshire. Rest assured that I will work with you to face the challenges ahead, and will always have your best interests at heart.
If we can really understand the problem, the answer will come out of it, because the answer is not separate from the problem. – Krishnamurti
Realise life is precious, each day is a gift!
The Androgen Deficiency in Aging Males (ADAM) questionnaire is an internationally accredited assessment tool which is often used by doctors when making the assessment and diagnosis of Testosterone Deficiency. It consists of 10 questions that help determine if you could be suffering from low testosterone, and whether or not further testing and follow up are indicated.
Take the questionnaireSpeak to our team, book online or email us with any questions that you may have.