I am a Consultant Plastic Surgeon at the world-famous Queen Victoria NHS Hospital since 2006, the first female plastic surgeon to be appointed, after undergoing a rigorous training programme that spanned 18 years. Of these, 10 years were spent in Plastic Surgery, with a UK examination at the end of training FRCS(Plast); and registration on the GMC Specialist Plastic Surgery Register. There is no qualification for 'cosmetic surgery' and any medically qualified person can set up as a 'cosmetic surgeon'. I am a Hunterian Professor (1999) at the Royal College of Surgeons of England. Being an NHS Consultant means that I undergo a thorough Appraisal every year which assesses my ability to continue in my role, identifies any issues, notes my annual logbook (a record of operations carried out in that year), and a 360 evaluation (how my colleagues and patients perceive my abilities). Being a member of BAPRAS (British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons) and BAAPS (British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) means that I am a properly trained, well-qualified and skilled plastic surgeon in the UK. I am the National Audit Lead for the UK National Flap Registry. I love to teach and have been selected to be a member of the Court of Examiners for the FRCS examination in Plastic Surgery and EBOPRAS (European Board of Plastic Surgery).
