Top Doctors’ members are respected for world-leading specialist capabilities, but also admired for incisive research and academic skills, too. Whether featured in peer-reviewed journals, book chapters or complete publications shared with the rest of the international medical community and beyond, their academic work advances knowledge, contributes to better technology and improves methods of practice for generations to come.
Leading consultant ophthalmic surgeon Mr Stephen Lash, one of our members, is embodying improving surgical practice with the release of his new book ‘Improving Surgical Skills and Outcomes: A Multi-Perspective Approach’, this autumn.
Answering important questions
He tells us: “Since my earliest memories of surgery, I have found myself asking this question, what makes a good surgeon? It has fascinated me mostly because I always wanted to be a good surgeon and it occurred to me that I might be more likely to become one if I had some idea of what one was in the first place! If we can discover what makes a good surgeon then this opens up the possibilities of trying to become a great surgeon, or at least to get better. The quip most commonly heard is that “They have good hands”. This does not really do the question justice and certainly leaves little scope for improvement beyond nail care and regular moisturiser.
“This book represents thoughts formed over my 25 years as an eye surgeon, reflecting on my own practice and, in teaching others, reflecting on others. It is also heavily influenced and perhaps unlocked by my MBA which enabled me to become more comfortable intellectually walking on sand rather than concrete. I have limited the perspectives to ‘three boxes’ but there will be others. You can view the boxes as frames to look through or boundaries to think within but each one sits within and is influenced by the others. It’s hard to think outside all the boxes!”
“If we can discover what makes a good surgeon then this opens up the possibilities of trying to become a great surgeon, or at least to get better.”
What makes it so important?
You’ll find more information on his website about his publication (and those boxes, in particular). It was borne out of a surgical debrief with two of his trainees over coffee.
‘Improving Surgical Skills and Outcomes: A Multi-Perspective Approach’ is available to pre order on Amazon, here.
You’ll find out what those colleagues have to say about the book on his site. Plus, you can discover why it’s such an important addition to medical literature. It also tells you why his new publication is also useful for those in other disciplines.
Leading surgeons toward better practise
Mr Lash added: “My hope is that in exploring surgery, anyone involved in the profession, from podiatry and dentistry on the high street to neurosurgery and ophthalmology in specialist units, might benefit. I hope to stimulate ideas and potential directions of travel that would lead to the surgeon ever upward towards better surgery.
“It may also appeal to anyone interested in this particular breed of human; one that’s willing to cut another in the pursuit of wholeness.”
Top Doctors would like to wish Mr Lash our warmest congratulations on the release. We’re looking forward to reading!
Visit Mr Lash‘s Top Doctors profile to arrange an appointment. Don’t forget, you can pre order the book here.
