Siobhan Laws MBBS FRCS DM
I qualified in medicine from the Royal Free Hospital (University of London) in 1987. My initial posts were in Kent, Sussex and London but went on to basic surgical training in Bristol. My specialist general surgical training has been predominantly in Wessex (with an extra year in Bristol). I developed an interest in Breast disease relatively late in my career and gained breast surgical experience in Portsmouth, Southampton, Basingstoke and Winchester.
Academic qualifications include a DM thesis from the University of Southampton (cell receptor analysis in cancer) and the FRCS exit exam for which I came top in my group and was award the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland Prize and Medal.
I have a number of research interests and am seeking funding for various projects. We have ethical committee approval for a trial to test the effectiveness of radiotherapy delivered to the breast during surgery compared to a number of outpatient sessions. This project is awaiting trust financial approval although the equipment has already been funded by a generous legacy. We are also looking into the use of a 3D scanner to audit the outcome of breast cancer surgery – a quick, easy and accurate measure of breast size and shape that will help us improve operative technique.
Archaeology is also a passion of mine and I hope to be able to take this further after a preliminary project looking at patterns of cancer secondaries in bones has reported. Breast cancer seems to be present in both the historical and archaeological record despite the premature deaths of our ancestors.
I was appointed as Consultant oncoplastic breast and general surgeon to the Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Winchester in 2002. My main duties are emergency general surgery, breast surgery including reconstruction and some non emergency general surgery.
I work very closely with my NHS colleagues many of whom also work within the private sector. There is very much a team approach to the care of breast patients and breast cancer in general. We are aware of each others strengths and weaknesses and work well as a team – something that has been shown to improve patient safety. Many of the protocols we have devised or adopted apply across the NHS and independent sector. We are admirably supported by the breast care specialist nurses.
I am married with two sons, a dog and two chickens (if the dog has not eaten them!). We have an allotment and I read a lot – I am an avid J K Rowling fan.
|
|
|
