A surgeon in the community: The honour of being involved

I was privileged to be asked several years to be a medical adviser to the British Acoustic Neuroma Association (BANA) due to my interest and research publications in the eye problems that occur in facial palsy.

Acoustic neuroma, or surgery for it, can lead to facial palsy.

I'm therefore honoured whenever I'm asked to talk to members of the group, as I did on Saturday. Hopefully my work is relevant and accessible to patients with facial palsy.

I've adjusted the lecture I've given to medical colleagues so it's less 'medical' and 'gory' by removing some of the surgical photographs (with blood) and complex words. Doctors and opticians enjoy the per-operative pictures, but at least I no longer get patients looking away!

There were about 20 attendees comprising both patients and their relatives / carers. The talk was well received, and as per normal, I left plenty of time for questions.

No question is silly or inappropriate as most likely somebody else wanted to ask it as well! Patients were able to share information about what is helpful for them.  

The afternoon was quite relaxed and informal, with tea and home made fairy cakes as a treat at the end!

Image courtesy of DigitalArt

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