Anne qualified from the University of Edinburgh in 2000. She was inspired to be a surgeon after witnessing the life-saving impact of surgery, when a close personal contact was critically injured.
Anne completed her formal surgical training in Scotland, followed by an International fellowship at Uppsala University Hospital in Sweden. Originally from the North East, she sought out the opportunity to return to the Freeman and the specialist work it provides, joining the Newcastle Hospitals team in 2018.
As a consultant vascular surgeon Anne deals with any disorder of the blood vessels around the body. The types of operations she performs can vary greatly and a lot of her work is emergency in nature. She could be operating on arteries in the neck following a stroke, repairing a ruptured aneurysm and saving someone’s life or improving the blood supply to a patient’s leg allowing them to walk again. Anne is part of a specialist aortic team caring for patients with disorders of the major artery in the chest and abdomen.
What made you get into this area of work?
Vascular surgery encompasses all the best parts of cardiovascular medicine! I get to perform a great variety of operations, all around the body, performing both key hole (endovascular) and traditional open techniques- no two days are the same. Vascular patients often have many disorders of the cardiovascular system- diabetes, heart and renal disease, so I also get to be a good medical doctor and manage the critically ill patient. I also get to work closely with many other specialties such as cardiology, interventional radiology and critical care.
I had very good mentors as a junior doctor. I was part of an excellent surgical school with a good team and leadership ethos. Having that experience really helped to influence my future career path.
What’s your favourite part of your work?
The patients! Vascular patients are great characters, often having had hard lives and suffering from extensive comorbidities. The ability to relieve pain, restore life or save a limb is the best part of my job.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I have two young children so a huge part of my time away from work is spent with my family. We all love the great outdoors, so if I’m not watching them play sport, I’m dragging them off on a dog walk to earn the rights to a big meal and a large glass of vino later! We also live by the beach so I love to paddleboard and surf –my biggest achievement in my 40s!.
What would you say to someone who is interested in progressing a similar career?
Come and spend some time with us at the Freeman Hospital! We have a lot of opportunities for students to come and see what the specialty entails. Taking some time to investigate a career choice is important. There is no doubt that a surgical career is tough- the training is long, and it is physically and psychologically demanding – but so it should be –who would you want operating on your mum and dad! However if you relish a challenge it is an immensely rewarding profession. Despite the preconceptions it is not just a career for men and I assure you, even though there is personal sacrifice – there is still plenty of life outside work.
How was the filming?
It was a little bit nerve wracking – I think some of my other colleagues are better suited as TV personalities!!
However, being asked about my job and journey, gave me a chance to reflect on my career. When you are in the thick of it, sometimes you can forget what you have achieved, and how important what you are doing is. The fact that others might think it is amazing was really humbling.
How to you feel about being part of the series?
I feel very proud. I was asked ‘Why Newcastle – why is it different here?’ – and it is because of the people I work with and the patients we care for. I work in a fantastic team and I was honoured to showcase a small part of that.
