Milton’s main role is in the North of England bone and soft tissue tumour service. One of only five centres in the country the deal with adult and paediatric bone cancers. Milton qualified as a Doctor in Edinburgh University and started his surgical training in Newcastle in 2002.
How long you’ve worked at the Trust?
I spent two years completing my MD in orthopaedic biomechanics in Imperial College London and did an 18-month fellowship in Perth Western Australia specialising in orthopaedic oncology, orthopaedic reconstruction and trauma surgery. I took my whole family there and had some of the most memorable moments out there. I was appointed a consultant in 2018
What made you get into this area of medicine?
I knew fairly early on I wanted to orthopaedics. I’m a ‘maker’ at heart and orthopaedics was a perfect marriage of mechanics and medicine.
In terms of my speciality – orthopaedic oncology two people I worked with – Shona Murray (deceased) an inspirational surgeon and mentor. She came up through the ranks as a female surgeon in the 60s and broke down every barrier she faced as woman in surgery. She set up the sarcoma service at Newcastle along with Prof Kraft. It was my first job in Orthopaedic oncology and I was just amazed at her care, compassion, knowledge and skill.
Craig Gerrand – The kindest most empathetic person you could meet and a surgeon par excellence. I was lucky enough to take over his job after he moved to Stanmore to become head of their Orthopaedic Oncology Service.
Favourite part of your work
The challenge. I think oncology is one of the most complex specialties in orthopaedics. As said in the documentary, “No two operations are the same” you are always being challenged. The multidisciplinary team (MDT) aspect of cancer care. I work will some amazing people and without a shadow of a doubt one of the best MDTs in the country. I always feel like I am learning something new every day. You also feel supported and know that the decisions made are made with the collective experience and knowledge of many.
The patients are inspirational and you want to do everything in your power to fight for them.
How was the filming?
Film crew were amazing. But I have to stress everything you saw at home could not have been possible without my amazing wife Louise whose love and support has got me to where I am today.
