
Mr Giles Davies is a Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon at Cromwell Hospital, specialising in breast cancer surgery and breast reconstruction.
We spoke to Mr Davies to find out more about his typical day as a surgeon.
Tell us about your role as a Consultant Breast Surgeon at Cromwell Hospital.
My role as Consultant Breast Surgeon involves clinics, where I assess patients and, if required, offer them mammography and ultrasounds with results delivered immediately.
Patients are referred to us with symptoms, or having had a recall from a routine mammogram. Most of these patients are reassured immediately but a small number are diagnosed with breast cancer. This then leads on to the other half of my job, which is around breast surgery.
I am an Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, which means I am trained in surgical oncology. This involves removing breast cancer and reconstructing the breast using plastic surgical techniques, such as flaps and implants.
A large part of my role involves coordinating and leading a large multidisciplinary team of specialist nurses, radiologists and oncology colleagues who deliver chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
I'm also a chairman of the cancer board at the Cromwell Hospital, and involved in developing the service more widely with innovation and new opportunities.
What does a typical day look like for you as Consultant Breast Surgeon?
I can be in the hospital from 7am, reviewing and consenting patients for surgery. I perform four operations between 8am and midday and check they are all well on the ward.
At Basinghall Clinic, I see new patients referred with symptoms and concerns. Some evenings there will be a multidisciplinary meeting, or a board meeting or other non-clinical commitments.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy the impact that I can make for my patients, which can be immediate and life changing.
I have now looked after some of my patients for 14 years since their original operation. We are very close, as that professional relationship has cemented itself after a very traumatic experience. It is very rewarding to see most of my patients go on to flourish and live full and happy lives.