#ThisIsAPlasticSurgeon - Shehan Hettiaratchy

3rd February 2020

 

Shehan Hettiaratchy

Shehan Hettiaratchy


Back in 2019 we asked some of our members various questions about their careers in plastic surgery, their thoughts on innovation and what advice they may have for others, both professional and public. The resulting profiles demonstrate the diversity of the specialty and those within it.

If you are a BAPRAS member and would like to be included in this series please contact emma.brighton@bapras.org.uk.


What was your most rewarding case?

I looked after a 12-year-old girl who essentially had her leg amputated by a propeller while on holiday overseas. The local surgeons did an amazing job saving her and repairing the main blood vessel to her leg. She was transferred to us to try and save it and make it as functional as possible. We spent 32 hours over 2 days rebuilding everything - bone, nerves and then a free flap to cover. She’s now at uni and has completed gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.


What has been your plastic surgery career highlight and why?

It has to be being the only plastic surgeon on the military trauma team in Afghanistan. This was the most effective trauma team the world has ever seen. Being part of it and getting to work with the people on it was an absolute privilege.


What inspired you to become a plastic surgeon?

I was on a trauma elective in Toronto as a medical student. It was really busy but the case that stood out for me was a patient who had been attacked with a machete. His hand was almost hanging off. By the time the plastic surgeon had finished with him the bones, tendons, nerves and blood vessels had been perfectly repaired and the hand was not just saved but working. I realised that’s what I wanted to do.


Read further members' profiles below:
- Rowan Pritchard Jones
- Ruth Lester
- Abhilash Jain
- Rebecca Dunlop
- Nora Nugent





 

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