In 1978 I was appointed Lecturer in Anatomy to the University of Glasgow and also Clinical Assistant to Accident and Emergency, Trauma and Orthopaedics at Glasgow Royal Infirmary. During this time I gained further valuable experience in trauma and orthopaedics.

After leaving Glasgow in 1978 I was then successful in obtaining a post in Accident and Emergency, Trauma and Orthopaedics at Manchester Royal Infirmary gaining further experience.

From 1980 until my appointment as a Consultant in 1989, I gained further experience in general surgery, trauma and neurosurgery with a special interest in spinal surgery. Since 1989 I have worked as a Consultant at Middlesbrough General Hospital having a special interest in spinal surgery. I routinely see approximately fifteen hundred NHS patients per annum in my out-patients clinics, the majority of whom have spinal conditions. In addition I see approximately five hundred patients per annum for purposes of medical reports, the majority of whom have suffered whiplash injury/back injury. I run a Whiplash Injury Service and a Fast Track Spinal Service for patients with spinal problems.

I am one of five consultants who run the North of England Spinal Injuries Unit providing expertise in the management of spinal injuries from the entire northern region encompassing Teesside, County Durham, North Yorkshire, Northumberland and Cumbria. I am also responsible for the supervision and training of orthopaedic and neurosurgical trainees who wish to specialise in spinal surgery.