I have over 20 years' experience in treating patients for a wide range of back and neck problems including disc herniations, spinal deformities such as scoliosis and kyphosis in adults and children, plus trauma, infections and tumours. I have operated on over 3,000 complex spinal operations, and demonstrated expertise on a wide range of spinal conditions with emphasis on spinal stenosis, cervical fusion/disc replacement and minimal access keyhole surgery. I appreciate the disability from spinal disease as I myself have had spinal surgery.

I offer conservative treatment and reassurance, but if an operation is required, I can offer the best technical procedure backed by robust data outcome. I will only refer to surgery when other treatment options have been explored. I will allow as much time as is required to give patients a balanced opinion. This will often involve reviewing images, discussion with other specialists and surgical colleagues. 

I was elected President of the British Association of Spinal Surgeons (BASS) by my surgical peers and have been on the BASS Executive Committee for six years. I have published on national best practice surgical guidelines, helped develop the British Spinal Registry and been involved in National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines and government-led regional variation in surgical practice across England. I also set up the Travelling Spinal Fellowship (administered through BASS and the British Scoliosis Society) aimed at prospective new spinal consultants.

I am also the Director of a spinal charity Spine Aid, which arranges regular trips abroad for a team of spinal surgeons, medical students, neurophysiology technicians and anaesthetists to help treat under privileged children with spinal deformities.

I am Fellowship trained (Australia, European Travelling Fellowship, South Africa and USA) and have trained spinal consultants who currently work throughout the UK. I helped develop core curriculum for spinal training and am the Foundation Programme Director for junior doctors. I am a regular reviewer of unit level surgical practice in the UK via BASS and Royal College of Surgeons.