I qualified in Medicine at the University of Galway (National University of Ireland) in 1975 and after House Physician and SHO posts in Galway in Dublin, I worked from 1978 until 1984 as a Clinical Research Fellow and Medical Registrar on the Liver Unit at Kings College Hospital obtaining Hepatology training. I had further Gastroenterology training at the Westminster Hospital and then in the British Army in Hong Kong and at the Queen Elizabeth Military Hospital (QEMH) in Woolwich.
I was appointed Consultant Physician & Gastroenterologist in 1989 and was the Army’s Gastroenterologist in QEMH, Woolwich from then until 1995. I was also the hospital Clinical Tutor and subsequently the Army’s Senior Clinical Tutor. I have also worked as a Consultant at the Royal Naval Hospital in Haslar and at the Ministry of Defence. I have been a Consultant Physician at Dartford & Gravesham NHS Trust since 1997 and the Clinical Director for the Emergency Medicine Directorate since 2000 until December 2007.
Experience
I have a wide experience in acute general medicine and clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. In Hepatology, my research interests were in liver malignancy and portal hypertension. I was involved in some of the pioneering research on variceal sclerotherapy. I am a very experienced Endoscopist and offer a wide range of therapeutic endoscopy. I am experienced in oesophageal and gastric outlet stenting, variceal banding, PEG insertion and oesophageal dilatation. I am one of two of the Consultant Gastroenterologists providing the ERCP service at Darent Valley Hospital and perform sphincterotomy and mechemical lithotripsy and biliary stenting. I am a skilled Colonoscopist, offering a full range of therapeutic interventions.
In Hepatology, I have a particular interest in haemochromatosis and operate the Darent Valley Hospital Hepatitis C and B anti-viral treatment programme.
I take part in the rota for acute general medicine. I am capable of managing most acute general medical problems and have a particular interest in tropical infection based on my experience, both at home and abroad, with the Defence Services.
Qualifications
MB, BCh, BAO, MRCPI, FRCP