ADVERTORIAL
Meet the Physician :
PROF . BIJAYENDRA SINGH
Orthopaedic Surgeon
PROF . BIJAYENDRA SINGH , OR BIJAY OR ‘ THE PROF ’ TO HIS FRIENDS , COLLEAGUES AND PATIENTS , IS A TRAUMA AND ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON WITH SPECIALIST INTEREST IN SHOULDER AND UPPER LIMB SURGERY INCLUDING KEYHOLE AND ARTHROPLASTY . HE OPERATES AT KIMS HOSPITAL , MAIDSTONE ; SPIRE ALEXANDRA HOSPITAL , WALDERSLADE ; AND MEDWAY NHS FOUNDATION TRUST , GILLINGHAM . HE IS THE ONLY SURGEON IN THE REGION TO OFFER DAY CASE SHOULDER REPLACEMENTS .
Tell us a little bit about yourself , why did you enter the world of medicine ?
I grew up in India in the ‘ 70s and ‘ 80s and at that time there were two professions which were considered best – one was being a doctor and other being an engineer . Ever since I could remember , I was always reminded that I had to become a doctor as there was no doctor in the family .
Where did you train ?
I did my primary and secondary schooling in Vadodara , India . Luckily , I got enough grades in my higher secondary school to get into medical school and joined Maharaja Sayajirao University , Vadodara , graduating in 1992 . Following this I undertook postgraduate training in trauma and orthopaedics , completing my Masters in 1995 . I worked as an assistant professor at the same university before coming to the UK in March 1998 . I retrained in the UK – working at junior doctor level and then getting higher surgical training in the South-East of England . This was followed by fellowship in the USA at the world famous Kleinert Hand Institute in Louisville , Kentucky as well as Perth Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine in Perth , Australia
What led you to choose trauma and orthopaedic surgery ?
Whilst at medical school I realised I wanted to be a surgeon as it fascinated me , it was so rewarding to see patients get better after they had an intervention . I was at the top of the class in my final year of medical school which meant I could get into any specialty of my choice and clearly in 1992 I felt that orthopaedics would give me a good and stable lifestyle , also I would not have to train further . Little did I realise that ‘ medicine or orthopaedics ’ is a life-long learning and I had to retrain in the UK .
What does a typical day look like in your department ?
Of course , there is no typical day in medicine . When working for the NHS I could be on call to deal with accident and trauma patients , in surgery correcting complex fractures , or running outpatient clinics . In my private practice , a day could involve assessing an avid golfer who is experiencing pain and soreness in the elbow or a keen gym enthusiast with a painful shoulder . It could also involve doing post surgery check-ups and planning for the next days ' or weeks ' operation list .
On Monday evenings I have outpatient consulting at Spire Alexandra Hospital . On Wednesday I have outpatients at KIMS Hospital in the morning and Sevenoaks Medical Centre in the afternoon . I also operate at Spire Alexandra on Wednesday afternoons . Thursday is my operating day at KIMS Hospital followed by an outpatient clinic later in the day .
What advice would you give to someone suffering from shoulder pain ?
There are a number of causes for shoulder pain – including some not arising from the shoulder . The most common causes for shoulder pain are rotator cuff tendinopathy with or without a tear , shoulder arthritis or frozen shoulder ; but patients may present with shoulder pain due to problem elsewhere ( known as referred pain ) such as in their neck , chest or abdomen . The most important thing is to get the correct diagnosis . I quite often see patients who have been seen by a variety of ‘ Professionals ’ who are available to give advice , perform tests and offer treatment , often without reaching a diagnosis of the condition .
What do you like to do to relax away from work ?
Every morning I meditate before getting out of bed – this helps me focus and relax during the day . I enjoy cooking and could spend hours at a weekend trying different dishes especially curries – I believe I make one of the best butter chicken ! I take my dog Raja for a walk every morning and at a weekends with my wife . I enjoy spending time with my family playing card and board games .
For further information or to book an appointment with Prof . Singh visit www . kentorthopaedicpractice . co . uk .
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