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MEDICINE - Professor Mike Keighley OM'62
What is your profession and current position?
A bowel surgeon and Academic involved in research and teaching: Barling Professor of Surgery University of Birmingham 1987- 2004 having trained in London at St Bartholomew’s Hospital with many other OMs 1967
How did Monkton get you ready for the word of work?
It nearly failed! I took English language O level (GCSE) 5 times before I passed and was almost a right off but I was lucky: London Medical schools in those days only needed three A levels and sporting ability. Monkton helped me to think outside the box: especially art and music through which I discovered the humanities which has been pivotal.
What is your biggest professional achievement?
Writing the International Textbook of bowel surgery (4 editions); discovering C.difficile when working. Founding the MASIC Foundation www.masic.org.uk and inventing a revolutionary cheap accessible global therapy in retirement.
What has been your most challenging professional moment?
Discovering that a research student that I felt was hard working and that I could trust had falsified results and plagiarised the work of others in a higher degree thesis.
What inspires and motivates you at work?
The trust that a person in need places in your advice to do what is hoped to be best for them. The stories I hear from people who have experienced terrible things but who are brave enough to speak out as it is these stories that drive change.
What is one piece of advice you would like to share with pupils or OMs about getting into your profession?
Never give up.