SOUTHEND, ESSEX, 30 JULY 2010 – Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Venkat Ramakrishnan, who practices at BMI Southend Private Hospital, has been chosen as one of the UK’s top 10 breast reconstruction surgeons in a survey conducted by the Daily Mail.
The survey, which canvassed 50 leading breast cancer and reconstructive surgeons, asked just one simple question: ‘If your nearest and dearest were to be diagnosed with breast cancer to whom would you refer them?’ The surgeons named Mr Ramakrishnan as one of their top 10. In the Daily Mail article that announced the survey, fellow surgeons said the following of Mr Ramakrishnan: “He is technically excellent and has pushed the boundaries with the most challenging microsurgical techniques. Free flaps – pieces of tissue from, say, the tummy – are taken to recreate the breast. Microsurgeons have to be able to plumb veins with the tiniest stitches to ensure that transplanted tissue survives in its new home in the breast.”
Mr Ramakrishnan was deeply flattered by the accolade, and also explained the importance of his field. “Often our patients have been to hell and back, and our job is to do as much as we can as surgeons to help them restore some normality. In doing so, we always strive to deliver the care that we would want our loved ones to receive,” said Mr Ramakrishnan. “I am immensely humbled, not only by this recognition, but also by the trust placed in me by my peers.”
Executive Director of Southend Private Hospital Peter Harris added:
“Breast reconstruction is a very complex specialty, which not only requires great skill and experience, but also a great sense of compassion. We are very proud that Mr Ramakrishnan has received this distinction. It’s a fantastic honour and much deserved. He is a brilliant surgeon and highly respected by colleagues, staff and patients alike.”
Mr Ramakrishnan qualified in medicine in 1983 and undertook comprehensive plastic surgery training in Australia. He has been practicing reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery since 1987.
