Meet Dr Matt Wiles, Editor-in-Chief, Anaesthesia

Dr Matt Wiles is a consultant in anaesthesia and intensive care at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. He is the Editor-in-Chief of Anaesthesia and an Association of Anaesthetists board member. His clinical interests are neuroanaesthesia, intensive care medicine, major trauma management.

Why did you stand for election to board?

The board position came with the job of Editor-in-Chief! The decision to take on the lead role for the journal was an easy one: the top job of the number one anesthesiology journal in the world and working with an incredible editorial team was something no-one could turn down.

I particularly value the fact that anaesthesia allows me to focus on a single patient at a time.

Why did you decide to become an anaesthetist / doctor?

Anaesthesia involves working with a wide range of patients, colleagues, doing a vast array of practical procedures and in-depth physiological and pharmacological knowledge. As such, no day is the same and this variety appealed to me. The extended role of anaesthetists (such as pre-operative assessment and major trauma) was also very attractive.

What do you like the most about your job?

Great mix of interesting clinical work and academia. I particularly value the fact that anaesthesia allows me to focus on a single patient at a time. Neuroanaesthesia in particular appeals to my attention to detail obsessiveness, which has parallels with my editorial role.

Who or what inspires you to do your best work?

Anaesthetists get immediate feedback from both colleagues and patients. At the time of surgery patients are often scared and feeling vulnerable. It is incredibly rewarding to be able to take them through this time, with them happy, comfortable and safe at the end of the procedure.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Avid cyclist (stereotypical anaesthetist!) and fell-running. Leicester Tigers (rugby union) and New Orleans Saints (NFL) fan.

Social media handles:

@STHJournalClub