Meet Dr Robert Self, Immediate Past Honorary Membership Secretary
Dr Robert Self is a consultant anaesthetist at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. He is the Immediate Past Honorary Membership Secretary of the Association. He also looks after Egan developmental mentoring and wellbeing. He works in a cancer hospital and has regular lists in urology, gynae-oncology, breast surgery and paediatrics, as well as pre-operative clinics. One of his clinical interests is Total Intravenous Anaesthesia (TIVA).
Why did you stand for election to board?
I joined the Association as a ‘Senior House Officer’ after one of my bosses recommended the organisation. I was involved as a speaker at seminars and on the developmental mentoring programme. I hadn’t considered standing for election until someone suggested it – genuinely one of the best things that I’ve done.
Why did you decide to become an anaesthetist / doctor?
I became interested as a medical student and spent some time in the anaesthetic department in Auckland, New Zealand. My early years as a doctor confirmed my decision – anaesthetists seemed to be the calmest and most helpful doctors that I encountered.
What do you like the most about your job?
Helping patients through a difficult time in their lives – anaesthetists don’t get long to establish rapport, making communication skills especially important. Amongst doctors, I continue to be impressed by the power of coaching and mentoring – a productive conversation that can make an enormous difference.
Who or what inspires you to do your best work?
Watching colleagues (at all career stages) develop in their careers, as well as bouncing back from challenges.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I am happiest outdoors / in nature – walking and getting back to running (Thanks to Jo Whiley on ‘Couch to 5K’). I discovered yoga as a late forty-something – this has benefited my mental and physical health. I see live music as much as possible and am nostalgic about 1980s music.
Social media handles:
Linked In. Community. Occasional visitor to X (formerly known as Twitter) @bobself_London