We were privileged enough to once again have our first talk given by the Penman visiting professor who, for 2017, was professor Mark Lansdown. Prof Lansdown operates out of Spire Leeds Hospital. The talk focused on Mr. Lansdown's interest in endocrine surgery and was a well-structured discussion that taught students the value of core anatomy and physiology in all surgical practice.
Professor Lansdown was one of the first consultants in Yorkshire to be appointed as a breast specialist. He has helped to make Leeds one of the country's leading centres for breast cancer treatment and research. Working with other members of the multidisciplinary team at Spire Leeds Hospital he offers women with breast cancer a full range of techniques for breast conservation, and where appropriate, mastectomy with reconstruction.
His other specialty is endocrine surgery. Professor Lansdown has built up one of the largest practices in the country for surgery of the thyroid, parathyroid, and abdominal endocrine tumours.
He has sat on many regional and national committees including the National Confidential Enquiry into Patients Outcomes and Deaths, The General Surgery Specialist Advisory Committee and the National Cancer Research Network Breast Clinical Studies Group. He is a medical advisor and Trustee of The British Thyroid Foundation (BTF) and previously had a similar role with AMEND, the Association for Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Disorders.
He is currently the President of the British Association of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgeons (BAETS). This is the recognised professional body of thyroid and endocrine surgeons and is dedicated to the improving outcomes for patients undergoing thyroid surgery by promoting safe practice, audit, and research.