
Let's Talk Surgery Podcast, Surgical Crossroads: Choosing your specialty - the Paediatrics episode
10/11/21 • 65 min
In this episode of the Surgical Crossroads podcast, the focus turns to paediatric surgery with guests Christopher Driver, Robin Garrett-Cox, and Sesi Hotonu. Christopher, a consultant in Aberdeen, values the broad skillset the specialty offers and champions accessible, close-to-home care. Robin, based in Bristol, was drawn to the practical and precise nature of paediatric surgery, particularly in neurology and oncology. Sesi, now a registrar in Edinburgh, discovered her calling during a neonatal case as a student, captivated by the specialty’s complexity and delicacy.
The panel shares the emotional and communicative demands of paediatrics, alongside its rich variety, life-changing impact, and close-knit professional community. They advise aspiring paediatric surgeons to pursue relevant research, audits, and specialist courses, stressing that success in this competitive field stems from genuine passion and commitment.
Hosted by Greg Ekatah, Sesi Hotonu and Sadie Khwaja produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub Ltd.
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- Feedback or topic suggestions? Email us at: [email protected]
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In this episode of the Surgical Crossroads podcast, the focus turns to paediatric surgery with guests Christopher Driver, Robin Garrett-Cox, and Sesi Hotonu. Christopher, a consultant in Aberdeen, values the broad skillset the specialty offers and champions accessible, close-to-home care. Robin, based in Bristol, was drawn to the practical and precise nature of paediatric surgery, particularly in neurology and oncology. Sesi, now a registrar in Edinburgh, discovered her calling during a neonatal case as a student, captivated by the specialty’s complexity and delicacy.
The panel shares the emotional and communicative demands of paediatrics, alongside its rich variety, life-changing impact, and close-knit professional community. They advise aspiring paediatric surgeons to pursue relevant research, audits, and specialist courses, stressing that success in this competitive field stems from genuine passion and commitment.
Hosted by Greg Ekatah, Sesi Hotonu and Sadie Khwaja produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub Ltd.
Enjoyed this episode of Let’s Talk Surgery from The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh?
- Explore more content and upcoming episodes: rcsed.ac.uk/podcast
- Feedback or topic suggestions? Email us at: [email protected]
- Interested in RCSEd courses, exams, or training opportunities? Visit: rcsed.ac.uk
- Listen & subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Buzzsprout
- Follow RCSEd on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram for news and updates
Previous Episode

Let's Talk Surgery Podcast, Surgical Crossroads: Choosing your specialty - the Maxillofacial surgery episode
In this Surgical Crossroads episode, the focus is on oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS), featuring Manchester-based guests Sajid Sainuddin, Mary Coleman, and Aysha Nijamudeen. Consultant Sajid shares his journey from dentistry in India to complex head and neck cancer reconstruction in the UK, highlighting the collaborative nature of lengthy surgical procedures. ST6 Mary reflects on her dual dental and medical training, balancing work and study across two countries before settling into specialist training in Manchester. Final-year medical student Aysha was inspired by her own orthognathic surgery and now works part-time in OMFS while pursuing her medical degree.
The panel underscores the demanding but rewarding dual-degree pathway, the specialty's diverse subspecialties, and the strong sense of community that sustains their passion and progress.
Hosted by Greg Ekatah, Sesi Hotonu and Sadie Khwaja produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub Ltd.
Enjoyed this episode of Let’s Talk Surgery from The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh?
- Explore more content and upcoming episodes: rcsed.ac.uk/podcast
- Feedback or topic suggestions? Email us at: [email protected]
- Interested in RCSEd courses, exams, or training opportunities? Visit: rcsed.ac.uk
- Listen & subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Buzzsprout
- Follow RCSEd on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram for news and updates
Next Episode

Let's Talk Surgery: Liz O’Riordan - On the other side of the Knife #1
From breast cancer surgeon to breast cancer surgeon with breast cancer, Woman of the Year Nominee Liz O’Riordan joins Sesi and greg on the podcast this week. Phenomenal, heartfelt, passionate, eloquent, honest and moving reflections from this amazing retired breast surgeon who shares her journey through diagnosis of breast cancer, treatment, recurrence as well as the psychological impact. Prepare to go through an emotional rollercoaster but learn a lot about life on the other side of the knife! www.liz.oriordan.co.uk
Enjoyed this episode of Let’s Talk Surgery from The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh?
- Explore more content and upcoming episodes: rcsed.ac.uk/podcast
- Feedback or topic suggestions? Email us at: [email protected]
- Interested in RCSEd courses, exams, or training opportunities? Visit: rcsed.ac.uk
- Listen & subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Buzzsprout
- Follow RCSEd on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram for news and updates
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