The central part of this story is a fascinating account of the
trials and tribulations associated with the author s determination
to establish a heart transplant programme in Britain. He eventually
performed Britain s first successful heart transplant at Papworth
Hospital near Cambridge in 1979. At the time there were only four
other centres in the world performing heart transplants. However,
within a decade over 4,000 patients a year were being transplanted
worldwide, and Papworth had become one of the best known hospitals
for heart and lung transplantation.
The author s involvement in this work led to professional
recognition and the presidency of the Royal College of Surgeons of
England. Amongst other responsibilities, he became engaged in
trying to modify some of the more controversial reforms of the
National Health Service being introduced at that time by the
Thatcher government. Other honours followed, including a knighthood
and seven years as Master of St Catharine s College in Cambridge,
which added a new dimension of interest to his life.
The story also covers his early years in South Africa, including
his work as a diamond-driller in Rhodesia and then qualification as
a mining engineer before deciding to become a doctor. Prior to
starting at Guy s Hospital in London, he engaged in mining
exploration in Northern Quebec and the Yukon and during the next
three years returned to Canada each summer for similar work. His
training in cardiac surgery coincided with exciting developments in
this new specialty, during which his background in engineering
proved helpful.
A theme present throughout Terence English s autobiography is
that of Follow Your Star . For him this meant being prepared to
change direction if a brighter star seemed to appear on the
horizon. This led to several false starts along the way, but most
provided valuable and enriching experiences, even if they did not
contribute to his eventual career.
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