What interested you in a career within vascular surgery, and how did you get into it?

I spent some of my basic surgical training in the Vascular Surgery Unit at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. I found the specialty interesting because the patients were often challenging to treat, teamwork was needed to achieve the best outcome for the patient, and vascular specialists have to be able to treat arteries and veins all over the body. I had the opportunity to work for Professor CV Ruckley, one of the UK’s leading venous experts, and this was the start of my interest in the management of patients with varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency.

How did you become a member of the Premier Veins team?

My colleague, Martin Claridge, and I established Premier Veins in 2012.

What is your favourite part about working for Premier Veins?

My favourite part of the job is working with the team to make our patients happy by assessing their needs and delivering their treatment with the best possible outcomes.

What are your thoughts on the future of vein health and treatment?

It is increasingly evident, in the future, that the majority of patients with venous disease will be cared for in the independent sector and so it will be increasingly important to provide clinical and cost-effective care.

Are you currently working on any vein health research?

I have contributed to a lot of venous research which has been published in medical journals. The team at Premier Veins audits the outcomes for our patients who are treated for varicose veins, and this guides any future changes in our practice.

Do you have a particular vein condition that you specialise in, and what is your favourite treatment for it?

I find the assessment and management of all aspects of venous disease interesting, and I am particularly satisfied when the patient is happy with the outcome of the care.

What would you say to someone who was considering vein treatment?

Prospective patients can be anxious about the prospect of having treatment for their varicose veins because they think that they will need surgery, or stripping of the vein, which has a bad reputation. I would reassure them that there are minimally invasive, walk-in walk-out treatments which have replaced surgery. I would encourage prospective patients to get in touch with Premier Veins and arrange a free mini-consultation.

Thank you, Donald, for sharing your experience with us. We are so delighted to have you as part of the Premier Veins team.

If you are suffering from a vein condition and would like to seek effective, walk-in-walk-out treatment, speak to a member of our expert team and book your FREE, no-obligation mini-consultation today.