Who am I ?
I was born in Carmarthen, in West Wales. I was brought up in a large family, in farming countryside, not unlike many parts of Devon. Much of my childhood was spent outdoors, building dens, climbing trees or helping out on neighbouring farms. I did well at school, but remember it best for the friends I made and for introducing me to rugby. I have continued to play ever since, though the end is probably near!
I qualified in medicine at Cardiff in 1982, then worked in hospitals in Llanelli and Carmarthen before joining the Royal Navy in 1984. I spent most of my time in the Navy with the Royal Marines, and was very proud to pass the Commando Course at Lympstone and earn the right to wear the Green Beret. I also worked in the A&E department at RNH Stonehouse and in Helensburgh, in Scotland. On leaving the Navy, I went back to Wales for a time, before returning to Plymouth in 1990 to work as a GP in St Budeaux, where I have been ever since.
I have always taken a pragmatic approach to my work, looking for ways to help my patient by doing whatever worked, whether this was conventional or ‘alternative’. As my career progressed, I became more and more aware of the connection between mind and body. My growing interests have led me away from mainstream medicine, first of all to hypnosis and subsequently to psychotherapy, acupuncture, nutritional medicine, meditation, spinal manipulation and EFT. I also have some knowledge of herbal medicine, homeopathy and flower remedies. I cannot claim to be an expert in all these fields. Just as in my NHS work practising minor surgery does not mean I can take your gall bladder out, so being able to do some simple manipulations does not make me a chiropractor. However, in general, the 80/20 rule applies. 80% of most interventions can be achieved with 20% of the repertoire. It follows that, if you have a specialist need for traditional Chinese acupuncture or the services of a chiropractor or osteopath, I will guide you in that direction. However, the majority of people will benefit from the broad range of approaches I am able to offer.
I believe I am a good role model for the approach I am advocating. Approaching 50, I maintain excellent health and fitness. I am very good friends with my excellent GP, but have not had to visit him as a patient in years.