A Journey Through a Life: From Dentistry to Medicine Through the Dawn of Maxillofacial Surgery to Hospital Management

Russell Hopkins passed from failure in the Higher School Certificate to national recognition for his work as a surgeon, medical manager and politician. After re-taking A levels the young Russell turned down a place at Medical School and undertook Dental training instead. Oral Surgery inspired him to medical training as a mature student. Russell describes his adventures in Medicine and Surgery during a time of evolution of his speciality. There are frustrations, confrontations and pleasures in starting a Maxillofacial practice and the pleasure of clinical work and of training students and surgeons. As General Manager of the University Hospital of Wales he engaged in conflict with inefficiency and obstinacy. His third career as a Trust Chairman brought more conflict. This book should be an inspiration to young surgeons. Those who are not naturally brilliant will take heart from the knowledge that graft, determination and common sense can be substitutes.