Get to know your aesthetic practitioner: part 2.

Following on from my previous post about getting to know your aesthetic practitioner – here is the second part to explain what the letters after my name mean and what I have had to do to achieve them.

So my official title with credentials is:

Dr Heather McCallum BSc (Hons) Anatomy  MBChB (Dundee)  DRCOG  MRCS (Edinburgh)  MRCGP

University

BSc (Hons) Anatomy: this was a 4 year degree that covered anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, molecular genetics and developmental biology. My entire 3rd year was dedicated to anatomy and anatomy dissection of my own human cadaver. A thorough understanding of anatomy and the variations between individuals is invaluable in surgery and aesthetics.
My 4th year included in depth study of the structure of skin, cancer genetics and human developmental biology that culminated in a 20000 word dissertation. The study of skin in particular has been very useful in aesthetics and when advising clients on skincare.

MBChB (Dundee): this is my medical degree and it took 5 years. An intensive degree with 3 years of academic study and 2 years in hospitals, covering all areas of human biology and medical/surgical issues. With my anatomy experience I worked as an anatomy demonstrator for my fellow first years – teaching them about human dissection and anatomy. During this degree I also completed self selected modules in plastic surgery, orthopaedics and dermatology plus I spent a Summer working in cardiothoracic surgery in Singapore.

DRCOG: this is a postgraduate diploma in obstetrics and gynaecology. Not so useful in aesthetics but very useful in GP land!

Surgical Training

MRCS: this is a postgraduate exam that looks at all aspects of surgery and sciences vital to surgery. The exam is in 4 parts. Part 1 and 2 focus on basic sciences in surgery such as anatomy and physiology; biochemistry and molecular genetics; and skin tissues and wound healing through through two written exams.

Part 3a is a practical exam that looks in further depth into these areas with particular focus on anatomy, imaging in surgery, surgical skills like suturing and knowledge of surgical procedures, where you work around an exam hall and are questioned by fellow surgeons and scientists. Part 3b was a clinical skills exam with real patients. 10 different patients with different systems to examine such as abdomen, a hip problem or varicose veins. I had to demonstrate competent clinical examination, identify the abnormality and then formulate a management plan. Both nerve racking experiences but character building.

This exam along with 4 years of hospital jobs gave me invaluable experience and knowledge in surgery, communication, dealing with patients and prepared me for my change into GP training and my aesthetic career. I completed: 18 months of plastic surgery; 6 months orthopaedic surgery; 4 months neurosurgery, 6 months general surgery; and 4 months of A&E. During these surgical jobs I performed many surgeries on my own such as: appendicectomies, hernia repairs, skin grafting, tendon repairs in the hands, vasectomies, mastectomies, carpal tunnel decompression, lymph node biopsy, excision of skin cancers, cysts and lipomas – and assisted on many more major surgeries.

GP Training

MRCGP: this is my postgraduate exam in General Practice and involved 3 parts. The first part was a written exam covering all areas of general practice, which is an extensive area as GPs need to know a little about all areas of medicine and surgery. The second part was a practical exam with patient scenarios. I sat this part in London when I was 38 weeks pregnant with my second child. Thankfully he stayed put while I completed the exam. The third part was an e-portfolio with evidence of learning throughout GP training.
I completed these exams and eportfolio during my 5 years of GP training. This included:18 months of GP; 6 months A&E; 6 months psychiatry; 6 months palliative care; 6 months acute medicine; and 6 months general surgery. I completed my GP training in 2015 and have been working as a GP since.  In 2016 I also spent a year as a GP in Perth, Australia, where minor surgery formed a large part of my job.

The degrees, medical and surgical training, qualifications and GP work have given me a wealth of experience that I use as a GP every day but have also been vital as an aesthetic practitioner. You’re in safe and knowledgeable hands with me.

I also have numerous aesthetic qualifications but as these are not at degree standard or a postgraduate qualification, I cannot add them as credentials but I can show you my certificates and my aesthetic skills!