DR PHILIP MCGRAW was on his way to becoming a dental surgeon when he realised his true passion: orthopaedic surgery. He swapped fixing facial fractures for hip and knee replacement surgery, and never looked back.
Here, the British orthopaedic surgeon tells us more about his passion for this specialty, and about joining the team of specialists at Avant Orthopaedics in Singapore. The practice provides treatment for a wide range of joint and spinal conditions, sports injuries and arthritis.
What inspired the change to being an orthopaedic surgeon?
Unfortunately, dentistry didn’t inspire me as much as it seemed to inspire my peers in dental school. It was all about drilling holes, filling them and trying to do it quickly! Upon qualifying in dental surgery, I went into the hospital as a head and neck surgery trainee, mainly performing procedures to manage facial fractures. As I learned surgery, it became clear that I wanted to undertake orthopaedic surgery instead.
What made you want to specialise in hip and knee replacement surgery specifically?
I was inspired by a great hip and knee surgeon during my fellowships at Wrightington Hospital in the UK. He encouraged me to undertake hip and knee replacement surgery, and I have the utmost respect for him.
Also, outcomes following joint replacement surgery are usually very good, which makes the job even more fulfilling. Knee replacement surgery, for example, is excellent for alleviating arthritic knee pain, and hip replacement surgery has an easy recovery, so patients are usually very thankful, which is most gratifying.
Tell us about joining Avant Orthopaedics in Singapore.
I work with a great team and, collectively, we can help patients to alleviate their pain and regain quality of life. The Avant team is very efficient in managing the needs of our patients and we strive to deliver the highest standards of patient care. There is a real sense of teamwork, and it’s an honour and a great pleasure to work as a member of this team.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I enjoy spending time with my family and cycling. I also recently started golf lessons – and I’m hoping I can join my colleagues on the golf course soon!
Avant Orthopaedics
• #05-31 Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, 38 Irrawaddy Road | 6262 3616
• #04-06 Parkway East Medical Centre, 319 Joo Chiat Place | 6970 8916
avantortho.com.sg
This article on orthopaedics and knee replacement surgery first appeared in the July 2023 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!
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