ACG member profiles: Dr Praminthra Chitsabesan (MB BS 1997, PhD 2009)
Having finished his initial training as a medic at Jesus College, Oxford, Praminthra Chitsabesan (MA (Oxon) 1994, MB BS 1997, Cert.Med.Ed 2003, PhD Medical Sciences 2009, FRCS 2010) completed his medical training at Newcastle from 1994-1997. He loved Newcastle so much that he has remained here ever since. As most medics did, he played hard and worked hard, playing rugby for a number of teams while immersing himself in University life. The opportunity arose to do this again during his PhD in Medical Education (2002-2005). He has nearly completed his training as a colorectal surgeon specialising in both laparoscopic procedures and abdominal wall closure and hopes to find a specialist consultant's post in the North East.
What Praminthra learned, alongside the knowledge gained as part of his education, was a love of teaching; and the fact that the University provided him with an opportunity to meet a varied group of people from different courses and years. The skills of patience and logical communication he gained during his years at Newcastle and others as a surgeon have helped greatly in his various managerial roles, and are invaluable in influencing decisions taking place concerning University life as a whole. Praminthra regularly teaches on clinical and educational courses around the country.
Praminthra’s other commitments include education as an Honorary Clinical Lecturer at the University and as a Reviewer for the International Journal of Medical Education.