Professor Marson has an interest in renal transplantation, both in the context of living and deceased donation. She is also involved in the pancreas transplant programme. From 2017-19, Professor Marson held the position of President of the British Transplantation Society, and was awarded a Personal Chair in Transplant Surgery in August 2018. Having worked as a Senior Lecturer (2004-15) and Reader (2015-18), Professor Marson is now Director of Admissions for the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine at the University of Edinburgh. The interview can be found below:
What led you to choose the specialty? I had planned a more sensible choice, but I love the technical aspects of transplant surgery, the fascinating immunology and, in particular, the ethical challenges. I also love the team. Describe a typical day in your life. One of the things I love about my job is that I don’t have a typical day, as I also work for the university. Clinically there is a ward round every morning, and I do a live donor kidney transplant once a week. I also work in assessment clinics and we have weekly multidisciplinary meetings, for both living donors and transplant recipients. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, we are all mad about exercise, so I like running and cycling. Plan to take part in a triathlon this year. I also like reading, and relaxing. How intensive is your work schedule? Transplant surgery is intensive, when I am on call. I can be up all night operating, and if not, I usually get a lot of phone calls overnight. This is to discuss organ offers, to decide whether to accept an organ for a particular patient. Favourite things about your specialty? Transplantation is a miracle for people. We transform people’s lives through the work we do and that is humbling and rewarding Highlights of your career? I was elected President of the British Transplantation Society, by my peers and colleagues. That was very rewarding. I was promoted to Professor in Transplant Surgery, which was also a real honour. I wish my Dad had been alive to see that, he would have been very proud. What challenges do you face? I have faced challenges as a woman in surgery, particularly trying to balance my family and my work. But my children are grown up, I am very proud of them and relieved they are such great people. Sometimes it has felt that I have missed out on some of the “boys’ club”, but on balance, I am proud of having achieved what I have done whilst not losing a sense of myself. Any advice for medical students? If you feel passionate about a career, go for it. Don’t listen too much to people trying to put you off. Take on board their comments, but follow your own heart. What attributes are best suited to your specialty? Resilience is a major part of it. And a sense of humour. Always be kind and friendly to be people around you, whoever they are. Who is your biggest inspiration? I had two main mentors in my training, who were there at a time when I needed direction and support. One who was there when I decided to pursue a career in general surgery, the other inspired to be a transplant surgeon. Both are male. ESSS would like to thank Professor Lorna Marson for her co-operation in the production of this article.
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