Meet Dr Alistair Ward

Across the UK, too many women are still being denied the life-saving surgery they need simply because of where they live. That’s why we launched our Surgical Expertise Programme: training surgeons in world-class techniques to end the postcode lottery.

Dr Alistair Ward is our second Surgical Expertise trainee/fellow and is currently training at Hammersmith Hospital with Professor Christina Fotopulou and the team.

We hope, with your support, he'll be one of many. Because every woman deserves the absolute best chance of survival.

What inspired you to become a doctor?

I loved biology and how the human body works, I liked working with people - I could never do an office job!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I juggle my career with my family; I have a wife and two lively boys so that’s enough to keep me busy. When I have the time, I enjoy running, especially on the South Downs.

What led you to specialise in Gynaecological Oncology surgery?

I realised that being in theatre was the best part of my job as a gynaecological doctor, while gynae-oncology offered the most diverse and challenging surgery of our speciality. I found learning about the different types of cancer, how they behave and how they respond to different treatments, both surgical and medical, fascinating.

Why did you want to apply for the Surgical Expertise Programme?

An opportunity to think outside the box. I was more than aware of the outcomes of the national ovarian cancer audit and the disparities in survival outcomes around the country following my research studies. One of the theories is around the use of maximal effort cytoreductive surgery so what an opportunity to go and learn from the some of the best in the country at a centre of excellence.

How did you feel when you found out you had been accepted?

Happy, nervous, excited.

What are you hoping to gain from this programme?

An idea of how things are done differently, how I might translate these processes into the place I work as a consultant and to lay the foundation skills to become the type of surgeon I aim to be.

What impact will this programme have on the people you care for?

As a trainee, making significant institutional changes can be challenging; however, I know that this fellowship will impact my decision making and care as a consultant of the future.

What do you want to see improved for women with ovarian cancer?

More uniformity in decisions around treatment. Justifications why some treatments are offered, and some are not.