In this interview, Sri Kodali speaks to Dr Gordon Plant about his career and what retirement looks like for him. Find a transcript here.

Guest Information

Dr Gordon Terence Plant MA MD FRCP FRCOphth trained in Neurology at the National Hospital, Queen Square, London, in Vision Science supported by the Wellcome Trust in Cambridge and as an MRC Travelling Fellow at the Smith Kettlewell Institute in San Francisco, where he attended clinics with Bill Hoyt. He was appointed consultant to The National, St Thomas’ and Moorfields in 1991. He is a passionate believer in the need for physicians specialising in eye disorders and as Training Programme Director initiated the first Medical Ophthalmology rotation in London.

He retired from clinical practice in 2020 but remains active in research and teaching.

Key Discussion Points:

Early Influences and Scientific Curiosity (1:00-2:00)

• • Dr Plant's initial interest in science, sparked by a love for biology and animals in primary school.
  • The surprising ambition to be a part-time tap dancer!
  • The decision to pursue medical sciences at Cambridge, driven by practical financial considerations rather than purely altruistic motives.

Navigating Physiology and Finding Vision (2:00-4:00)

• • Initial interest in physiology, but disillusionment with animal work.
  • The pivotal connection between physiology and psychology at Cambridge, leading to an interest in human studies and vision science.
  • Key figures like Horace Barlow, Colin Blakemore, and John Robson and their influence on Dr Plant's path.

Combining Neurology, Ophthalmology, and Research (4:00-6:00)

• • Training in neurology while maintaining a focus on vision.
  • Volunteering at Moorfields Eye Hospital to gain experience in ophthalmology.
  • Research on optic neuritis, utilising visual evoked potentials and the then-new pattern ERG.

Overcoming Training Hurdles (6:00-8:00)

• • Challenges in navigating the non-linear training system of the time.
  • Persistence in pursuing opportunities despite setbacks and being "forgotten" after time away.
  • The importance of mentors like Ross Russell in solidifying the decision to combine neurology and vision.

Mentorship and Inspiration (8:00-10:00)

• • The influence of Ross Russell's teaching and approach to problem-solving.
  • Early exposure to fascinating eye cases during an SHO position, reinforcing the potential of combining neurology and vision.
  • Contrasting the surgical focus of ophthalmology at the time with the appeal of a neurological approach.

Early Research Experiences (10:00-11:00)

• • Animal research experience during medical school, contrasting with later preference for human studies.
  • The significance of seizing opportunities and creating one's own path in vision science.

Patient-Led Research and Career Progression (11:00-13:00)

• • The transition from training to consultant and the initial desire to work in America.
  • Securing a research fellowship at the Smith-Kettlewell Institute in San Francisco.

A Transformative Year in San Francisco (13:00-16:00)

• • The stark contrast between the research environment in a private institute versus a university department.
  • The "can-do" attitude and collaborative spirit at the Smith-Kettlewell Institute.
  • Research on motion perception and the challenges of finding patients with specific deficits.

Consultant Life and Continued Research (16:00-17:00)

• Returning as a consultant and balancing clinical work with ongoing research.
• The shift in research approach when working with PhD students, requiring a different kind of guidance and flexibility.
• Dealing with unpublished research due to student limitations and time constraints.

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