Mr. Neil Hopper MB BCh BSc MD FRCS is a Consultant Vascular Surgeon at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro, South West England. He grew up in Swansea and went to medical school in Cardiff (94-2000), where he graduated top of his year (Cardiff Medical Society Prize). He intercalated in anatomical sciences (first-class honors 96-97).   He became a junior doctor with the intention of following a career in palliative care but enjoyed his surgical house job so much he switched to surgery. He considered cardiothoracic surgery but switched to general surgery. As a registrar, he really enjoyed vascular and therefore became a vascular surgeon.   In April 2019, he became unwell and lost both legs below the knee. He returned to work in October 2019 (paperwork and clinics) and resumed full duties with full on-call in February 2020. He has recently become a clinical lecturer in Anatomy for the University of Exeter. Since his illness, he has discovered an interest in exercise and loves nothing more than going on trike rides with his family. He is 44 years old, married to Rachel, and has 2 children, Harry (7) and Evie (11).   Follow Mr. Hopper

• Twitter: @neilhop76
• Instagram: @bionicsurgeon
• YouTube
• Blog: https://www.bionicsurgeon.net/blog

Additional Links

• Lecture at The Vascular Societies’ Annual Scientific Meeting 2020
• Interview with Medscape
• Article on Bravest Briton 2020 award
• 19th Coolest Person in Cornwall 2020
• British Society of Rehabilitation Medicine
• BACPAR (British Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Amputee Rehabilitation)
• The Limbless Association
• Steel Bones (Charity for Civilian Amputees)
• Limb Power
• Blesma (Charity for Limbless Veterans)
• Freetrike Rehab Cycling
• Prosthetic companies that supply NHS patients
  • Blatchford Prosthetics
  • Össur
  • Ottobock

UK training terms

• F1 = Intern straight out of medical school
• House jobs = Intern rotations
• Senior House Officer (SHO) = Junior Resident
• Registrar (Reg) = Senior Resident
• Consultant = Attending
• DGH = District General Hospital