Mr Damir Kosutic MD PhD FRCS(Plast) Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon 2018-04-11 Person 5 5 0

Mr Kosutic has cared for me for nearly three years now. I was very frightened when I first visited The Christie in May 2015, having had, (as I'm sure is common), a horrible shock on discovering that I had a secondary tumour (this was at another hospital, from which I was referred to The Christie). Mr Kosutic was the first doctor I met at The Christie, and despite my terror at what might be to come, I was immediately aware that I was in good hands. He explained everything patiently and clearly, and his manner showed that he was (and is) exceptionally approachable - the patient feels that he or she can speak easily and openly about any concerns. Mr Kosutic is prepared to spend any amount of time in explanation or in reassurance. At no stage have I ever felt as though he was in a hurry, despite the fact that the clinics I have attended have always been extremely busy. It was very clear from the beginning that I was in the hands of an expert. Consequently, when I left The Christie for the first time, I had a definite idea of what needed to be done next, and what the further steps might be. Although I was still afraid, I had no doubt (and neither did my husband, who had been with me throughout the consultation), that I was in the best possible hands. My treatment at The Christie began with a PET scan. I was extremely fortunate as it showed that the cancer had not spread anywhere else, and Mr Kosutic ensured that I knew this as soon as possible. I was so thankful for that news! In June 2015 I was operated on by Mr Kosutic. Two things stand out from that time in hospital: firstly, Mr Kosutic came to see me prior to the operation, early in the morning (possibly this is standard practice, but I had never been in hospital before so I didn't know), and it was so very reassuring to see him and hear him telling me again that the PET scan had been clear; I felt uplifted to know that this kind person was looking after me! Secondly, he must have had a very tiring day subsequent to that ward visit, (as I was only the first of his patients in surgery that day), but it sticks in my mind vividly that he and his colleague, (who I think, had helped with the surgery), came to see me on the ward at about 6pm. Again, maybe it is standard practice so to do, but even in my befuddled state on that occasion, (as I had been given some morphine, I think), I appreciated his kind words, his care and his reassurance so very much. It made such a difference to me to know from an expert surgeon, so soon after the operation, that I had no disease. Every time I have seen him since, for check-ups, I have been impressed yet again by his obviously immense knowledge and skill. I have to say that I admire him greatly, since I am aware of how much hard work he must have had to do in order to reach his present position. I have been very lucky indeed to be cared for by such an expert. Furthermore, various medical personnel who cared for the wound when it was healing, all commented on what a neat job Mr Kosutic had done! It's a six inch scar, and a large lump of leg has disappeared, but I've been able to resume life as normal, with no pain or discomfort. He explained possible after effects fully, and, as he said they would, they proved temporary. I would recommend Mr Kosutic wholeheartedly. His patients are in the best hands. He deserves many, many thanks. Although I am aware that there are no guarantees with cancer treatment, I know that I could not be receiving better care.