Kim Ah-See has been a stalwart member of the ENT & Audiology News team for many years. Since joining as a journal reviewer in 1997 and then taking on the role of How I Do It section editor a decade later, he has brought us a raft of fascinating articles. Now, as he winds down his clinical career, Kim is also stepping back from his role at the magazine. We are hugely grateful for his contributions over the years, and we wish him the very best in his future endeavours. I recently caught up with him for a chat – you can watch our full interview here. We also include a throwback to Kim’s first outing as the editor of our How I Do It section, back in 2007.
Kim, many thanks for talking to me. Let me start by asking how you got into ENT as a specialty?
My father was a general / vascular surgeon, and when I did my general surgical ‘house’ job (FY job in new UK parlance), I remember one night on call looking around the operating table at 3am and there was me, an SHO, a registrar, a senior registrar and a consultant. I wondered whether I would want to do this when I got older. So when I did an SHO job in ENT, I had no idea what it was about, and I loved it! The people were very human, which was a revelation!
You are also a very keen educator – how did that come about?
Education is a privilege we have in our jobs – it comes from an enthusiasm for your job and wanting to share your interest in the work. I’ve been involved in medical student teaching ever since I was appointed as a consultant and have really enjoyed it. A few years ago, I became the Director of Medical Education – quite a formal role – which introduced me to the more structural aspects of medical education. I’ve also been involved in registrar teaching for many years and I was an FRCS examiner for 15 years – I demitted last year. It’s a great opportunity to get some CPD yourself!
Kim first joined ENT & Audiology News as a journal reviewer in 1997.
In your role for ENT & Audiology News, how did you go about commissioning articles for our How I Do It section?
The articles largely came via word of mouth through personal contacts. Roles in the College and as examiner brought me into contact with lots of people. I felt that it was important not to make these articles too niche or complicated. I felt it was important to explain some more basic techniques – for example, the steps in a septoplasty. We have tried to avoid anything that might be viewed as an advert for any particular piece of kit.
Tell me about your non-medical interests – am I right in thinking that you are a sportsman?
I do enjoy activity, but I’m not an endurance athlete. I have no intention of running across the Sahara! I enjoy a number of sports and have done lots of triathlons. Depending on the how well behaved my knees are, I am getting more into cycling rather than running.
What are your plans for retirement?
We have some immediate plans – my wife and I did the Edinburgh marathon in May, and we’re cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats. All of our sons live in the central belt of Scotland, so we may move there in the longer term. Early retirement for me will mean continuing some clinical work. I also have an ambition someday to build an eco-friendly house – at the moment, that’s an idea, so we’re thinking about the practicalities.
Tell us about your successor as editor of the How I Do It section.
One of our consultants in Fife, Miles Bannister, has been a great contributor to this section, and he felt like an ideal fit. He’s a very enthusiastic and capable colleague and was keen to take on the role – the section is in good hands.
Many thanks Kim for your time and dedication to the magazine – it has been great working with you.
