Professor L.e. Hughes: a legend in academic surgery who contributed immensely to Indian surgery.

Abstract

Prof. L.E. Hughes decorated the chair in surgery at the University Hospital of Wales in Welsh National School of Medicine at Cardiff, UK between 1971 and 1992 (Fig. 1). We, the privileged surgeons, who received training in surgical science and skills under his patronage are very strongly drawn to express our feeling and the indelible marks he has left in our lives. Fig. 1 Professor Leslie E. Hughes, FRCS, DS, Professor of Surgery 1971–1992 There are skills which subside with the person completing his journey in this world, but Prof. Leslie E. Hughes is immortal because the surgical skills which he imparted are growing steadily and encompassing the barriers of nationalities and social boundaries. Prof. L.E. Hughes had the singular characteristic of teaching by his shear actions that started in the OPD when he first met the patients. There was no ambiguity in his discussions about the management either with the patient or the trainees. He gave full and graded responsibility to the trainees much earlier than was the norm elsewhere that instilled a sense of responsibility and dedication to the work assigned to the trainees. He had this wonderful nack of assuaging the requirements of trainees; therefore, he involved the trainees in research which was wonderfully designed in such a way that it first assessed the aptitude of a trainee and his/her capacity to apply his/her mind for more serious research. Ward rounds were like going through a pious religious ceremony. No point was missed. The rectal examination was a norm rather than exception. He took as much time as was necessary to go not only round the patient, but around his all other attributes. This gave a tremendous insight to Prof. Hughes in understanding the patient’s requirement concerning his treatment. We do not remember any patient whose diagnosis was missed or who went unsatisfied from the ward. Prof. Hughes expressed extreme care for the well-being of the patients as well as the trainees.