After more than two decades of service, Mr Richard Vowles, consultant ear, nose, and throat surgeon, has retired from the Medical Specialist Group.
Mr Vowles arrived in Guernsey from London’s Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital in 1999.
He explained: “I have had a fulfilling career in patient care for the past 23 years. During this time, many services have been improved for the benefit of our patients. However, I am particularly proud of the Head and Neck service, as it allows patients to receive more surgical care on island rather than travelling to the UK for treatment. Our collaboration with the Southampton Hospital Head and Neck Multidisciplinary team has resulted in better teamwork and more efficient decision-making processes.
“While I take pride in all the collaborative work I have been a part of during my time with the MSG, I am especially proud of my contribution to the skin cancer service provision. With advancements in this field and collaboration with other specialties, I perform between 200 and 300 procedures annually, a significant increase compared to the very few procedures I performed when I first arrived.”
Mr Vowles is retiring after his wife, Miss Suzie Dorey, a former consultant ophthalmologist at the MSG, retired in September 2023.
He continued: “I will miss the operating theatre environment, the clinical work and the interactions with my patients. And of course, my colleagues at the MSG.”
Mr Andrew Pelsar took on the role of Ear Nose and Throat surgeon earlier this month following Mr Vowles’ retirement.
Medical Specialist Group (MSG) chair Dr Steve Evans said: “We are very grateful to Richard for his huge contribution to the MSG. I’m sure he will be missed by many of his patients, but not least his colleagues here, and we wish him the very best for his retirement.”
Mr Vowles plans to explore the world, complete the Wainwright Fells challenge in the Lake District and pursue his new interest in bird watching.
Pictured: MSG chairman Steve Evans and Richard Vowles
