This year’s guest lecturer, Dr. Mark Slack will be speaking on the topic of “Why do operations fail? Patient, procedure or practitioner?”
About Dr. Mark Slack
Dr. Mark Slack qualified in Johannesburg at the University of the Witwatersrand. He then completed his postgraduate training at the University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur hospital. He graduated from the College of Medicine of South Africa winning the Daubenton Gold Medal. After leaving South Africa he trained in Urogynaecology under John Sutherst in Liverpool. He is currently head of Urogynaecology at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge Teaching Hospitals Trust, Cambridge. He is also a fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
Mr. Slack runs an active research unit in Cambridge. His research interests include the study of the behaviour of alloplastic materials in the body, innovations in pharmacology, urodynamic testing and surgery for pelvic organ prolapse. He developed a novel testing system for the measurement of urethral pressure and a new treatment for pelvic organ prolapse. His unit published the largest international trial looking at the use of Botox for idiopathic OAB. More recently his unit has been investigating the role of biofilms in catheter associated urinary tract infections and their role in recurrent UTI and OAB. Using confocal and EDIC microscopy along with chromosomal microarray analysis the team is trying to understand the aetiology behind OAB. The work is very exciting but only in its infancy. He has published widely and has authored numerous chapters in books.
About The Lectureship in Female Pelvic Surgery
The last century witnessed dramatic extension in life span with much improvement for women resulting from enhanced maternity care. Modern obstetrical practices have significantly decreased maternal and neonatal morbidity, allowing those treating women to focus on issues impacting quality of life. Pelvic floor disorders, including incontinence of urine/ feces, vaginal/rectal prolapse, obstructed urination/defecation and sexual dysfunction are just such issues.
The University of British Columbia Lectureship in Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery was founded to promote awareness of pelvic floor disorders, create a forum for the presentation of treatment innovations and new evidence of efficacy. Ultimately, this will result to improving the quality of life for women who suffer from pelvic floor disorders.