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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To reject trainee surgeon?

494 replies

RunningThroughMyHead · 24/09/2025 13:54

My young child is on the wait list for eye surgery. It’s a complex surgery with risks of blindness or other permanent eye issues if not done correctly. These risks have been explained to us but the benefits outweigh the risks.

My husband took him to the last appointment and the surgeon explained that a student surgeon may undertake all or part of the surgery under his supervision. My husband nodded along as far as I can tell.

Whilst I fully understand that healthcare professionals need to practice, perhaps selfishly, I don’t want my son practiced on. I wouldn’t forgive myself if something happened and I want someone well experienced to do the full surgery.

AIBU to request/insist on this?

OP posts:
didntlikeanyofthesuggestions · 24/09/2025 14:06

Vinvertebrate · 24/09/2025 14:03

It would be a hard no from me.

What are you saying no to? The surgery?

OP - it sounds very stressful and I'm sorry you and your family are having to deal with it but I would be surprised if there was a choice you could make which didn't delay the surgery. The people doing it will be trained and qualified, they don't let the lad on work experience do this kind of thing.

Oneeyedonkey · 24/09/2025 14:05

RunningThroughMyHead · 24/09/2025 14:04

Why would I know how it works?!

Why are you being so rude unnecessarily?

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Maybe because I have just come off 2 bloody night shifts

JasperTheDoll · 24/09/2025 14:05

If it's strabismus surgery they will do this daily.

BadgernTheGarden · 24/09/2025 14:05

RunningThroughMyHead · 24/09/2025 13:57

Surgery isn’t the same as being a qualified ophthalmology though! It’s a whole different skills set, hence they’d need full supervision.

Why is it wrong that I want someone well experienced?

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You get the benefit of two surgeons, a slightly less experienced surgeon and a very senior surgeon supervising, as said it will be an already well qualified surgeon operating, but if this is a rarely done and complex surgery it is an extra precaution to have a more senior surgeon also there to watch and be able to take over if necessary. Can you look up their qualifications to put your mind at rest?

Oneeyedonkey · 24/09/2025 14:04

RunningThroughMyHead · 24/09/2025 14:00

Experienced in what? This operation? How do I know that?

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If you are insisting on the consultant doing the op, ask yourself, when was the last time they actually did the op....... it could be some time ago, and the student you talk about so disparagingly, has done it more recently.

Original poster
RunningThroughMyHead · 24/09/2025 14:04

Oneeyedonkey · 24/09/2025 14:01

You really have no idea how hospitals work do you?
If you want to choose a particular surgeon you go private and pay the associated costs.

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Why would I know how it works?!

Why are you being so rude unnecessarily?

OP posts:
Vinvertebrate · 24/09/2025 14:03

It would be a hard no from me.

Octavia64 · 24/09/2025 14:02

You don’t have the right to choose your surgeon

Oneeyedonkey · 24/09/2025 14:01

RunningThroughMyHead · 24/09/2025 13:59

I’m not sure that’s legal? My impression is people have a right to choose around their healthcare?

eg if you weren’t happy with your GP, you can request to change and they will do this. They don’t insist you have a specific doctor if it makes you uncomfortable.

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You really have no idea how hospitals work do you?
If you want to choose a particular surgeon you go private and pay the associated costs.

Original poster
RunningThroughMyHead · 24/09/2025 14:00

Oneeyedonkey · 24/09/2025 13:59

You are getting someone experienced

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Experienced in what? This operation? How do I know that?

OP posts:
CandidAzureBee · 24/09/2025 14:00

The proper name for your eye surgeon is an ophthalmologist - they are the same thing. The consultant has explained that a registrar might be doing the surgery with supervision (which might be very close step by step or very hand off depending on the experience of the surgeon involved). They certainly won't be a student!

Original poster
RunningThroughMyHead · 24/09/2025 13:59

SparklyCardigan · 24/09/2025 13:57

It sounds like they were telling you, not asking you.

I’m not sure that’s legal? My impression is people have a right to choose around their healthcare?

eg if you weren’t happy with your GP, you can request to change and they will do this. They don’t insist you have a specific doctor if it makes you uncomfortable.

OP posts:
Oneeyedonkey · 24/09/2025 13:59

RunningThroughMyHead · 24/09/2025 13:57

Surgery isn’t the same as being a qualified ophthalmology though! It’s a whole different skills set, hence they’d need full supervision.

Why is it wrong that I want someone well experienced?

Show quote history

You are getting someone experienced

MooBaggage · 24/09/2025 13:58

Hi - yes it definitely won't be a 'student', but could be a very senior trainee, who has had many years of experience - they operate on us all, all the time.

If you are nervous, ask the Consultant what grade the trainee is and what experience they have - you are quite within your rights to ask and I ask all the time when I'm a patient (I work in medical education, so have a vested interest!).

Original poster
RunningThroughMyHead · 24/09/2025 13:57

Hobnobswantshernameback · 24/09/2025 13:55

This wouldn't be a "student" this is likely to be a very senior resident doctor who has already undergone up ton7 years training as an ophthalmologist.
At Least if you want to challenge a decision understand the basic facts

Surgery isn’t the same as being a qualified ophthalmology though! It’s a whole different skills set, hence they’d need full supervision.

Why is it wrong that I want someone well experienced?

OP posts:
SparklyCardigan · 24/09/2025 13:57

It sounds like they were telling you, not asking you.

Sheiswaiting · 24/09/2025 13:57

Hobnobswantshernameback · 24/09/2025 13:55

This wouldn't be a "student" this is likely to be a very senior resident doctor who has already undergone up ton7 years training as an ophthalmologist.
At Least if you want to challenge a decision understand the basic facts

Thank you

Sheiswaiting · 24/09/2025 13:56

No WAY would a “trainee” be permitted to perform critical surgery on a minor’s eye.

Are you sure you haven’t misinterpreted things op?

Hobnobswantshernameback · 24/09/2025 13:55

This wouldn't be a "student" this is likely to be a very senior resident doctor who has already undergone up ton7 years training as an ophthalmologist.
At Least if you want to challenge a decision understand the basic facts

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