Mr Paul Thiruchelvam was awarded the iWantGreatCare certificate of excellence in 2024 for delivering outstanding care.

 

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Written by a patient at Charing Cross Hospital
8th March 2018


Paul was very professional, although a little sensitivity would have been nice, not saying that we need to be wrapped in cotton wool, maybe explaining things in a more gentle manner (I know that there is no easy way to deliver this type of news to a patient). The day of the surgery the team were amazing, caring and professional, and did their best to try and distract you from the situation. Paul did his rounds to make sure that everything was fine before I left. On the second consultation, Paul was very happy with the outcome and so was I.

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Written by a patient at Charing Cross Hospital
8th March 2018


Paul is extremelly professional. It was very easy for me to trust him and build a great rapport (almost immediately!). Fortunately, the purpose of having my appointment with Paul was about a discomfort on one of my breast vs having something more serious but even though I wasn't a patient of "urgency" he provided quality time, listened to me and requested all relevant studies and checks at the hospital to ensure I was healthy. I will definitely recommend him!

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Written by a patient at Charing Cross Hospital
5th March 2018


When Paul delivered my diagnosis of breast cancer I was deeply shocked and found his method of delivery upsetting. He drew a picture of a breast and visually represented invasive lobular cancer to me as he explained the facts. He was direct and honest. At no point in this first meeting did I feel I didn't trust him or that he didn't listen to my questions. I realise now that in a highly charged situation where the surgeon has to deliver news like this there is not much room for anything else - just delivery of the facts. Perhaps a bit more eye contact would have helped as he drew the diagram and delivered the facts. Every time I had an appointment with Paul he was always willing to answer my questions. He welcomed questions which to me demonstrated his dedication and passion for his job. As results from further tests and biopsies came through my diagnosis of breast cancer changed from a small invasive lobular tumor to something alot bigger requiring a mastectomy and axillary node clearance. Through this whole process Paul was compassionate but honest. It was important to me that he respected and agreed with my decision to go for no reconstruction. I felt that he listened to me. He was able to highlight the risks involved regarding surgery and the importance of exercise regarding how to reduce the onset of lymphodema. I was well cared for and dealt with senstively whilst being prepared for surgery. For example the marking of my breast for surgery. After surgery Paul was able to offer practical advice regarding exercises and the support which was available if complications developed after I had left hosptial. I would not hesitate to recommend Paul to anyone with breast cancer and I am very happy with my treatment and the extremely neat scar.Thank you!

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Written by a patient at Charing Cross Hospital
23rd February 2018


I found Mr T very good communicator, inspired confidence and treated my cancer in a matter of fact way without feeling sorry for me or my condition. He was very through in his examination and explaining the details to me and never downplayed the risks. It was great to see him follow up on his patient very soon after the operation. The only suggestion would be not to down play the risk or worst case scenario but to deliver it a bit more gently

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Written by a patient at Charing Cross Hospital
21st February 2018


Following a routine mammogram a grade 2 carcinoma was diagnosed in my right breast and I was referred to Mr. Paul Thiruchelvam and his team for surgery. Immediately I was impressed by his professionalism and his calm and caring attitude and was very grateful when he agreed to mammoplasty. The operation went very well and the recovery has been virtually pain free. Mr. Paul Thiruchelvam is not only an excellent surgeon, he also patiently explains all procedures and his interest in and enthusiasm for his work shines through at every level. I count myself very fortunate to be treated by him and his excellent team.

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Profile

Paul is a Consultant Breast and Reconstructive Surgeon at Imperial College NHS Trust and an Honorary Senior Lecturer in Surgery at Imperial College, London.

He graduated from Imperial College in 2000 and undertook his Surgical Training in North West Thames, during which time he rotated through the breast units at Imperial College and The Royal Marsden. He completed his surgical training as a National Oncoplastic Group (TIG) fellow at the Nottingham Breast Institute, where he undertook research mapping the anatomy of chest wall perforator flaps (LICAP & LTAPs) in partial and total breast reconstruction.

Paul has undertaken travelling fellowships to the MD Anderson, Mayo Clinic, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centers, and was awarded a Winston Churchill Memorial Fellowship in 2016, visiting the United States and Japan to observe the use of axillary reverse mapping (ARM) and Lymphatic Microsurgical Preventing Healing Approach (LYMPHA) in primary lymphoedema prevention. Paul is actively involved in lymphedema prevention and surveillance.

As a member of the member of the expert panel on breast cancer related lymphoedema, he was involved in drafting best practice guidelines for the American Society of Breast Surgeons. He is the current Chair of oncoplastic breast surgery for the American College of Surgeons and the and serves on the oncoplastic faculty for the American Society of Breast Surgeons and teaches on Surgical Techniques for the Prevention and Management of Lymphedema for the American Society of Breast Surgeons.

Paul received his PhD in Molecular Oncology from Imperial College in 2010, under supervision from Professors Simak Ali, Laki Buluwela and Charles Coombes. He was awarded the first joint clinical research fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons and Cancer Research:UK to fund his research. He is actively involved in clinical trials, including the multi-centre PRADA trial.