Cystic fibrosis patient leads way as surgeon

A MAN with cystic fibrosis has become the first person in the country with the disease to qualify as a surgeon.

Aaron Brown, 25, who was born in Leeds but now lives in York, has battled the disease, that shortens life and inflicts a considerable daily treatment burden, to become the first ever sufferer to be a member of the Royal College of Surgeons England, just two years after he qualified as a doctor.

“I spend a couple of hours doing treatment every day to stay well and I take over 35 tablets each day”, he said.

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“It can be difficult fitting all that in when you’re working long hours.

“I’ve been inspired by some of the medical staff who have treated me over the years. Having cystic fibrosis means you are in and out of hospital all your life and I think my experiences gives me an insight into what my own patients must go through.”

Cystic fibrosis is caused by a defective gene that results in the internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system, becoming damaged.