BSMS > About BSMS > Alumni > Alumni in focus Dr Arthur Cotton

Alumni in Focus - Dr Arthur Cotton

Dr Arthur Cotton (BM BS 2014)

Since graduating in the class of 2014, Arthur is now working at Cheltenham General Hospital as a trainee General Surgical Registrar. We caught up with him where he told us about his favourite BSMS memories and who has been his biggest inspiration.

Where are you now?

I am currently a second year trainee General Surgical Registrar working at Cheltenham General Hospital doing my six month vascular rotation.

What has been your proudest moment?

In medicine: Getting my first choice registrar training post in a competitive region.

In life: I got the girl! Marrying my best friend and love of my life! (Obviously this will get me brownie points…).

What are your favourite memories of BSMS?

Close knit community. Medic Mayhem, RAG and the mystery naked streaker in lectures!

What or who has inspired you most in life?

My father - he was a general surgeon in Zimbabwe for 20 years and has laterally worked in Switzerland. His passion for surgery, teaching and doing the very best for all his patients is an incredible act to follow.

What brought you to study in Brighton?

At the recommendation of a close friend of mine, I picked BSMS without knowing much about it. Upon arrival for the interview, the warm, friendly and open atmosphere combined with the small intimate medical school meant I had to stay.

What is the skill that you would most like to have?

To not need to sleep – imagine what you do with all that extra time??!!

Where would you like your career to take you?

I would ideally like to be at the forefront of Upper GI surgery at a leading unit in the South West region. I would like to provide care in third world countries and further Global Surgery - training others in less economically developed countries to perform life-saving surgeries.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

My grandfather told me: Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu - an Ndebele (language spoken in Zimbabwe) phrase meaning a person is who they are because of the people around them. In other words, surround yourself with people who will better you and treat them with love and kindness, they will raise you a higher level than you thought possible.

What do you feel has been the biggest benefit from studying at BSMS?

BSMS’ focus on teaching communication with colleagues and patients has left me with what people say is a good patient patter and excellent relationships with my colleagues.

Describe BSMS in 3 words

Intimate. Brilliant. Fun.