Given an aim of Back Story is to help parents navigate the decisions and dilemmas they potentially face, I wanted to secure two interviews with leading spinal consultants who specialise in scoliosis. Two was important because I needed to ensure on behalf of my audience that they had similar views. There is estimated to be only 50 such surgeons in the UK and what I wanted to establish is that there are common views amongst them regarding the diagnosis and treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. This is to reassure parents that regardless of the NHS consultant they see, they will be given similar treatment.
I googled ‘top spinal specialists UK’ and came upon a survey conducted by the Daily Mail; ‘Spinal operations are high-risk – so who should you trust? We asked the experts themselves’. It asked 40 leading spinal consultants around the UK who they would recommend and from this a list a top ten was comprised.
At the top of the list was Michael Grevitt. His expertise in the treatment of scoliosis was specifically referenced. These are not easy people to reach but I got him!
Prior to my interview he requested the list of questions and wished to conduct the interview via Zoom.
He sent me the audio file as the zoom meeting had been set up by him. Unfortunately, the sound quality was disappointing and I was only partially successful at improving it. However, the interview more than met my expectations. Michael was very generous with his time and I was able to ask him questions that were not on the list I had previously sent him.
He appeared genuinely interested in my project and said he was happy to do anything to support it. That was very satisfying for me. He subsequently sent me an email saying he hopes to hear me on the radio in the future!
Michael Grevitt on BBC Two's award-winning series, Hospital, in 2018.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by scoliosis visit Scoliosis Association UK or call their helpline on 0208 964 1166 for support and advice.
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