Celebrating the Outstanding Career and Retirement of Michael E. Cowen

Dr. Michael Edward Cowen has retired from Castle Hill Hospital, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust after more than 30 years as a consultant cardiothoracic surgeon. Appointed in the early 1990s, Dr. Cowen began as a consultant at a very young age and has continued over the subsequent decades, retiring as one of the longest serving and most senior consultants in the United Kingdom.  

Dr. Cowen’s clinical practice has seen him successfully treat a vast number of patients, undertaking thousands of operations with exceptional outcomes. His consultant clinical practice was unique, undertaking cardiac, thoracic, and esophageal surgery for decades. He was one of very few people in the United Kingdom doing this with impeccable results.  Despite his success, he has always remained humble, shy, and frequently downplays his many achievements. Patients value his gentle, kind, and considerate manner.  

As well as being a natural, versatile, and exceptionally gifted surgeon, Dr. Cowen has been an outstanding surgical trainer and mentor. Over his consultant career, he trained a large number of surgeons who have gone on to very successful careers. Many remember and acknowledge the impact Dr. Cowen had on their progress and development. He has also been a great source of help and support for colleagues—medical, surgical, and for a wider team. He is an encyclopedia of cardiothoracic surgery with vast experience.

Dr. Cowen’s retirement represents a massive loss, but he leaves behind an incredible legacy for the unit in Hull to continue to grow and thrive. He has most recently developed a highly successful thoracic surgical unit and has continually modernized his practice and that of the unit’s, establishing a robotic thoracic surgical service that continues to expand. He also, most importantly, leaves behind a culture and practice of providing the highest standards of patient care that it will be a privilege for the rest of the team to continue. 

Disclaimer

The information and views presented on CTSNet.org represent the views of the authors and contributors of the material and not of CTSNet. Please review our full disclaimer page here.