The REAL Clinic Podcast

#11 The Future of Day Case Surgery

In this episode, Nav is joined by Dr Matt James, consultant plastic surgeon, and Dr Sanjay Gulati, consultant anaesthetist, to explore the evolving landscape of day case surgery—specifically, how a tighter surgical–anaesthetic partnership is redefining recovery. Matt and Sanjay have worked together for over 20 years across the NHS and private practice. At The REAL Clinic, they’ve pioneered a no-opiate approach to general anaesthesia, allowing patients to undergo complex procedures—including breast reduction and full abdominoplasty—and safely return home just hours later. They discuss how removing intra- and post-operative opiates improves recovery, reduces complications like nausea and constipation, and empowers patients to recover faster and more comfortably. They also share insights on anaesthetic technique, patient selection, and the importance of continuity between surgeons and anaesthetists. This is a must-listen for anyone curious about enhanced recovery protocols, the future of day surgery, or simply what happens behind the scenes when surgical and anaesthetic teams work in perfect sync. Follow on Instagram: Dr Matt James: ⁠⁠@drmattjames_ [https://www.instagram.com/drmattjames_/] Nav:⁠⁠ ⁠@realplastics⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/realplastics/] The REAL Clinic:⁠⁠ ⁠@therealclinic [https://www.instagram.com/therealclinic/] 42 South Films:⁠⁠ ⁠@42southfilms [https://www.instagram.com/42southfilms/] About The REAL Clinic: The REAL Clinic is a renowned centre for excellence in aesthetic treatment, cosmetic surgery, and eye care, located in London’s Battersea. Led by some of the UK’s top specialists, it is committed to evidence-based treatments and patient safety. Sponsor: The REAL Clinic Podcast is proudly sponsored by 42 South Films, a London-based video production company helping surgeons and clinics elevate their marketing through high-quality video content.

#10 A Pair of Eye Surgeons - Elizabeth Hawkes and James Neffendorf

In this episode, Nav is joined by consultant ophthalmologists Elizabeth Hawkes and James Neffendorf — a husband-and-wife duo balancing private practice, surgical careers, and family life. Specialising in oculoplastic surgery and retinal surgery respectively, they offer a unique lens into the world of modern eye care. Nav, Elizabeth, and James explore the changing face of training in ophthalmology and aesthetics, the rise of the private sector in delivering care and mentorship, and the pitfalls of short-cutting formal training. They also reflect on building a career with long-term satisfaction, the realities of running a clinic, and how to responsibly expand a practice while raising a family. From ptosis surgery and laser eye treatments to retinal trauma and medtech startups, this conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a sustainable and fulfilling surgical career. Whether you're a trainee navigating the current system, a consultant eyeing private practice, or simply curious about the day-to-day life of two top eye surgeons, this episode is packed with practical insights and candid reflections. Follow on Instagram: Elizabeth Hawkes: ⁠@dr_elizabethhawkes [https://www.instagram.com/drelizabethhawkes/] James Neffendorf: @londoneyedoc [https://www.instagram.com/dr.james.neffendorf/] Nav:⁠⁠ @realplastics [https://www.instagram.com/realplastics/] The REAL Clinic:⁠⁠ @_therealclinicbat [https://www.instagram.com/_therealclinicbat/] 42 South Films:⁠⁠ @42southfilms [https://www.instagram.com/42southfilms/] About The REAL Clinic: The REAL Clinic is a renowned centre for excellence in aesthetic treatment, cosmetic surgery, and eye care, located in London’s Battersea. Led by some of the UK’s top specialists, it is committed to evidence-based treatments and patient safety. Sponsor: The Real Clinic Podcast is proudly sponsored by 42 South Films, a London-based video production company helping surgeons and clinics elevate their marketing through high-quality video content.

#9 Laura Summers - The Virtual Nurse

In this episode, Nav is joined by Laura Summers, a registered nurse and the visionary behind a 24/7 virtual nursing service for plastic and cosmetic surgery patients. With a unique approach to patient care, Laura discusses the evolution of her service, designed to support individuals from pre-operative preparation through their entire recovery journey. Nav and Laura delve into the nuances of virtual nursing, exploring how it addresses patient anxiety and provides crucial support when clinics are unavailable. They candidly discuss the stigma sometimes attached to aesthetic nursing and how Laura's passion ensures patients receive the empathetic and professional care they deserve, even identifying potential red flags before surgery. This insightful conversation sheds light on the growing importance of dedicated, holistic patient support in the private cosmetic surgery sector, offering a fresh perspective on elevating the patient experience. Follow Laura Summers on Instagram: @spealist_cosmetic_care [https://www.instagram.com/specialist_cosmetic_care?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] Find out more about Laura's services at her website: www.specialistcosmeticcareltd.com [www.specialistcosmeticcareltd.com] Follow on Instagram: Nav:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@realplastics⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/realplastics/] The REAL Clinic:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@_therealclinicbat⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/_therealclinicbat/] 42 South Films:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@42southfilms [https://www.instagram.com/42southfilms/] About The REAL Clinic: The REAL Clinic is a renowned centre for excellence in aesthetic treatment, cosmetic surgery, and eye care, located in London’s Battersea. Led by some of the UK’s top specialists, it is committed to evidence-based treatments and patient safety. Sponsor: The Real Clinic Podcast is proudly sponsored by 42 South Films, a London-based video production company helping surgeons and clinics elevate their marketing through high-quality video content.

#8 - Funding Your Clinic Right with Ed Keelan

In this episode, Nav is joined by Ed Keelan, Partner at Octopus Investments, who was instrumental in helping set up The Real Clinic. With a background in entrepreneurship and venture capital, Ed brings a sharp financial lens to the conversation — sharing the realities behind funding, structuring, and scaling a private surgical practice. Nav and Ed explore the common mistakes surgeons make when launching a clinic, from misunderstanding their true customer to signing unfair investment deals. They dive into the importance of clear business models, the hidden risks buried in contracts, and the practical steps surgeons should take to build a financially sustainable, scalable practice. This candid discussion pulls back the curtain on the money side of medicine, offering grounded, actionable insights for any surgeon looking to turn ambition into reality. Follow on Ed's blog on LinkedIn here [https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7160533274828660736/]. Follow on Instagram: Nav:⁠⁠ ⁠@realplastics⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/realplastics/] The REAL Clinic:⁠⁠ ⁠@_therealclinicbat⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/_therealclinicbat/] 42 South Films:⁠⁠ ⁠@42southfilms [https://www.instagram.com/42southfilms/] About The REAL Clinic: The REAL Clinic is a renowned centre for excellence in aesthetic treatment, cosmetic surgery, and eye care, located in London’s Battersea. Led by some of the UK’s top specialists, it is committed to evidence-based treatments and patient safety. Sponsor: The Real Clinic Podcast is proudly sponsored by 42 South Films, a London-based video production company helping surgeons and clinics elevate their marketing through high-quality video content.

#7 Building a Medical Brand with PR Expert Rebecca Lee

In this episode, Nav is joined by Rebecca Lee, a PR and communications consultant specialising in medical and aesthetics PR. With over a decade of experience working with some of the UK’s top doctors, surgeons, and healthcare brands, Beccy has built a reputation for helping medical professionals establish their credibility, authority, and media presence. Nav and Rebecca dive deep into the fundamentals of PR, how it differs from advertising and marketing, and why having a strong media presence is essential for private practice growth. They explore SEO PR, the power of networking, and what makes a doctor or surgeon stand out in the media. Rebecca also shares insights into how journalists source expert opinions, why rapid response times matter, and what it really takes to build long-term visibility in a crowded industry. Whether you're a surgeon looking to elevate your profile, a medical professional interested in PR strategies, or simply curious about the business side of aesthetics and healthcare, this episode is packed with valuable insights from an industry expert. Follow on Instagram: Rebecca Lee:⁠ @rebeccaleecommunications [https://www.instagram.com/rebeccaleecommunications/] Nav:⁠@realplastics⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/realplastics/] The REAL Clinic:⁠@_therealclinicbat [https://www.instagram.com/_therealclinicbat/] 42 South Films:⁠@42southfilms⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/42southfilms/] About The REAL Clinic:The REAL Clinic is a renowned centre for excellence in aesthetic treatment, cosmetic surgery, and eye care, located in London’s Battersea. Led by some of the UK’s top specialists, it is committed to evidence-based treatments and patient safety. Sponsor:The Real Clinic Podcast is proudly sponsored by 42 South Films, a London-based video production company helping surgeons and clinics elevate their marketing through high-quality video content.