Dr. Barry Salkin resides in Birmingham, West Midlands, UK, with his wife and two demanding cats called Jasper & Lucy. Since 2008, Barry has been a Locum Consultant in Medical Microbiology, and he completed his training at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital under the very effective supervision of Dr. Marina Morgan. He holds her style of microbiology and patient management.

Whilst undertaking locum posts, Barry is pleased to have worked both alone and as part of teams large and small. He’s worked at a range to hospitals throughout the UK, including a few in Northern Ireland.

Microbiology always interested Barry, and his first degree was in Bacteriology and Virology prior to entering medical school. He originally swayed towards anaesthetics, and he took up this role for several years before eventually transferring back to microbiology.

A Closer View of Barry’s Philosophy

Who have been your biggest influences in Microbiology?

Both Dr. Marina Morgan and Dr. Geoff Ridgeway. With Dr. Morgan being my previous boss whilst I finished my training. Many of my working practices have come from her good influences. Dr. Ridgeway had a unique way of letting people know some of their infection control practices were not up to the expected standard, and this has always stayed me and prompted me to think of different ways to handle different situations. There are, of course, colleagues who have come along later that I’ve happily worked with, that still influence me.

Why is microbiology inspiring to you?

Microbiology may not appeal to everyone, and some people may (wrongly!) see it as boring. Some of the more routine day-to-day things may not be inspiring to others, but it’s worth remembering that they keep both patients and the hospitals safer places. Sometimes, a situation will come along, that requires further problem solving and manages to keep you on your toes! A lot of my job requires pattern recognition and accepting the art of the achievable.

What is most important to you as a doctor?

Good patient care. It really is as simple as that. I think it is worth bearing in mind when you are dealing with a patient, “if this was your relative, how would you wish them to be treated?” I feel it’s important to gauge how patients would like to be dealt with, being as honest and open with them as possible, and communicating with clarity. Working as a team has wonderful advantages, and I respect all levels of staff I work with. They have their own experience, and I enjoy drawing from that and equally sharing my own experiences to enhance them and the Department I’m working for.

Why does locum work for you over a permanent post?

It gives me flexibility. It means I can take on roles for a short, medium, or longer term without feeling that I am “letting anyone down” by only being in a role for a set amount of time. It’s enabled me to continue further study. I’ve recently gained a GDL (Graduate Diploma in Law), and then later LPC (Legal Practice Course) and also LLM (Masters In Law)  I like seeing different approaches that I might otherwise not see working in a single hospital, learning from those approaches, and also sharing my own areas of expertise too.

I prefer to focus on the clinical work rather than the politics of management. Often, locums are sought because there is a need for the clinical side, and that fits in with being able to leave the strategic management to others whilst concentrating on tactical matters and supporting the Trusts in good patient management and care, which is my primary focus as a Doctor.