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IanPenman

Ian Penman graduated in medicine from the University of Glasgow, and undertook general medical training and a research fellowship there. He underwent Gastroenterology training in Edinburgh and EUS training at MUSC, Charleston, South Carolina.

Dr Penman is currently Consultant Gastroenterologist at the Western General Hospital, and Senior Lecturer in Medicine in Edinburgh. He is Director of Endoscopy and actively involved in endoscopic research and training.

What made you decide to become a gastroenterologist?

Pure serendipity - I was in the right place at the right time when Ken McColl was looking for a Research Fellow. Otherwise I might have ended up a radiologist . . .

Who was the teacher you admired the most?

The first general physician whom I worked for (Dr John Dagg) in Glasgow was a superb clinician - he made clinical bedside medicine an art. Ken McColl taught me how to think critically and Kel Palmer tried to teach me common sense.

Which research paper influenced you the most?

No single paper, but those of James Black on the characterization of H2 receptors stand out.

What is the most important fact that you have discovered?

That, try as they might, Scotland will probably never win the World Cup.

What is the biggest mistake that you have made?

Far too many to list here.

How do you relax?

Playing with my kids; golf when I get the chance; music; sport on TV (except horse racing . . .).

What is your favorite sport?

Cricket, golf, and rugby, but not all at once.

What is your best place in the world?

Remote parts of Scotland on a rare sunny day.

What is your favorite film?

"Casablanca"; all Marx brothers films.

What car do you drive?

A 9-year-old Ford sierra - sorry!

What is your best electronic 'toy'?

My son's PlayStation.

What book are you reading at the moment?

Simon Schama's "History of Britain", which is fantastic.

Why did you get in involved in GastroHep.com?

Like most other people have said in their profiles, I was 'Poundered'. Seriously, there is a need for an integrated, comprehensive, and top-rate GI site and this is hopefully it.