health
March 12, 2026
‘The light will always outshine the dark’: trauma surgeon Shehan Hettiaratchy on his harrowing, heartening calling
After operating on victims of the Westminster attack in 2017 and visiting Ukraine and Gaza, Hettiaratchy has seen more horror than most can imagine – but he still believes in humanity, optimism and selflessness
TL;DR
- Shehan Hettiaratchy, a trauma surgeon, recounts treating victims of the 2017 Westminster attack and the emotional impact on himself and his team.
- He emphasizes the necessity of balancing clinical detachment with emotional connection and humanity in patient care.
- Hettiaratchy shares his experiences serving as an army doctor in Afghanistan and volunteering with UK-Med in Ukraine and Gaza, highlighting the challenges and personal motivations.
- He critiques the traditional "stiff upper lip" approach in surgery, advocating for better communication, reflection, and emotional awareness among surgeons.
- Hettiaratchy supports better pay and conditions for NHS staff, including nurses and resident doctors, to attract and retain talent.
- He highlights the importance of preparing healthcare systems for the consequences of war and other emergencies.
- Despite witnessing immense horror, Hettiaratchy maintains an optimistic outlook, believing that the "lightness" of his job will always outshine the darkness.
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