60 seconds with Marlon Ferro

29 March 2016

Marlon is an orthopaedic technician at Barnet Hospital.

What does an orthopaedic technician do on a daily basis?

I work with orthopaedic doctors in the treatment of fractures of bones and tendon ruptures. I work in the fracture clinic at Barnet Hospital, applying plaster casts and a range of different splints, braces and orthotic devices.

What’s your greatest personal/career achievement?

Completing my training in anatomy and physiology and passing my exams to become a qualified orthopaedic technician.

What’s the best thing about your job?

The sense of satisfaction I get from making a difference and still learning something new every shift.

How long have you worked at the trust?

I have been at Barnet Hospital for nearly two years since moving from Chase Farm Hospital where my training took place and where I worked for four years.

What would you say to someone who is thinking of a career as an orthopaedic technician?

As long as you’re not squeamish and enjoy the anatomy then start as a trainee and give it a go.

Who’s influenced your career most (and why)?

My mum and dad are the biggest influences on my career. Both of them have worked for the NHS and both have been great role models.

What are the most significant challenges of your role?

Trying to make people who are in pain and anxious feel calm, relaxed and happy by the end of their visit to hospital.

What did you want to be as a child?

I wanted to be a stunt driver in big action movies when I was a kid.

What would you choose as your last meal?

I would pick crocodile steak as my last meal as I have heard it’s really quite nice and I still have not had the chance to try it.

What can’t you live without?

Unfortunately, I hate to admit it, but I couldn’t live without my wicked android phone. It’s my alarm clock, torch and phone.

If you were singing karaoke, what song would you pick?

I would probably sing ‘Don’t stop me now’ by Queen.

If you were a biscuit, what sort would you be?

Jammie Dodger.

If you could time travel, where would you go?

If I could time travel I would go back to the 50s. It was a great time and they had some really cool cars back then.