We have reached final week fever in The Great British Bake Off (aka The Great British Baking Show)! Needless to say, baking rates amongst ophthalmologists and other medics spike during this important time; here, we showcase some of our readers' technical challenges and showstoppers to make you both jealous and hungry.
We'll be updating this article with more baking masterpieces throughout the week. Send yours to edit@theophthalmologist.com.
Let us know in the comments who your favorite is!
Harpreet Kaur, an Ophthalmology ST1 at Sheffield Hospitals NHS Trust, has presented us with these eye popping biscuit bakes!
"I am by no means a baker, but who can resist freshly baked biscuits with a cup of Yorkshire tea! Especially when they're shaped like this.
I think baking is a wonderful way for everyone to connect at work. Nothing quite cheers me up during an Emergency Eye Casualty shift than when one of the team has brought in treats! I've managed to get my hands on a secret lemon drizzle recipe which I can't wait to try and take back in."
Sarju Athwal, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Oculoplastic Surgeon at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, UK, baked this eye, featuring orange and vanilla sponge, with chocolate buttercream and chocolate icing, especially for The Ophthalmologist.
"As someone who pays close attention to small details, I was naturally drawn to ophthalmology, and in particular oculoplastics. While I don't think baking helps with my surgery, I do think that my surgical skills help with my more imaginative bakes."
Sarj has also created a shockingly gorey and delightfully tasty kidney bake.
"Vanilla sponge with raspberry coulis 'blood' and fondant icing.
I may have gotten a little carried away with the details..."
Neely Mozawala is the founder of Baking Medics and Specialist Diabetes Podiatrist at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
"I founded Baking Medics because I find that baking is such an important skill to have as a healthcare professional. It is an important part of our wellbeing as it allows us to relieve our stress from work and allow our creativity to flow into our bakes. The best bit is being able to share our bakes amongst family, friends and colleagues to show them how much you appreciate them.
I am really proud of how far Baking Medics has come, it is wonderful to have seen it grow into such a positive and supportive baking community."
Elsa Lee is a medical student at King’s College London, UK, intercalating in Ophthalmology at UCL.
"Below is an all-butter chewie brownie that’ll make you want to see the dentist. Use full-fat milk and butter because life is too short, and I bet you won’t tell it’s a box-mix. The trick to making your baking look better than it tastes: only bake on sunny days.
Baking is the 10th wonder of the world (did Einstein say this?).
It's a creative outlet that soothes the executive brain, a craft of precision and spontaneity. It’s a shame that my bakes are usually divided and conquered too quickly to save for hospital colleagues."
Steven Reeve is a maker of medical devices for IVF treatment who heard our call!
"I am not a doctor, but I have been accepted in to the wonderful baking medics group – a talented bunch!
Everyone has been super nice and very encouraging. Through meeting the founder and many others I’ve definitely made friends and improved my baking skills."
The Ophthalmologist's editor, Aleksandra Jones, here.
While I'm not at the level of our esteemed bakers above, I also occasionally bake for my family, friends, and the team at work. These days, I usually have to involve my very young apprentice, so the esthetic quality is often lacking.
