Plarr’s Lives of the Fellows

Mr Christopher Khoo was born on the 26 May 1948 in Singapore to parents Adeline Phoa and Khoo Oon Teik. His father was a professor of medicine and nephrologist, specialising in renal dialysis. At age 14, Chris travelled unaccompanied by boat to Genoa, then by train to England to attend Wellington School. Chris completed his pre-clinical studies at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, where he studied medicine and natural sciences. He later returned in 2009 as a 1596 Foundation Member. Chris started his plastic surgery training at Wexham Park Hospital, where his consultant, Magdy Saad, identified him even then as “exceptional, and determined to have him back as a consultant”. This came to pass in 1983, and Chris spent the remainder of his NHS life happily part of that team – Saad described seeing those as the ‘golden years’ of the department. Saad recalls, “Chris was always on the lookout for new ideas, and this resulted in the publication of a huge number of original papers, jointly and individually, and book chapters.” Alongside working for the NHS and private practice, Chris became an examiner for both the National and European Boards of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. He taught, mentored, lectured, and operated in the UK and worldwide, making friends and connecting ideas, and always taking an interest in the culture and language of the host country. Chris was President of the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeons in 2005. Past President Ruth Walters paid tribute: “Chris Khoo will be remembered not only for the outstanding work he did for his patients, but also for his support for countless trainees across the years. His generosity with his time and his ability to encourage colleagues and to pass on his knowledge and skills mean that his legacy will remain with us and benefit patients for years to come.” While at BAPRAS, Chris was regularly consulted for his expert opinion on cosmetic surgery and its regulation. In 2014, Chris was appointed High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire. As a naturalised British Citizen, he found presiding over Citizenship Ceremonies particularly moving. He was appointed deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Berkshire a year later. Chris was married to Naomi for over 50 years. Their strong Christian faith underpinned their lives together, and Naomi provided Chris with tremendous support throughout their marriage. Chris was extremely sociable and passionate about food. With Naomi’s culinary expertise supporting her husband’s menu ambitions, they hosted many gatherings at the family home in Berkshire. He was a fluent French speaker and keen Francophile, and the family spent many happy holidays in France. He also impressed his children with his proficiency in many languages, including Arabic, Hokkien, Italian, Malay, and Turkish. Chris was elected a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 2012, in recognition of his extensive experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery and for his significant contributions to advancing the specialty. Chris felt he had lived a full life. In his own words, “not bad for a boy from the Colonies.” He died peacefully at home on the 1 November 2022. He meant so much to so many, both personally and professionally. He leaves Naomi, four children, all surgeons, and seven grandchildren.