Gift for surgeon?

I have had ongoing treatment for skin cancer since October by a surgeon who I feel has gone above and beyond my expectations. I was thinking of buying him a gift (perhaps a lovely silk tie). Is that "done" or acceptable? I have thanked him profusely for all his work and care but feel I'd like to give him something a little extra to show my gratitude.

I'm not really looking for gift ideas, just your thoughts about whether or not this is acceptable, if you know whether or not NHS doctors are permitted to receive gifts, or whether you think this would embarrass him.

Thank you!

I don't know about the rules are whether it is the "thing to do", but it sounds like a lovely gesture.

But more to the point, I had no idea about your situation and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. 

Thank you very much, I appreciate that. 

I'll know whether or not I'm free and clear in about a month. It is hard waiting. I had it 13 years ago and it came back last Fall. I've had three surgeries on my face and the scars look so good. The surgeon is just amazing.

(((HUGS))) for you Fallgal, hope you get the all clear. I had a brain op more than 10 years ago, and after I came out hospital, I went back with a box of chocolates for the wonderful nurses that looked after me, these women are the salt of the earth.

No idea if this is normal or not, but I know that my brother in law gave his back surgeon a bottle of malt a few years ago as he was very pleased with the whole process.

When my mother died I asked my Dad to pass on a check to the hospice who sent nurses to care for her at home every day during her final weeks.  He said that the nurse who received it burst into tears.

I think it is a wonderful gesture of thanks to give a gift to medical staff for a job well done.

Fallgal, I'm sorry for what you are going through, hope you get good news next month!

Thank you all for your good wishes!

Thank you, too for sharing your experiences. I will certainly go ahead and get him something. I will also get something for the nurses. I was only out-patient each time and sadly don't remember many of the nurses (I was cared for by different people each time), but I think a big box of good chocolates or fancy biscuits would be a nice gesture.

I think it's a lovely idea. Best wishes to you, Fallgal. :-)

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Some kind of thank you gesture would likely be appreciated, but I know in my profession there are ethical implications in accepting gifts from patients/clients. It can bring me into disrepute. For things like a treat or a small token, I can generally get by with saying that it would have created more difficulties in the relationship to offend them by saying no, but if a gift has any kind of value, it's very hard to justify that. Not sure what the rules are for doctors, but I think the other kinds of ideas people have suggested here might be more appropriate than a clothing item.

Some kind of thank you gesture would likely be appreciated, but I know in my profession there are ethical implications in accepting gifts from patients/clients. It can bring me into disrepute. For things like a treat or a small token, I can generally get by with saying that it would have created more difficulties in the relationship to offend them by saying no, but if a gift has any kind of value, it's very hard to justify that. Not sure what the rules are for doctors, but I think the other kinds of ideas people have suggested here might be more appropriate than a clothing item.

It was the same for our company as well, any non-trivial gifts had to be refused.  A baseball cap or t-Shirt with a company logo, yes, a bottle of single malt, no. A gift could be seen as bribe to give more business to the giver of the gift, or as a reward for using his company in the first place.  However, it is hard to see what favors could be gained with a small gift of appreciation to a surgeon for a job well done.

I gave my two NHS midwives a bottle of prosecco each before they left my home after my homebirth. They seemed chuffed and certainly didn't seem conflicted about it. I'm sure midwives and surgeons, etc receive bits and bobs all the time.
Maybe something consumable is a bit easier for them to accept? Don't know why - maybe because it seems slightly more casual or less like a financial transaction.
Let us know how it goes with the gift - always nice to gather other peoples experiences on these little cultural unknowns.

Hmmm. I appreciate everyone's responses. I am now more confused, though.   I thought alcohol of any sort would be a no-no and as I don't know this guy personally, I would have no clue about a food item (judging strictly by appearances, he doesn't look like a cookie-fan. )  I will have to ponder this further....

Thanks, everyone!

If you're struggling, a nice and thoughtful thank you card with a nice note on handwritten paper, probably wouldn't go amiss! 

If you're struggling, a nice and thoughtful thank you card with a nice note on handwritten paper, probably wouldn't go amiss! 

I like this idea... nicer than a present, any day!

Just curious though, Fallgal... why did you think alcohol would be a 'no-no'?

I like this idea... nicer than a present, any day!

Just curious though, Fallgal... why did you think alcohol would be a 'no-no'?

I guess because the places I worked in the USA didn't allow any alcohol on the premises, regardless if it was wrapped/unopened. I guess I just didn't think a hospital would allow it on the premises.

I am definitely doing a handwritten note. (I do that with all gifts, too.) Just need to decide if I will also include a small gift. I see him in 2 weeks so I still have time to decide. Maybe a small plant for his office?