Mike Hackett, who died early this year at the age of 59, was without doubt one of the most colorful personalities of the so-called "3rd Generation" of British plastic surgeons. The world of plastic surgery, both in Britain and abroad, will be a greyer place with his passing. He was a man of HUGE personality who was larger than life in every way. His whole life was characterized by immense energy and enthusiasm, both in work and play, which in his early years was directed towards burns research. Latterly, he campaigned vigorously to improve the teaching programs in aesthetic surgery for plastic surgery trainees.
Michael Edward John Hackett was born on 6 August 1931 and after school in the North of England and serving two years as a lieutenant in the King's Own Royal Regiment, he entered St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London as a medical student in 195 1. During his time at St. Bart's, he will perhaps be remembered more for his exploits on the rugby field than for his diligence as a student as he was a first class, though naturally exuberant, player. Unfortunately, a head injury sustained in a match against Guy's effectively put an end to his playing career.
He qualified for MB, BS in 1957 and became a FRCS in 1961. Because of family connections with the island, he then went to Fiji and spent several years as a surgeon in the North-West area, based at Lavtaka. During this time he practiced general surgery in the old sense, taking on everything that passed through the hospital doors, and because of