Neil McLean graduated Honours BSc in 1974, MBChB with commendation in 1976, FRCS in 1980 and MD in 1992.
Following training in General Surgery and ENT, he gained accreditation in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in 1986. He was appointed Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon the Newcastle upon Tyne Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust from 1989-2002, was Deputy Director of the Australian Cranio-facial Unit and appointed Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Adelaide, South Australia in 2003. He is presently Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon in the Department of Surgery, Wansbeck District General Hospital, Northumberland.