Profile

What does that mean for you?

I am grateful for the experience and balance from dealing with babies, children and young people over many years. We frequently get enquiries seeking advice from referring doctors, the families we care for and various community organisations. Being full time means that I can answer those enquiries in a timely manner.

My background

I was born in Sydney, trained in adult surgery in Newcastle and then paediatric surgery in Adelaide Children's Hospital, Royal Alexandra Childrens Hospital Camperdown and Royal Hospital for Sick Children Edinburgh. During this time I have been lucky enough to have become a husband, father…. and, more recently, a grandfather.

Research

My clinical research interests are in:

• The maintenance of children’s body temperature under anaesthesia. We developed the first and still the most efficient, safe and cost effective method of maintaining children's temperature under anaesthesia under a wide range of environmental conditions
• Following and responding to the needs of clients with various congenital disorders of sexual differentiation. I am the co-ordinator for the Hunter New England special interest group for these individuals

Teaching

My passion for teaching extends from student teaching (as a senior lecturer at the university of Newcastle), registrar training (through RACS) and GP training (through various professional groups throughout central and northern NSW).

Ongoing training

Keeping up to date with current literature and attending both specialist society and more general meetings is simply a first step in learning.

I am grateful for reciprocal visits to and from colleagues in other centres to enhance appreciation and understanding of techniques.

Of course, surgery is not simply technical and requires a more general and ongoing understanding of communication, education and policy matters.

Other interests

I'm the co-ordinator of an Australian not for profit organisation called MESCH (Medical Educational Sustainable Community Help). We have a track record over 9 years of changing lives through sustainable projects and, ultimately, building resilient communities in overseas countries. How we do this is all about respect, knowing what you’re doing and commitment. 

We are opportunity makers – understanding the skills & training needs of overseas partners and working with them to fulfil these. We warmly welcome interest, advice and membership – overseas involvement is not a pre-requisite! Please go to www.mesch.org.au for more information.