You’ve grown your career at Southpaws, starting as an intern and now stepping into a Junior Registrar role. Can you tell us a little about that journey?
Journey has been long but extremely rewarding. I was fortunate enough to know where my passion lied in veterinary medicine. Having a strong passion for surgery made the choice of going into internships and residency an easy one.
Looking back, what’s the biggest lesson you learnt during your internship?
Senior clinicians always joked about how residents should see challenging cases as they build “character”. Looking back, they were 100% true. It has moulded me into the clinician I am today, willing to step out of my comfort zone safely and tackling the challenging case or the tricky surgical complication.
What excites you most about becoming a Junior Registrar?
Honestly, just being able to do more surgeries!
Is there a particular area of surgery or case type you’re especially passionate about?
I have a strong interest in orthopaedic surgery and would love to work towards doing joint replacement procedures.
How has working alongside our specialist surgeons helped shape your career?
I am fortunate enough to work with surgeons who were trained in the US, UK and Europe. Learnt that there are multiple ways in performing the same procedure.
What skills have you developed the most since joining Southpaws?
Communication skills, being able to hold a good rapport with clients and being calm, transparent and honest when things do not go as planned.
What does a typical day as a Junior Registrar look like?
Checking patients prior to rounds, consults in the morning and surgery all afternoon. Hopefully, leaving before 6:30pm.
What’s one memorable case that’s had a big impact on you (without breaching confidentiality)?
Honestly, I do not know. It changes every week. There’s always a case once a week or fortnightly that takes that spot.
What advice would you give to new interns starting their specialist training?
Have a hobby and sink your teeth into it. Internships and residencies are tough, best to have a hobby to keep you sane.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the Southpaws team?
The team, fantastic people. I am able to joke around when things get tough but also be locked in and focused when required.
What’s one professional goal you’re working towards over the next year?
Hopefully, passing board exams!
Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing to switch off?
Spending time with my wife and cats. And riding my bike, lots and lots of riding.
Coffee order (or favourite post-surgery snack)?
Strong flat white.
⚡ Quick Fire Round
Orthopaedics or soft tissue? Ortho
Early starts or late finishes? Early starts
Most satisfying part of surgery: planning, operating or seeing the patient recover? Seeing the patient recover
One procedure you'd happily do every day? Hemilaminectomy for a Grade 3 IVDD
One word to describe your journey so far? Rewarding
