It was a great pleasure to finally meet again with the Sydney Microtia and Atresia Community in person. It seems such a long time since our last gathering, and a lot has happened in those few years.
Rates of Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy are Climbing
Big Ears? Thumbs Up!
Luke’s mum and dad were quite certain they wanted Luke to have a new big ear before starting school, but Luke wasn’t so sure about the idea of surgery. He’s a very active boy who’s favourite pastime is rumbling with his two older brothers! So we held off making the decision about whether surgery was the right course of action for Luke at his age. The good thing is, using a technology known as virtual surgical planning, we could give the whole family a really tangible idea of what a new big ear could be like. Luke was literally able to try a new ear on for size, and he liked what he saw!
More Awareness Needed
Every October we raise awareness about breast cancer, but on the 20th of October 2021 it is BRA Day, the day when we raise awareness about breast reconstruction options for women facing mastectomy. While we hear all the time about the amazing advancements in breast cancer research, and the McGrath Foundation has done an amazing job funding breast nurses, unfortunately many women are still not receiving information about their options when it comes to breast reconstruction. Our message is simple: every woman has the option of reconstructing their breasts at the same time as their cancer surgery if this is their wish.
International Women's Day 2021
The two surgeon mentors I selected for my post FRACS fellowship level training are both world expert surgeons in their fields, and it just so happens they have another thing in common, they are both women. I don’t personally consider this unusual, but in recognition of International Women’s Day, I can’t help but reflect on my great fortune for being the recipient of their guidance and advice.
First Microtia Patient for 2021
A Tough Year for Ears
Harriet's Story
The Dusseldorp Forum
Liberty Trial Ethics Approval
Why Everyone Should Do a TED Talk
Ear Surgery Transformations
COVID Insights
The move to increase Australia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic is a welcome step, but it can still be difficult for people to understand why it’s important. Recently I’ve been sharing some messages to clarify what is happening in Australia, using data that makes it very clear that we are not immune from some of the challenges overwhelming other countries like Italy.
Breast Reconstruction Surgery Update
This weekend the Sunday Mail highlighted the plight of women waiting for breast reconstruction surgery. I want to add a perspective to the message of the article, which is that, in the current era, no woman should have to live with scars like this at all. Best practice now recommends that women receive information about breast reconstruction when considering a mastectomy, including the option for immediate breast reconstruction which can dramatically decrease scarring.
Australian of the Year Medicos
My new role: an announcement
How would you feel if someone told you your life was ordinary? Would you feel privileged? No? ... You should. As we recognise the 2019 International Day of People with Disability, I’m proud to announce that I have taken on a new role seeking to find an “outside-the-box” solution for the physical disability affecting children with cerebral palsy. My hope is that they will be able to experience something many of us take for granted: the opportunity for ordinary.
Microtia Conference in Brisbane
The annual Brisbane Microtia & Atresia conference was once again an impressive event offering important information and support to Australian families. I’ve summarised a few of the common questions families asked me regarding having ear reconstruction in Australia if they choose to go down that path.
Facial Nerve Symposium 2019
On Friday 11 October I am convening the inaugural Facial Nerve Symposium for the Sydney Facial Nerve Service at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse. Specialists, junior doctors, medical students and allied health staff with an interest in reconstructive head and neck surgery and facial paralysis surgery are invited to hear from leading specialists in Ophthalmology, ENT/Head & Neck and Plastic/Reconstructive Surgery and Allied Health exploring new technologies and techniques in the pursuit of improved patient outcomes through shared knowledge and experience.
The History of Plastic Surgery
My chosen area of specialty, Plastic Surgery, is arguably one of the best known fields of medicine, but often for all the wrong reasons. However a quick look back at the history of this profession will open your eyes to the power of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery to transform lives, and explain why it continues to spark my passion.
