As a Plastic Reconstructive Surgery trainee, you will have the opportunity to change lives in a very real and profound way. As a trainee you will experience working within both public and private facilities to provide care for patients that require surgical, non-surgical, reconstructive, and cosmetic services.

You'll work with some of the most talented and dedicated surgeons in the world, using cutting-edge techniques and technologies to help your patients achieve their goals. Whether it's restoring a burned victim's ability to smile again or giving a child born with a cleft palate a new lease on life, you'll know that you are making a difference.

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery training will see trainees cover content across a broad scope of practice. Trainees will be required to maintain a log with all reconstructive and cosmetic procedures either observed or undertaken during their time in the program.

A Plastic and Reconstructive specialist is a surgeon who specialises in reconstructive surgery to improve or return function to abnormal body structures caused by congenital defects, trauma, infection, tumours or disease and in procedures designed to improve the aesthetic appearance of body features.

Plastic surgeons are highly trained professionals who use their skills to restore function and improve appearance for patients of all ages.

Some of the most important skills for plastic surgeons include:

Eye for detail: A good Plastic Reconstructive Surgeon needs to have an eye for detail and be able to visualise the end result of a procedure.

Technical skill: Performing surgeries requires a high degree of technical skill. Surgeons need to be able to execute procedures flawlessly and safely.

People skills: Plastic surgeons must be able to effectively communicate with patients and put them at ease. They also need to be able to work well with other medical professionals.

Physical stamina: Surgeons need to have the physical stamina to withstand long hours of standing and surgical procedures.

Mental stamina: Plastic surgeons must be able to handle the stress of performing surgeries and dealing with patients. They need to be able to think clearly and make quick decisions.

Every year, the amount of prospective Plastic and Reconstructive surgery trainees selected differs in Queensland. It is an incredibly competitive training program, with only 1 applicant selected from 7 applications received in 2021. There are currently 74 specialists in Queensland, of 452 across the country. There are currently 13 trainees studying in Queensland.

North Queensland is a fantastic place to work and live. The region has the convenience of cities close by, coupled with reasonable housing costs and boundless landscape to explore only a short drive away. For those looking to make the most of the great outdoors, there are rainforest hikes, mountain biking trails and snorkelling or scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. The region boasts a well-balanced mix of quality education and either a relaxed or adventurous lifestyle, depending on your preference.

Each regional centre in North Queensland is hard to beat when it comes to working and living. They are all small enough to escape the hustle and bustle associated with big city living, yet they remain large enough to boast a range of places to socialise and entertain yourself after work hours. Living and working in Northern Queensland offers a great balance for everyone, at any stage or any age. Plus, with short commute times putting more hours back into your weeks, you’ll have plenty of time to explore in your free time. 

Networking and industry social opportunities are commonplace amongst the tightknit health and hospital communities. By addressing the shortage of doctors in North Queensland, we hope to achieve our vision of improving the health of the communities in the region. A passion for improvement unites all the students, interns, junior doctors, and specialists training and working here. 

Training occurs within a wide range of hospital and health settings, all of which are of varying sizes and capabilities. Our training region ensures trainees have access to a diverse case load and case mix. These training areas include the following health service areas: Cairns, Central West, Mackay, North West, Torres and Cape, and Townsville.

References:

• https://medinav.health.qld.gov.au/careers/surgery/plastic-surgery/
• https://www.nqrth.edu.au/plastic-reconstructive-surgery/
• https://www.surgeons.org/Trainees/surgical-specialties/plastic-and-reconstructive-surgery
• https://www.surgeons.org/become-a-surgeon/about-specialist-surgeons
• https://plasticsurgery.org.au/about-asps/becoming-a-specialist-plastic-surgeon/
• https://plasticsurgery.org.au/information-for-patients/what-does-specialist-plastic-surgeon-mean/