Community engagement
Community engagement is a core part of our practice philosophy. We are dedicated to supporting the Coffs Harbour region through education, collaboration with local clinicians, and involvement with sporting groups. By building strong local relationships, we aim to enhance access to high-quality orthopaedic care and improve outcomes for our community.
September 2026 - Medical Students in the Operating Theatre
Several enthusiastic medical students recently joined me to observe operating lists at both Baringa Private Hospital and Coffs Harbour Day Hospital. This gave them the opportunity to experience the theatre environment, observe a range of orthopaedic procedures, and learn more about the teamwork involved in providing safe surgical care. It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm and curiosity, and a privilege to help give them practical insight into the day-to-day work of an orthopaedic surgeon.
September 2026 - Specialist Networking Night
We recently attended the Specialist Networking Night at Aanuka Beach Resort, hosted by the Mid North Coast Division of General Practice. It was a fantastic opportunity to catch up with so many local specialists and GPs, as well as their partners and friends, in a relaxed setting. The evening was a wonderful reminder of the remarkable community of skilled, committed medical professionals we have here in Coffs Harbour. We feel very fortunate to be part of such a supportive and collaborative local healthcare community.
June–July 2026 - Hosting UNSW Medical Students at our practice
Throughout June and July, I had the pleasure of hosting several third-year UNSW medical students in our rooms. The students were able to experience a day in the life of an orthopaedic surgeon, observe specialist consultations, and meet some of our wonderful patients. It was a privilege to share an insight into the profession and the important role orthopaedic care can play in improving patients’ mobility and quality of life. Hopefully, the experience has encouraged a few of them to consider pursuing a career in orthopaedic surgery!
2026 and beyond - Teaching UNSW Medical Students
Throughout the year, I have had the pleasure of lecturing senior UNSW medical students and sharing practical insights into orthopaedic surgery. Alongside teaching the clinical material, I have aimed to answer their questions about surgical training, the day-to-day life of an orthopaedic surgeon, and the opportunities and rewards of living and working regionally. It has been incredibly rewarding to support the next generation of doctors and hopefully encourage more young clinicians to consider both orthopaedic surgery and a career in regional healthcare.
March 2026 - FOCUS Magazine
We’re proud to have been featured in FOCUS Magazine, where we share a little more about who we are, what we do, and why we’re passionate about providing orthopaedic care in Coffs Harbour. It reflects our commitment to helping patients access advanced surgical care close to home, without needing to travel.
Click here to read the article: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FSWFU5key
March 2026 - NSW Rugby League patient pathways
We recently met with representatives from NSW Rugby League to discuss establishing streamlined referral pathways and improving access to orthopaedic care for their players. The focus of the meeting was on facilitating early assessment, timely imaging, and rapid access to specialist review and surgical management where required. By working closely with NSWRL and their associated clubs, we aim to ensure injured players can be assessed and treated efficiently, minimising time away from the game while maintaining a strong emphasis on safe recovery and long-term joint health.
February 2026 - GP Information Night at the Links
We recently hosted a GP Information Night at The Links, organised in conjunction with Baringa Private Hospital and generously sponsored by Maven Surgical. It was a fantastic evening bringing together local GPs to discuss the topic of the painful joint replacement, with a focus on practical assessment, common causes, and management pathways. The night provided a great opportunity for open discussion and strengthening local clinical relationships, all enjoyed alongside a wonderful three-course meal and open bar. It was an excellent turnout and a valuable step in continuing to build collaborative, patient-centred care within the Coffs Harbour community.
February 2026 - Hoys Physiotherapy Breakfast
I recently had the opportunity to attend the Hoys Physiotherapy team breakfast, which was a fantastic chance to meet and connect with their entire team and strengthen our local working relationships. It was also valuable to take part in an education session delivered by the team at Shine Lawyers, focusing on the intricacies of WorkCover and CTP insurance. The session provided practical insights into navigating these systems and reinforced the importance of clear communication and collaboration between clinicians, allied health providers, and legal teams to achieve the best outcomes for patients.
February 2026 - Presentation to the The Physio Movement team at Woolgoolga
I recently had the opportunity to present to the team at The Physio Movement in Woolgoolga, delivering an education session focused on orthopaedics and the importance of not being afraid to appropriately load joints during rehabilitation. The session centred on challenging common misconceptions around joint protection, highlighting the role of progressive loading in promoting recovery, improving function, and building long-term resilience. It also provided a chance to share insights from my background in powerlifting, particularly around safe loading principles and building strength through controlled progression. The presentation was very well received by the team, who left feeling re-energised and excited, and we’ve since made plans to continue collaborating closely going forward to optimise patient care.
Community engagement