Dr David Dewar is the senior orthopaedic registrar at the Royal Newcastle Centre and John Hunter Hospital. He cares for orthopaedic patients in both trauma and elective settings, and is supervised by Professor Zsolt Balogh.
What inspired you to want to work in this area?
I was inspired to work in orthopaedic surgery to care for severely injured patients. Orthopaedic surgery can alter the course of a trauma patient’s recovery and potentially help that patient to return to being a functional member of society. The majority of high energy trauma admissions have an orthopaedic component, and this surgery is interesting and complex.
What do you enjoy most about your career?
I love my job for many reasons. Orthopaedic surgery has allowed me to meet many patients with significant pathologies that I can improve with surgical treatment. It is satisfying to see patients do well and return to their normal lives. My job challenges me both intellectually and technically, and I am lucky to have worked in a department that has provided me with many opportunities to develop as a surgeon.
What do you find most inspiring about Professor Balogh?
Professor Balogh has mentored me throughout my career and I am inspired by his focus and drive to improve the care of trauma patients. As well as treating individual patients, he attempts to implement change at a systemic level. Despite being an active surgeon, he also has a very productive trauma research group, and teaches at both local and international levels.
What is next for you?
I am aiming to further develop my skills by undertaking an orthopaedic fellowship in Sydney and then an orthopaedic trauma fellowship in New York.
- Cate Swannell