Dr Nicholas Hayden is an unaccredited plastic surgery/ENT registrar at Bankstown Hospital, Sydney, who combined his medical studies with a professional rugby career.
What is your current role?
A standard day involves operating lists, managing inpatients, reviewing patients in the emergency department and performing emergency surgery.
What inspired you to work in this area?
I have always been interested in surgery and, as a medical student at St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, I was inspired by the types of surgery and skills I witnessed in the plastic and reconstructive surgery theatre.
Where do you see your career heading? What is next for you?
Long term I hope to become a plastic/reconstructive surgeon but my priority at the moment is to develop my surgical skills and clinical knowledge. The next step is Royal Australasian College of Surgeons surgical training.
At what stage was Dr Segelov your mentor and what do you admire about her?
Dr Segelov was head of the St Vincent’s Hospital UNSW Clinical School when I was doing my final three years of medicine. With her help I was able to combine playing professional rugby union and studying medicine. She was always very encouraging and thought outside the square. Without her support I would not have been accepted to the University of Oxford to complete a Master of Medicine/Surgery.
Is there any lesson she taught that has stayed in your mind?
She motivated me to work hard and encouraged me to chase my goals no matter the setbacks. Clinically, I learnt that the patient always matters the most.
- Karen Burge