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After representing Australia at the World Cup in American Football (Gridiron), Dr Tyler faced a big decision. He had opportunities to continue playing in the United States at college level or stay in Australia and begin his medical degree. He chose to stay home and get stuck into university, trading the football field for medicine. 🏈

He`s now working at RBWH as a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery PHO and will commence the plastic surgery training program next year as one of only a handful of Queenslanders.

"Through early high school I started playing Gridiron, and I initially wanted to play college football in the States, but in the end, I decided to stay here and start my medical degree," he said.

"Since then, I have been so fortunate to find the same teamwork [as football] in plastic surgery - it’s a collegial environment, everyone has so much fun and is incredibly supportive.

“Working in plastic surgery is incredibly satisfying. It’s amazing to see how we can help patients recover, restore function and ultimately improve their quality of life.”

In addition to his surgical role, Tyler has been part of a research team with the University of Queensland, looking at how augmented reality could be applied to support planning and intraoperative guidance for reconstructive surgery. 💭 ...

"I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, which was a hell of a shock. Speaking to someone who had already had a lung transplant [at TPCH], they told me you have to try and get in and see Dr Peter Hopkins and I can`t tell you how much that changed things, he is absolutely exceptional. Since I have been under him, it`s given me a lot more hope. The tests came back and it is idiopathic so even though I was in the construction industry and it may have been caused by asbestos; turns out it wasn`t. As I`ve got older, and I look back it puts life into perspective and the things that were important to me when I was younger are not as important now. When you are younger your currency is money, but as you get older, your currency becomes time."

💭 Monday Mantra, Mike, TPCH Pulmonary Fibrosis Patient ...

If you`ve noticed any unusual spots on your skin lately, you may need to ask your doctor; is this a mole or is this a melanoma? ☀️

Clinical Lead for Dermatology at the RBWH Dr Nerilee says that any spots that are changing, bleeding, itching or not healing properly may require extra checks.

"In Australia we have the highest rate of melanoma in the world, so sun protection is vital and will reduce your chances of getting skin cancers, in particular melanoma, however genetics also play a part so getting regular checks is also part of minimising your risk," Dr Nerilee says.

"Whilst melanomas more commonly happen in sun exposed sites, they can still occur in areas that never see the sun, so it is always worth getting things checked out and a great place to start is your GP.

"I encourage people to just get checked if you are worried about something, anything that doesn`t fit in with the rest of your moles. Don`t feel silly about it and don`t be afraid to ask questions and be proactive with your skin checks if your GP isn`t offering them." ...

Student Midwife Sarah owned a restaurant for 20 years before making the career switch into midwifery, with the birth of her own children at Caboolture Hospital sparking the career change of her dreams. 🤰🤱

"As a student, we have to complete ten continuity of care experiences where we follow a woman through their entire pregnancy experience. Having a student gives you that constant person that you may not get from appointment to appointment, who knows your wishes and any plans you have put in place for your birth," Sarah explains.

"Supporting women though labour is so special and there are always little things you can do to help, like talking your patient through the process and helping them with their breathing.

"Recently I was in a birth, the baby`s head was crowning, and I just had a moment of reflection and a sense of overwhelming emotion. It is so beautiful and that is exactly why I do it."

#ShoutoutSaturday to Sarah and all of our student midwives across Metro North. Have you had an outstanding experience with a student midwife? Give them a shoutout in the comments below! ...