Interview – Nicholas Jorgensen

Orthopaedic Registrar, Queensland


Reflections


You contributed a few times to Panacea, the biannual magazine of the Australian Medical Students’ Association, and in one article you wrote about the importance of “lifelong teaching”. What do you think of AOA’s educational culture?

The vast majority of the registrars and consultants I’ve worked with, and for, have had an immense impact on my education. The patience and dedication and genuine investment in my progression (and that of my contemporaries) is inspiring. A lot of this is done in off-the-cuff moments and non-formal ways. I think that in any organisation, the culture is a reflection on the practices of the ‘at-the-coalface’ member.  From my experience, that is strong.


"The patience and dedication and genuine investment in my progression (and that of my contemporaries) is inspiring."

Clearly AOA, from a presidential level (and onwards) is investing significant focus and energy in transforming education, assessment and training; that says to me that the educational culture of the AOA is strong.



What advice do you have for all the medical students out there that might consider specialising in orthopaedics?

Cultivate an interest, seek experiences early on, volunteer and insert yourself into clinical practice; and – enjoy the long weekends and sleep-ins and electives and holidays!



Interested in a career in orthopaedics? Take a look at our undergraduate activities and becoming an AOA Trainee pages.


Nick Operating 1

Nick in theatre.