JOURNEY AS AN ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON, RESEARCHER, SURGICAL SITE INFECTION CONTROL & BONE LOSS EXPERT Associate Professor Kevin Tetsworth, Orthopaedic Surgeon
As an orthopaedic surgeon, Associate Professor Kevin Tetsworth, is widely recognised for his expertise in managing orthopaedic infections, chronic osteomyelitis, limb salvage, and reconstruction. He holds clinical appointments at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, the Wesley Hospital in Brisbane, Macquarie University in Sydney at the Limb Reconstruction Centre.
His credentials encompass a fellowship in the American Academy, a fellowship in the Royal College in Australia, and membership in the Australian Orthopaedic Association and the International Orthopaedic Trauma Association. Associate Professor Tetsworth’s clinical focus revolves around the comprehensive management of orthopaedic infections, segmental bone defects, high-energy trauma, limb salvage and reconstruction, deformity correction, limb lengthening, and prosthetic joint infections.
In tandem with his clinical practice, Associate Professor Tetsworth is deeply engaged in orthopaedic research, with a keen interest in infection management, infection control, limb salvage, bone defect reconstruction, biomarker development for infection, bone growth hormone delivery, and the use of 3D printed models for reconstructing segmental bone defects.
His professional journey has been profoundly shaped by training under esteemed mentors like Professor Dror Paley and Dr George Cierny in the United States. This formative training has equipped him with a high level of expertise in addressing complex orthopaedic conditions, particularly those related to bone loss and infection. Having practiced in the United States, notably at the University of Maryland and the shock trauma hospital in Baltimore, Associate Professor Tetsworth relocated to Australia in 2000 and has since played a pivotal role in advancing orthopaedic surgery at the Royal Brisbane Hospital.
Associate Professor Tetsworth’s unwavering commitment to advancing orthopaedic knowledge and his exceptional proficiency in managing challenging orthopaedic conditions have earned him widespread recognition within the field.
In this Australian Health Journal interview, Assoc Professor Tetsworth talks about his clinical and research career journey and gives advice for those in medicine considering a career in orthopaedic surgery,
Assoc Prof Tetsworth concludes with a discussion on ways infection control is handled in preoperative, intraoperative and post operatively for orthopaedic surgeries.
He discusses the techniques started in the 19th century with understanding of hand hygiene, surgical instruments being sterilised and discovery of antibiotics in the 20th century, to present day practises of patient modifiable factors such as prescreening patients, lifestyle adjustments such as BMI or weight management, checking HbA1c levels for those who are diabetic and use of triclosan coated sutures in wound dressing in the early post operative period.
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Developing the nation’s first Health and Medical Research Strategy
Professor Steve Wesselingh serves as the CEO of NHMRC, having initially trained as an infectious diseases doctor. His career includes prominent roles such as Head of the Infectious Diseases Unit at the Alfred Hospital, Director of the Burnett, Dean of Medicine at Monash University, and the inaugural Director of SAHMRI. Under his leadership, NHMRC plays a critical role in funding health and medical research, allocating approximately a billion dollars annually to investigator-led projects, clinical trials, and various strategic initiatives. NHMRC also collaborates internationally with organisations such as the MRC and the EU, and manages grant allocation for the MRFF, which distributes $650 million each year.
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Stronger patient involvement in new medicines
New strategic agreement between Medicines Industry and Government means stronger patient involvement in new medicines.
Medicines Australia has secured a 5-year Strategic Agreement with the Federal Government, centered on earlier patient involvement and influence in the availability of new medicines in Australia.
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Improvements in dental literacy and greater clinical insights through digital technology
Dr. Kenneth Soh is a General Dentist based in Kellyville, New South Wales, a suburb located in northwestern Sydney. Originally from Melbourne, he studied Bachelor of Dental Science (BDSc) at Melbourne University and graduated in 2003. After working for a year in the Mornington Peninsula, Dr. Soh moved to New South Wales, initially thinking it would be temporary; however, he has been there for 19 years. While he has considered specialising, he finds joy in all aspects of dentistry.
