Ministry Of Surgery

In this episode I am joined by Dr Noah Betar and Dr Lachlan Stephens, who share their honest insights into the demanding journey toward securing a place in plastic surgery training. They reflect on their individual pathways, the challenges of the interview process, and the strategies that helped them perform at their best.The discussion highlights the importance of accountability, mindset, and coaching, offering practical lessons for anyone preparing for surgical training interviews or navigating competitive medical pathways.Tune in to the Ministry of Surgery Podcast for an honest and inspiring look behind the interview process in plastic surgery.

In this episode of Surgical Sessions from the Ministry of Surgery, we dive into the essential surgical anatomy of the thigh, groin, and popliteal fossa. We explore the osteology and anatomy, vascular and neural anatomy, and fascial compartments, with a focus on structures that every plastic surgeon must know. Clinical correlations are highlighted throughout — from approaches to groin dissection, sartorial flap to popliteal dissection, relevant to common exam scenarios.The session is tailored for surgical trainees, with an emphasis on preparing for the FRCAS FRCS (Plast) and Board examinations. Complex topics are broken down into an engaging and understandable format, making it easier to consolidate key knowledge and recall high-yield facts when it matters most.Whether you’re revising anatomy for the first time in years, or sharpening your exam preparation, this episode provides a structured yet practical review to strengthen your surgical foundation.

A new series of episodes focusing on exam relevant topics.Outlining each topic with pertinent anatomy, clinical cases and operative techniques.I hope you find this episode useful for scalp reconstruction. Thank you for listeningMGR.

Our theme in this episode is interview tips. If you are considering a career in Plastic Surgery or any specialty really - this is a key step to getting onto the programme. My guest is Dr Oliver Hovav. Oliver has been a plastic surgery PHO in Queensland for the last few years. In the recent interviews he was the only successful candidate to be appointed to the plastic surgery registrar training programme in Queensland. As you can imagine, this is a highly competitive process and there were many great candidates. Oliver kindly shares his experience through the interview process, from application, references and tips on how he prepared on the day. A fascinating insight is that Oliver started off as nursing student and worked as a theatre scrub nurse. He talks to us about that experience and what made him change to pursue medicine and ultimately plastic surgery. In between interview tips we also explore his favourite travels, greatest mentors in plastic surgery and of course his favourite songs!Thank you for listening.Dr Milap Rughani

In this episode I honoured to be joined by Dr Michael Wagels. Michael Wagels is a Senior Staff Specialist in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Deputy Director and Director of Training at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD with a conjoined academic appointment as Senior Lecturer at the University of Queensland. He completed a BMedSci undergraduate research degree in 1999 and was awarded a PhD in 2013. His theses evaluated amputation in severe lower limb trauma and the behaviour of auto-transplanted muscle for traumatic lower limb injuries. Michael has a special interest in the translational aspects of tissue engineering for complex reconstructive defects and has successfully used 3D printed bone implants to rebuild a patient’s tibia, skull and many more. Since developing this breakthrough, Dr Wagels has led the establishment of the Australian Centre for Complex Integrated Surgical Solutions. This centre brings together a diverse range of expertise spanning surgery, anaesthesia, engineering, translational trials, industry and manufacturing. He is the Clinical Director of the Herston Biofabrication Institute, a multi-million-dollar collaboration with seven clinical research programs and advanced manufacturing capabilities. He has been kind enough to share his insights into research, tips for budding researches and his views on the future of plastic surgery research and innovation. I hope you enjoy this episode.

In this episode I share some tactics and tips towards clinical examinations and compare them to cricketing analogises. I was inspired by the recent Ashes series between England & Australia Do not be alarmed if you don't know anything about cricket, there are plenty of explanations and the comparisons can be made across which sport of actvity you enjoy. If you do like cricket then this could be the best episode ever!

A preview of the Surgical Sessions episode with Dr Phil Richardson - The art of preparing for exams.

In this episode I am delighted to be joined by Dr Phil Richardson. Phil is a Plastic,  Reconstructive and Cosmetic surgeon based in Brisbane. Dr Phil Richardson graduated with First Class Honours in Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Queensland. He then went on to complete his three- year residency at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane. Following his residency he undertook an additional four years of specialist training. The Plastic and Reconstructive training program was undertaken through the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Mater Children’s Hospital, and the Royal Children’s Hospital in Brisbane and Melbourne. After his training, plastic surgeon Dr Richardson went on to establish his own private practice;  Brisbane Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery. Phil provide regular tutorials for those approaching the fellowship exam and has been very generous with his time, wisdom and thoughts. I am honoured and excited to have Phil with us. Our theme is that of approaching examinatons and Phil shares his valuable tips and advice with us. I hope you enjoy this episode.

This episode covers the outline for preparing for written part of the fellowship examination. Know your format, content and practice past questions and your style of answering these questions.

In this episode I cover (IMO) the 3 best resources in the build up for the fellowship exam FRCS FRACS. Best books Small = Oxford Handbook of plastic surgery by H Giele & O Cassell Medium = Key Notes in Plastic Surgery by A Richards (or Essential of plastic Surgery by Janis) Large = Plastic Surgery by Neligan (or Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: Approaches and Techniques by Neil Bulstrode et al) Best Websites BAPRAS education Plastics fella Orthobullets / Pathology outlines, Eye Wiki Best Youtube channels BAPRAS / PLASTA Anatomy Knowledge GK hand surgery

This episode provides an introduction into preparing for exams. My top tips on; building knowledge, ways to study, what to know and learning styles.

This is a mammoth topic and one that all candidates dread, however by the end of this episode you will welcome a clinical case. This episode aims to breakdown the topic into simplified strategies to diagnose and manage common patterns of brachial plexus injuries. A special mention to Dr Michael Wagels; whose knowledge, enthusiasm and patience in teaching about brachial plexus is truly admirable.

This episode presents a clinical case of a pigmented lesion on the heel of the foot. It covers the risk factors, histopathology, clinical features, staging and management of melanoma. Furthermore the role of sentinel lymph node biopsy, reconstruction of the heel defect with a medial plantar flap. See @Ministryofsurgery Youtube video on markings for this flap.

This is a large topic and this episode aims to focus on Basal & Squamous cell cancers. The theme includes; classification of causes, pathological subtypes, staging systems and clinical features. Further management with surgical and non-surgical measures.

This episode discusses capsular contracture; causes, risk factors, classification and management. This topics is a highly debated area and there are many theories, varying presentations and a range of treatment modalities. The episode is based upon published evidence and guidance issued by specialist bodies. Personal opinions from plastic surgeons may differ from these.

This episode covers a clinical case of breast presentation suspicious for ALCL. The theme starts from initial assessment, clinical workup and algorithm for managment of these uncommon but important presentations.

This episode covers common questions in paediatric hand surgery. Starting from embryology of the hand and upper limb to classification of congenital hand deformities and exploring an example of each. Overview of high yield areas and common presentations that maybe seen in short cases. A special mention to Dr Phil Richardson, whose early morning tutorials and tips are legendary amongst Brisbane plastic surgeons.

This episode presents a clinical case of a cricket induced injury (ashes themed!). The theme focuses on the anatomy of the volar plate, features important in clinical examination and subsequent management. Furthermore details of joint reconstruction with hemihamate arthroplasty are explored.

This episode presents a clinical case of rheumatoid arthritis in the hand. The theme covers the underlying pathology, physiology and mechanism leading to the common deformities seen in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore general clinical assessment, classifications and overall management plans are explored. A special mention to Dr Christopher Jardim; who kindly shared his experience and technical tips on managing rheumatoid hand deformities over a cappuccinoplasty!

This episode covers the basics of Dupuytrens Disease; anatomy of the hand, definitions, pathophysiology, clinical aspects - in particular recognising diathesis - then clinical assessment that then guides surgical management.

This episode covers Pressure sores; definitions, causes, pathophysiology, classifications, clinical assessment and an algorithm for management. A special mention to Dr Sam Yang, whose guidance and pearls on treating pressure sores were invaluable.

This episode stats with an introduction to the surgical anatomy of the inguinal or femoral triangle and the discusses the technique of inguinal lymph node dissection. Thereafter I focus on Lymphoedema in particular the causes, classifications, clinical assessment and management. A special mention to the surgeons at the Oxford Lymphoedema Institute (Prof D Furniss, Mr A Ramsden & Mr S Gore), whom I had the honour and pleasure of working with during my time in Oxford and beyond, I learned a great deal from them about surgery and much more.

This episode covers takes a deeper dive into cleft lip and palate. Addressing the important definitions, incidence, associations, related syndromes, embryology of facial growth and pierre roban sequence. For how to draw a cleft lip please see; https://youtu.be/QPJFvxo5XKw

This episode covers the initial assessment of a new born bay with cleft lip. I cover the basic definition, clinical assessment, initial priorities, timeline of management, alveolar bone grafting, and techniques for cleft lip repair.

This episode covers Congenital thumb hypoplasia Focusing on a clinical case of abnormal small thumb. Overview of definition, classification, important syndromes to be aware of, clinical assessment and surgical management.

This episode covers Necrotising Fasciitis / Severe soft tissue infection. Focusing on a clinical case of abdominal / flank signs of erythema, swelling and pain. Overview of definition, classifications, pathophyisology, clinical assessment and management.

This episode covers Neurofibromatosis; Definition, Subtypes, Clinical features and Management

Plastic Surgery Education for FRCS FRACS This episode covers Gynaecomastia; Definition, Causes, Pathophysiology, Clinical assesment and Management