Curriculum Vitae of Dr Nada Sudhakaran

Education

Personal Statement:

I am committed to a career in Paediatric Surgery, with interests in laparoscopic and thoracoscopic surgery. I will be actively involved in teaching and in creating an environment for training in minimally invasive surgery with the ultimate aim of expanding the use of minimally invasive surgery in paediatric practice throughout Malaysia.

Qualifications

Resuscitation

Learned Bodies

Employment History

Current Employment

Previous Employment

Higher Specialist Training in Paediatric Surgery

London Deanery — 2003–2009

Paediatric Surgical Research Fellowship

Non-Rotation Training Posts

Paediatric Rotation — SHO

Children’s Hospital, University Hospital Lewisham, London

Basic Surgical Training Rotation — SHO

Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, Wales

Pre-Registration

Work experience

I have had excellent teachers, trainers and role models during my training years, both at the London deanery and prior to getting onto the rotation. I feel that this has given me the confidence in decision making skills and the technical skill required to take on the role of a Consultant Peadiatric Surgeon. 

My work experience has been carefully structured to give me maximum exposure in dealing with children, both medically and surgically. The 18 months experience within paediatric medicine has given me the insight to appreciate a child’s need as a whole. I have acquired skills in elective and emergency procedures that I believe give me the edge in managing crisis scenarios and in initiating resuscitation whilst awaiting the medical paediatric input. I am more aware of the effects of chronic illness on a child’s education, social life and family dynamics.

I have the experience of working with teams that use different models of paediatric surgical outreach services. I believe in collaborative learning and actively contribute towards skill development across the surgical network.

I have extensive (operative/non-operative) experience in managing routine and complex paediatric Surgical and urological cases. This is reflected in my operative logbook. I use timely intervention, multidisciplinary input and clear management strategies, enabling me to function as an independent and effective surgeon. I am a keen laparoscopic surgeon. I have performed many common laparoscopic procedures such as fundoplications, hernia repairs, cholecystectomies, choleduochal anomalies, Pyeloplasties, appendicectomies, intussusception reduction and colectomies. I am comfortable conducting most thoracoscopic surgeries, having been involved with many cases with lung anomalies. discussing the wider needs of my patients with pediatricians and I regularly involve parents in discussions around their child’s management.

I am a dedicated team player who values working within a team. I respect each member through active listening, acknowledging his/her contributions and facilitating open communication. I strongly believe that by supporting people in feeling valued and respected, we enhance their self- esteem and accountability, fuelling better performance. Similarly, I address difficult situations early and sensitively by encouraging reflection, providing honest feedback and empowering theircontribution in action planning.

Successful teams have clear goals. They embrace independence and interdependence in their actions. I promote these through non-hierarchical leadership style, but by using clear role delineation to encourage a sense of ownership over tasks. I listen, practice congruence in communication and employ negotiation as methods to deal with difficult situations. I believe fair-play, non-judgment and treatment with dignity to be paramount in dealing with any difficulties within a team. 

Clinical Governance

Being aware of the role of audit in benchmarking the standards of clinical care and improving patient experience, I have actively undertaken audit projects.  I have used my audit projects to bring positive changes and effectiveness into delivery of services, and in developing further clinical management protocol and guidelines. Listed are the audit projects I have undertaken:

I use the principles of clinical governance (especially continued education, audit and clinical risk management) as steps towards providing high quality care. I participate in these in order to promote patient safety, service efficiency and parent/patient experience.  

Management

I have managed the doctors rota for my faculty, and had the responsibility to maintain working time directive compliance.  I oversaw the organisation of all paediatric surgical theatre lists (routine, emergency and extra), focusing on appropriate allocation of cases, availability of equipments (for laparoscopic procedures), timely preparation of patients and smooth running of the lists. Bed availability and cot occupancy are constant issues that interfere with surgical admissions, and I address these by timely discharge of patients, and by expatriation of care to local hospitals with organised follow-up through paediatric surgical outreach services. Where this is not an option, I support the local unit through close communication and advice.

Formal Management Courses Attended

Courses Organised

Teaching and education

I have teaching responsibilities towards medical students, post graduate trainees and all members of the multidisciplinary team, at St Georges Hospital, University Malaya and now at Gold Coast. These can be formal or opportunistic. I encourage collaborative learning within the team. In addition to organizing the departmental teaching programme and participating in induction programme, I also actively use morbidity and mortality review meetings to encourage reflection and for learning from experience. 

I am passionate about teaching, especially with regards to skills acquisition. I conducted weekly laparoscopic training for registrars both at St Georges hospital and at University Malaya. I undertook regular assessment and appraisal for trainees in the Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Programme and use feedback assessment from trainees to continue to improve my teaching and training technique.

Formal Courses for Teaching, Training & Assessment

Formal Contributions Towards Teaching & Training

Invited Lectures

Research Experience

Research Fellowship

Research Experience & Skills

During my research fellowship, I developed expertise in research methodology, laboratory-based techniques and collaboration with technical experts in investigating research questions. I also developed skills in the critical appraisal of research papers, formulation of clinical questions, scientific writing and scientific presentations.

Publications

Presentations

Courses Attended

In addition to generic study days and conferences

Interests