Lay summary
I am a medical doctor specialising in otolaryngology, currently in my 7th postgraduate year. It is my ambition to become an academic surgeon in New Zealand with a focus on diseases of the ear, nose and throat. Since December 2012 I have deferred full time clinical work to complete a PhD with an aim to understand the effects of perioperative care on patients with chronic sinusitis, a illness which affects up to 10% of New Zealanders. In the last 2 years I have developed a number of clinical, randomised control trials based on my basic science research. These trials will culminate in 2016 and aim to examine the effects of medications such as steroids, antibiotics and vitamin A on bacteria, inflammation and wound healing. Ultimately I believe that my research will help clinicians deliver targeted care to our patients, improving long-term quality of life for those affected by chronic sinusitis.