Interview with a Neurosurgeon - Dr Chris Tsimiklis
Neurosurgeon Dr Chris Tsimiklis shares his story, background and why he became a neurosurgeon.
Why did you become a Neurosurgeon? What was it that led you to this career?
I have always been fascinated by neuroscience and the intricacy of the workings of the brain. As a kid I was always using my hands, taking things apart, working out how they worked and then putting things back together. I think I was always destined to be a surgeon and combining neuroscience with surgery just made sense to me.
My first genuine exposure to neurosurgery was at St. George’s Hospital in London where, as a 4th year medical student, I was fortunate enough to spend a month with pioneering neurosurgeon Henry Marsh. His approach to his patients, teaching of trainees and his technical prowess were truly inspirational. Then as an RMO, when working on the neurosurgical unit at the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH), I realised that neurosurgery was not just about the operating but also the ability to communicate well with patients and their family, often at the most trying point of their lives. I really enjoyed this balance. I was given the opportunity to work as a service registrar the following year by Brian Brophy in his final year before retirement, and I have never looked back.
What do you value or enjoy most about your line of work and why?
There is no doubt that neurosurgery is a high stakes field of medicine. But thankfully, for all the trials and tribulations, there are many more success stories and patients and their families are eternally grateful for the good work that we do as a neurosurgical community in Adelaide.
What keeps you motivated and why?
To me work is not really work! It is easy to front up every day when you love what you do. Neurosurgery is such a diverse field and as technology continues to evolve, we continue to improve on our ability to master our craft and ultimately benefit our patients.
I am fortunate enough to have had great mentors in my training and continue to support me through transition into work as a consultant. Having someone to inspire you and look up to is imperative. And before you know it, you end up being that mentor to the next generation!
Outside of work, I am motivated by my wife and three beautiful children and the challenge that is parenting and raising and hopefully inspiring your own family.
Which hospitals do you work from?
Presently I hold public appointments at both the RAH and Flinders Medical Centre (FMC) and have also commenced private practice consulting at the Memorial Medical Centre and operating at both The Memorial Hospital and Flinders Private Hospital.
Please share your career history – after studying where did you go and train and when did you return to Adelaide?
Following completion of my medical degree, I went on to neurosurgical training in South Australia with stints at both the RAH and FMC. I also spent a year in Perth where I completed my paediatric requirements at the Perth Children’s Hospital and further adult neurosurgery training at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and the Royal Perth Hospital. I was awarded with a Fellowship of the Royal Australia College of Surgeons in early 2021 and subsequently undertook a spine fellowship at the RAH in the same year. I am regularly involved in teaching of medical students and medical staff and was awarded the title of Clinical Associate Lecturer by the University of Adelaide Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences for anatomy teaching at the Adelaide Medical School.
Please describe your approach with patients?
Before focusing on a patient's ailment, I feel that it is important to understand who they are as a person, including learning about their family, work and general interests. Patients generally respond well when you take the time to show that you are genuinely interested, and this then helps them feel at ease and open up. Building rapport with a patient is crucial especially when you are at the beginning of a long, mutually rewarding relationship.
