Movers and Shakers in eLearning – Dr. Nathan Peters
Dr. Nathan Peters is a busy Brisbane anaesthetist with a broad sub-speciality case mix. He has special interests in the training and application of point of care ultrasound as well as the peri-operative care of patients undergoing vascular surgery.
Staff Specialist Anaesthetist, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital
Describe yourself
I’m a busy Brisbane anaesthetist with a broad sub-speciality case mix. I have special interests in the training and application of point of care ultrasound as well as the peri-operative care of patients undergoing vascular surgery.
Where do you work and what is your current position?
I’m a Staff Specialist Anaesthetist in the Department of Anaesthesia and Peri-operative Medicine at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RWBH). As such my practice is primarily within the public hospital system, however, I do devote a small amount time to work in private practice.
How long have you been there?
I’ve been working at the RBWH for 5 years now. Over this time I’ve been an anaesthesia trainee and also completed my provisional fellowship in anaesthesia for vascular surgery and peri-operative echocardiography. Since being awarded my FANZCA at the beginning of 2016 I’ve been working as a Staff Specialist Anaesthetist.
Which University of Melbourne ultrasound courses have you completed?
I was awarded my Graduate Diploma of Clinical Ultrasound, University of Melbourne (UoM), in 2016.
More recently I have been the principle driver behind the establishment of the UoM Focused Ultrasound Simulation Education (FUSE) training courses at the newly developed Centre for Excellence and Innovation in Anaesthesia, RBWH. The most rewarding part of this experience has been opening other people’s eyes to the benefits that ultrasound can bring to their practice.
How has this ultrasound learning made a difference to your clinical practice?
I use ultrasound every day in my practice. I certainly wouldn’t be able to provide the high level of care required of a specialist anaesthetist without it. Whether it be for vascular access, regional anaesthesia or cardiac ultrasound my patients benefit from this training every day.
Describe your typical day
I’m in the theatre by 7:30 am each day, meeting the first patient, and getting the surgical list underway. During the list, I make a point of having a discussion with the anaesthesia trainee I’m working with about some aspect of the great speciality they have chosen to work in. When the last patient is in recovery I’ll review the cases for the following day and try to make it home to help my fantastic wife with bath and bedtime for our two energetic young children. Usually, by 8:00 pm I’m able to sit back and relax on the couch at home.
What is something about yourself that most of your colleagues wouldn’t know?
My favourite pastime is golf, so most weekends you’ll find me on the golf courses around Brisbane. My current handicap is 12 but I’d love to get it down into single figures!
Your winning formula so far?
Finding and working with colleagues in anaesthesia, intensive care medicine and emergency medicine that have a similar passion for point of care ultrasound that I do. Connecting with other like-minded people has helped build momentum, fostered collaboration, and has been the key to success for me.
What is the best advice you could give?
Always make the time to enjoy life outside of work.