The 2024 RACS Poate Family Travel Grant gave Dr Justin Parr a “valuable opportunity” to deepen his “skills in an area not covered in great depth during standard surgical training”.

After completing surgical education training (SET) in Aotearoa New Zealand, Dr Parr pursued a Fellowship at Melbourne’s St Vincent’s Hospital, specialising in advanced hand and wrist surgery. During this time, he applied for the grant, which enabled him to attend two major international events.

Learning from global leaders
The first event was the annual congress of the Federation of European Societies for Surgery of the Hand (FESSH), held in Rotterdam in 2024. There, he gained insights from global leaders in hand and wrist reconstruction and compared local surgical approaches with those used in leading European centres.

“One key takeaway was realising how strong our training and standards are in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand,” he says. “Many of the techniques I learned during training and Fellowship are comparable to—if not ahead of—what’s being practised internationally.” 

The second part of his grant activity took him to Kuala Lumpur for the Asian Pacific Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand (APFSSH) Academy Foundation Course, the first of its kind in the region. 

Dr Parr describes the course as a standout learning experience. It offered practical, hands-on training from world-renowned surgeons from the UK, Europe, and Asia. “The small group setting made it easy to interact directly with experts. Being able to ask questions, receive detailed feedback, and work closely with leaders in the field was incredibly valuable.”

The grant made these opportunities possible. “Understanding different approaches has refined my techniques in an Australasian context. These gatherings let us problem-solve complex cases, learn from specialists—with unique or highly subspecialised experience—and exchange ideas that enhance our practice,” he says. 

“The connections I made will be invaluable when tackling difficult cases. I plan to visit some of these peers abroad to observe their work firsthand. The relationships formed through these experiences are lasting and professionally enriching.”

From science to surgery
Dr Parr’s path to medicine began with a fascination for science—particularly biology and the human body. “Medicine offered the perfect blend of intellectual challenge and career stability. 

“At the same time, coming from a migrant family, there was a strong emphasis on finding a stable, reliable career. So, medicine made sense—it aligned with my interests and offered security.”

His interest in plastic surgery grew from its principles-based nature. “There’s no single operation that works for every case. It requires detailed problem-solving and a strong grasp of core principles, but also the flexibility to apply those principles in different ways, depending on the situation. That complexity really appealed to me.”

Why grants like this matter
Dr Parr encourages other surgeons to apply for RACS scholarships. “Surgical training and travel are expensive, and grants like this make it possible. If you're considering an international experience, this kind of support can make it happen.”

He adds that surgery is a truly global field. “Whether you're in Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, Europe or the US, we’re treating the same conditions and facing similar challenges. Building international connections enriches our practice and ultimately benefits our patients.”

Hospital life and beyond
Dr Parr’s schedule varies by location, but his public practice at Western Health in Melbourne is fast paced. Mondays start with an audit meeting to review recent complex cases, followed by ward rounds.

A typical day at the public hospital includes a clinic session and an operating list, focusing on skin cancer and hand trauma, applying skills refined during his Fellowship. He also treats complex reconstructive cases, working with other surgical specialties such as general surgeons, or ear, nose, and throat surgeons. “That’s what I love about plastic surgery—it’s never the same. Every day brings something different.”

Outside work, life is a little less hectic than during his training years. An avid diver, he seizes coastal opportunities when weather allows, while a somewhat lighter work schedule allows for more quality time with family and friends.