Dr Shinichiro Sakata’s
formidable drive and passion to succeed has seen him awarded a full-time
scholarship under Avant’s Doctor in Training Research Scholarship Program 2015.
He will lead a series of trials to evaluate the effects of new colorectal
surgical technology to improve health and surgical practices.
Currently completing his PhD at the University of Queensland, Dr Sakata, 33,
already has an enviable track record as a researcher with 15 first-author
publications in peer-reviewed journals. A fourth year trainee in general
surgery, he also works as a Basic Laparoscopic Training Course instructor at the
Clinical Skills and Education Centre, Queensland Health, and is an Honorary
Lecturer with the University of Queensland.
It all started with
George Clooney
Originally from Japan, Dr Sakata moved to
Australia to undertake his medical degree at Monash University in Melbourne.
Growing up, Dr Sakata was a huge fan of Dr Douglas Ross (played by George
Clooney) in the TV series ER. “I wanted to be a doctor just like George
Clooney,” he says with a laugh.
“Jokes aside, working as a surgeon is a
privilege,” he says. “I especially like colorectal surgery because it demands
mastery of a wide array of technology with consistent, meticulous surgical
technique.”
Personal sacrifices made for research
Dr
Sakata has made some significant personal sacrifices in the name of research,
having sold his house in 2014 to fund initial research trials. “Scholarships are
notoriously difficult to come by because competition is so fierce – I believed
in my work but could not risk it negatively being affected by chance and
financial stress. I decided that the only way to securely fund two years of
research without funding was to rent and sell my house – it was one of the most
painful decisions I have ever made,” he says.
Effects of 2D and 3D laparoscopic
and robotic technology
Dr Sakata has undertaken research evaluating
the positive and negative effects of 2 and 3D laparoscopic and robotic
technology on the stress and performance of expert and novice colorectal
surgeons, both in the operating theatre and in simulation.
“My research
explains the conflicting data in the surgical literature surrounding 3D surgical
technology,” he says. “For example, we have learnt some
technology biases negatively impact users and therefore, patient care on a
population level.”
To date, three of Dr Sakata’s studies have
been accepted for publication and the break-through results
may have considerable implications for the optimal use of 3D laparoscopic and
robotic technology by surgeons and theatre nurses.
“The
research will hopefully allow us to make informed choices about what technology
to use. It is vital to discover the negative effects of surgical technology if
used poorly,” he says.
New
products in colorectal surgery
Dr Sakata
also has a passion for evaluating relatively inexpensive innovations that are
marketed for colorectal surgery.
“This year
our team has concentrated on barbed sutures and non-cross linked biologic grafts
used in laparoscopic ventral rectopexy,” he says.
In a
world-first, he has also designed a 3D laparoscopic simulation tool which is
currently being patented with the Clinical Skills and Development Centre,
UniQuest and The University of Queensland.
Research supervisors provide sounding board
Dr
Sakata’s research is co-supervised by A/Prof Andrew Stevenson, Head of
Colorectal Surgery at the Royal Brisbane Hospital. His co-supervisors also
include A/Prof Marcus Watson, Executive Director of the Clinical Skills
Development Service and Dr Philip Grove, a Senior Lecturer from the School of
Psychology, The University of Queensland.
Dr Sakata says he uses these
“brilliant” individuals as mentors, advisors and sounding boards for novel
ideas. A/Prof Stevenson in particular, has been a strong influence on Dr
Sakata’s professional development.
“A/Prof Stevenson is an inspirational
colorectal surgeon and researcher. He has led multicentre randomised trials,
published in high-impact journals and is a journal editor,” he says. “Even with
his success, he is constantly thinking of ways to improve colorectal surgery
which is very motivating.”
Scholarship allows
intellectual and financial freedom
With
an aim to be a colorectal surgeon, clinical researcher and a journal editor, Dr
Sakata says the Avant scholarship has brought him closer to realising
these goals and has allowed him to concentrate on his research without
financial and intellectual constraints.
“Although my
research relies on close collaboration with industry, they do not fund me. I am
grateful that the Avant scholarship will provide me with the freedom to produce
independent research without the need for industry support and conflict of
interest,” he says.
The funding will also
allow Dr Sakata to complete at least 12 papers for publication and to present
them at international conferences. “These conferences are really important
because they allow you the opportunity to engage with future collaborators and
share research ideas. It is always important to find new ideas and conferences
definitely help,” he says.
Scholarships
foster culture of success
On a wider
scale, Dr Sakata believes that the Avant Doctor in Training Research
Scholarships will foster a culture of medical success.
“The Avant scholarships are generous and this instills fierce
competition. Many young researchers are likely to work harder, leading to higher
quality research,” he says. “I hope that the Avant scholarships continue for
many years to come.”
Share your view
We welcome your feedback on this article – email the Editor at: editor@avant.org.au