Meet Dr Leon Smith We caught up with oral and maxillofacial surgeon and CPD favourite, Dr Leon Smith.
After completing his dental studies in 2001, Leon worked in Katanning and Perth before an opportunity arose to head north. “One of my friends, who was also a dentist, moved to Darwin and I decided to go with him as a bit of an adventure,” Leon recalls. “In Darwin, I began to do surgery,” he adds. “I met a surgeon from Adelaide who was very kind to let me be involved in surgery and he encouraged me to go on and train as a maxillofacial surgeon.” The following year, after finishing his primary exams, Leon moved to Melbourne to complete his medical degree, returning to Darwin for his internship. After Leon and his wife had their third baby, they decided to move back to Perth, but Leon continues his working relationship with Darwin, heading up north to work three days a month. “This has been a long-term commitment for me because Darwin was pretty integral in me getting into training. I have such a long history with Darwin as I have worked there as both a dentist and a doctor,” Leon explains. “I feel a bit obliged to provide a specialist surgical service in a place where they have limited access. “I grew up regionally, where we certainly didn’t have access to maxillofacial surgeons, so as a specialist, I still feel that I have a role in that community. Certainly, if I didn’t make that move to Darwin, I don’t think I would have progressed to a specialist. It was an integral move for me.” Back in Perth, Leon is kept busy, juggling commitments including his private practice, work at Royal Perth Hospital and lecturing. “What I have tried to do over the last two years is to rationalise some of my commitments,” Leon says. “It’s very hard, especially when you start out as a specialist, to decide where you are best focusing your time. These days, I try to do what I think is important and work where I am needed.” A favourite in CPD circles, Leon used to be wary of public speaking but quite enjoys it now. “It’s a bit of a break in the normal routine, and it also gives the opportunity to refresh your own knowledge,” he says. “It keeps you contemporary with what you are doing and gives you the ability to share the experience that you have accumulated with people who are really eager to learn.”
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EDITION 8 | 2021 WESTERN ARTICULATOR
