Hand Fellowship
Mudgeeraba Hand Clinic is proud to offer a 6 or 12 month Australian Orthopaedic Association (AOA)–accredited Hand Fellowship for plastic and orthopaedic surgeons wishing to advance their skills in hand, wrist and microsurgery.
Fellows work alongside our expert plastic and orthopaedic hand surgeons, as well as our multidisciplinary team of hand therapists.
This fellowship provides comprehensive exposure to both private practice and public health care, including congenital and paediatric hand surgery through Queensland Children’s Hospital. Fellows also have the opportunity to engage in research through our dedicated research unit, the Australian Research Collaboration on Hands (ARCH).
For more information or to apply please email your expression of interest and CV to pm@mudgeerabahand.com.au
Our Current Fellow - Dr Prasesh Dhakal
Dr. Prasesh Dhakal is a consultant orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty focus in adult and pediatric upper extremity trauma, hand reconstruction, and microvascular surgery. He brings a strong academic background, extensive surgical volume from major tertiary trauma centers, and dedicated advanced international training in microsurgery.
Dr. Prasesh earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences. He went on to complete his Master of Surgery (MS) in Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery through the National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS) at Bir Hospital and the National Trauma Center. During his postgraduate residency, he achieved top clinical honors, winning First Prize in the nationwide Torrent Young Scholar Award in Orthopedics. He was also recognized internationally as a Young Ambassador for the Asia Pacific Orthopedic Association (APOA) 25th Congress.
To further refine his upper limb and soft tissue reconstruction expertise, Dr. Prasesh completed an intensive Ethicon Advanced Fellowship in Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery at Ganga Hospital in Coimbatore, India.
Alongside his clinical practice, Dr. Prasesh is an active researcher with numerous peer-reviewed scientific publications across surgical disciplines and regularly presents at national and international hand and orthopedic surgical conferences.
Dr. Prasesh looks forward in collaborating with the unit's multidisciplinary team, engaging in active clinical research, and delivering compassionate, evidence-based care to patients across the Gold Coast community while absorbing the valuable skills learned along these shores to carry forward throughout his career in Nepal.
Past fellows
Dr Nikki Phillips - First term 2026
Dr Phillips is an accomplished Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with extensive international training, academic distinction, and a strong commitment to patient care and education.
She is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and completed her medical degree at the prestigious University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. During her studies, she was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society in recognition of her outstanding academic achievement.
Dr Phillips undertook her specialist training through the renowned Harvard Plastic Surgery Residency Program, gaining comprehensive experience across leading institutions including Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Boston Children’s Hospital. Her training encompassed complex reconstructive, microsurgical, paediatric, and hand surgery.
Following her residency, Dr Phillips practiced as a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Corewell Health South in Michigan, USA, where she served as Section Leader of Plastic Surgery. Her clinical work spans a broad range of reconstructive and aesthetic procedures, including breast reconstruction, skin cancer surgery, trauma, and general reconstructive surgery. She has also played an active role in leadership, teaching, and clinical governance.
In addition to her clinical practice, Dr Phillips holds an academic appointment as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Michigan State University College of Medicine, reflecting her ongoing dedication to education and mentoring the next generation of surgeons.
Dr Phillips has contributed extensively to the academic field, with multiple peer-reviewed publications and prestigious awards, including the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Best Cosmetic Surgery Paper of the Year (2022).
With strong ties to Australia, including fellowship training on the Gold Coast, Dr Phillips is delighted to return and continue her professional journey, bringing her expertise and patient-centred approach to the local community.