Latest news with #surgeons
News.com.au
10 hours ago
- Business
- News.com.au
ATO data reveals the top 10 richest professions in Australia
Surgeons are the highest paid professionals in Australia, according to new data from the Australian Taxation Office. On Friday, the Australian Taxation Office released data from 2022-23 financial year breaking down what the wealthiest Australians do for a living. 'Since reporting started in 2010–11, surgeons have remained the highest paid occupation with the 4,247 individuals reporting an average taxable income of $472,475 in 2022–23,' the report read. Anaesthetist and financial dealer were in second and third place with $447,193 and $355,233 respectively. This was followed by internal medicine specialist in fourth with $342,457 and psychiatrist with $288,146. Here are the top 10 highest paid jobs in Australia: 1. Surgeon – $472,475 2. Anaesthetist – $447,193 3. Financial dealer – $355,233 4. Internal medicine specialist – $342,457 5. Psychiatrist – $288,146. 6. Other medical practitioners – $259,802 7. Mining engineer – $206,408 8. Judicial or other legal professionals – $206,408 9. CEO or managing director – $194,987 10. Financial investment adviser – $191,986 The ATO has also revealed Australia's richest postcodes. NSW dominates the list, with seven from the top ten located in the state. The postcode '2027' takes out the number one spot with the areas of Point Piper, Darling Point, Edgecliff and HMAS Rushcutters in Sydney's east. The postcode boasted an average taxable income of $279,712 among 5,841 inhabitants. This was followed by Double Bay (postcode 2028) and Woollahra (postcode 2025) in second and third place with $255,901 and $242,267 respectively, both in Sydney's eastern suburbs. The only two Victorian postcodes to make the list were the Hawksburn/ Toorak area in fourth with $241,511 and Portsea in seventh with $222,254. Top 10 wealthiest postcodes in Australia: 1. '2027' NSW: Darling Point, Edgecliff, HMAS Rushcutters, Point Piper – $279,712 2. '2028' NSW: Double Bay – $255,901 3. '2025' NSW: Woollahra – $242,267 4. '3142' Vic: Hawksburn, Toorak – $241,511 5. '2030' NSW: Dover Heights, Rose Bay North, Vaucluse, Watsons Bay – $236,750 6. '2108' NSW: Coasters Retreat, Palm Beach, Currawong Beach – $233,344 7. '3844' Vic: Portsea – $222,254 8. '2023' NSW: Bellevue Hill – $216,383 9. '6011' WA: Cottesloe, Peppermint Grove – $213,621 10. '2110' NSW: Hunters Hills, Woolwich – $208,902
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
ATO reveals 10 highest paying jobs in Australia: ‘$472,475 a year'
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has revealed the highest paying jobs in Australia, with the top job raking in more than $470,000 per year on average. The list is based on the tax return data of millions of Aussies and gives a sneak peek into the huge incomes some professions are banking. Surgeons have retained the top spot, earning an average of $472,475 a year. There are only 4,247 surgeons in the country. For context, that means they are earning more than six times the average taxable income of $74,240 over the same period. Medical professionals dominated the list, with anaesthetists taking second place with average earnings of $447,193. There are just 3,658 workers across the country. RELATED Tradie apprentice shocks with $100,000 salary as she reveals reality of lucrative job Centrelink $836 cash boost for 'very real' truth facing thousands of Aussies ATO issues July 1 warning to Aussies waiting on $1,500 tax refunds Financial dealers were the highest-paid non-medical role, earning an average of $355,233 a year based on 5,147 people in the profession. Financial dealers conduct financial market transactions on behalf of clients and include stockbrokers. The highest-paying job with the most people was chief executive officers and managing directors. There were a whopping 231,103 people in this job, earning an average of $194,987 a year. The ATO data, released today, is based on tax returns from the 2022-23 financial year. The list of highest paying jobs has stayed the same over previous income years, but notably, incomes have gone up for most professions. Here are the top 10 highest-paid jobs and how much their incomes have increased since the previous year's tax statistics. Surgeon $472,475 (up $12,119) Anaesthetists $447,193 (up $16,000) Financial dealer $355,233 (down $18,500) Internal medicine specialist $342,457 (up $1,728) Psychiatrist $286,146 (up $9,601) Other medical practitioners $259,802 (up $4,048) Mining engineer $206,423 (down $7,942) Judicial or other legal professional $206,408 (up $1,474) Chief executive officer or managing director $194,987 (down $2,733) Financial investment advisor or manager $191,986 (up $6,152) The fresh ATO data also revealed the average Australian income was $74,240 a year. This was up from $72,327 a year. The median income, which is the middle point, was $55,868 for the 2022-23 income tax. This was up from $53,041 per year from the year prior. It's worth bearing in mind that more up-to-date earnings data have been released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It found average weekly ordinary time earnings for full-time adults had increased 4.6 per cent annually to $1,975.80 in November 2024. That works out to $102,741.60 a year. The ATO data found the majority of Australians (44.9 per cent) fall into the $45,001 to $120,000 tax bracket. Only 5.3 per cent of the population fall into the $180,001 and over bracket, but are responsible for 37 per cent of net tax. The average superannuation account balance increased to $172,834, up from $164,126. While the median went up to $60,037, up from $57, in to access your portfolio
Sustainability Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Sustainability Times
'Robot Did the Surgery': U.S. Doctors Complete First-Ever Heart Transplant Without Opening the Chest
IN A NUTSHELL 🔬 Robotic heart transplant marks a groundbreaking advance, performed without chest incisions at Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center. marks a groundbreaking advance, performed without chest incisions at Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center. 🤖 The procedure utilized a surgical robot for millimeter-level precision, avoiding traditional bone saws and wide incisions. 💉 Avoiding large incisions reduced the need for blood transfusions, minimizing the risk of antibodies rejecting the new heart. 🏥 Patients benefit from faster recovery, reduced surgical trauma, and lower infection risks, setting a new standard for minimally invasive surgery. In a groundbreaking medical achievement, U.S. surgeons have performed the first fully robotic heart transplant without making a single incision in the chest. This revolutionary procedure, executed at Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center in Houston, Texas, marks a significant leap forward in transplant surgery. By employing cutting-edge robotic technology, the surgical team successfully replaced a failing heart with a donor organ, minimizing trauma and speeding up recovery. This monumental step not only showcases the potential of robotic surgery but also sets a new standard for minimally invasive procedures in complex organ transplants. Robot Rewrites the Rulebook In recent years, robotic technology has transformed various surgical disciplines, but the successful execution of a robotic heart transplant in the U.S. is unprecedented. The procedure utilized a surgical robot capable of millimeter-level precision, allowing surgeons to operate through small ports without the need for broad incisions or bone saws. This level of precision is crucial, especially when dealing with something as delicate as a heart transplant. By avoiding the traditional method of cutting through the breastbone, the procedure significantly reduced the risk of complications. The absence of large incisions minimizes the need for blood transfusions, subsequently lowering the risk of the patient developing antibodies that could reject the new heart. Furthermore, this approach leads to a quicker postoperative recovery, enhancing lung function and reducing hospital stays. Dr. Kenneth Liao emphasized that combining innovation with surgical expertise can dramatically improve patient outcomes, making such complex procedures safer and more efficient. Japan Stuns the World with 310,000-Ton Oil Behemoth That Shatters Records and Reinvents the Future of Energy Transport Not Just Cutting-Edge—No Cutting at All This pioneering transplant is set to redefine the approach to complex organ surgeries. Historically, heart transplants have been considered among the most invasive of surgical procedures, involving extensive opening of the chest cavity. The robotic method, however, eliminates the need for such invasive measures, preserving the integrity of the chest wall and reducing recovery time. The use of robotics in cardiac surgery has typically been limited to assistive roles, but this operation marks a new phase where robots take a leading role in executing intricate procedures. Dr. Todd Rosengart highlighted the importance of this achievement, noting that it represents a significant step forward in making complex surgeries safer and more efficient. This development not only benefits patients by reducing trauma and recovery time but also sets a precedent for future innovations in the field. 'They Morph Like Liquid Metal': Scientists Reveal Mini-Robot Swarm That Shape-Shifts Just Like in Sci-Fi Movies Advantages of Robotic Heart Transplants The advantages of robotic heart transplants are manifold, encompassing both medical and logistical benefits. One of the key benefits is the dramatic reduction in surgical trauma. By eliminating the need for large incisions and chest openings, the risk of infection is significantly decreased, and patients are able to mobilize much faster post-surgery. This early mobilization is crucial for improving respiratory function and overall recovery. Moreover, the precision of robotic surgery minimizes blood loss and reduces the need for transfusions, which can complicate recovery and increase the risk of rejection. The ability to perform such a delicate procedure with minimal invasiveness also means that patients can leave the hospital sooner, leading to lower healthcare costs and less strain on hospital resources. The success of this robotic heart transplant is a testament to the transformative potential of technology in healthcare, promising a future where surgeries are not only more efficient but also significantly safer. 'I Built a Laser from Hell': YouTuber Unleashes World's Strongest Handheld Beam That Instantly Melts Metal and Ignites Anything Implications for the Future The successful implementation of a robotic heart transplant has far-reaching implications for the future of transplant surgery. This breakthrough demonstrates the potential for robotics to handle increasingly complex procedures, opening the door for further innovations in minimally invasive surgery. As this technology continues to advance, it may become the standard for various types of organ transplants, making surgeries less daunting for patients and reducing the burden on healthcare systems. Looking ahead, the integration of robotics in surgery could lead to more personalized and precise treatments, improving outcomes for patients with a range of medical conditions. The success of this procedure also underscores the importance of ongoing research and development in the field of robotic surgery. As medical professionals continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, one must wonder: what other medical frontiers will robotic technology conquer next? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (24)
Forbes
17-06-2025
- Health
- Forbes
How Safe Is Spine Surgery? What To Know And What To Ask Your Surgeon
A post-operative x-ray showing a spinal deformity correction for scoliosis. A common surgery for ... More scoliosis is an instrumentation and fusion using rods and screws. Facing a recommendation for spine surgery can certainly spark anxiety. The prospect of any operation is daunting, yet for many, the promise of relief from pain or disability is tempered by a hope for non-surgical alternatives. Fortunately, surgery is rarely the first option. But when it's the best—or only—path forward, how safe is it? What steps are surgeons taking to enhance safety? And what questions should patients be asking their surgeon? Over the past century, spine surgery has evolved dramatically, driven by the relentless innovation of our surgical giants. Conditions once deemed untreatable—complex fractures, spinal tumors, and deformities like scoliosis (sideways curvature), kyphosis (forward curvature), or excessive lordosis (backward curvature)—are now manageable, even life-saving. These advancements stem from breakthroughs in science, technology, and patient safety protocols. Take scoliosis treatment as an example. In 1946, the Milwaukee Brace, a cumbersome leather-and-metal device extending from chin to torso, was a groundbreaking yet uncomfortable solution for post-polio scoliosis. It bordered on the archaic. Surgery for scoliosis was a last resort, reserved for extreme cases, with outcomes that pale by today's standards as surgeons grappled with understanding the spine's complex three-dimensional nature all while developing the technology necessary to treat it. By 2025, the landscape is unrecognizable. Advanced imaging creates precise 3D models of a patient's spine, enabling custom rods tailored to individual anatomy. For adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, pediatric patients often leave the hospital just two or three days post-surgery with predictable outcomes—a testament to cutting-edge technology, refined surgical techniques, and integrated hospital systems. Spine surgery isn't one-size-fits-all. Unlike more standardized procedures like hip replacements, spine surgery spans a spectrum of complexity. Minimally invasive discectomies, which remove small disc fragments that may herniate and push on nerves, should take around 30 minutes and allow same-day discharge. In contrast, severe scoliosis corrections may involve staged surgeries, intensive care, or traction devices like halo clamps, where weights gradually realign the spine over weeks to minimize spinal cord risks. Risks and recovery vary widely. A discectomy for a herniated disc has low complication rates and predictable results. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, common in teenage girls, has well-documented outcomes. However, severe, inflexible deformities that need aggressive bony carpentry to correct the spine's alignment carry complication rates up to 60%, with major deformity surgeries posing a 1% mortality risk within a year. Social media amplifies patient voices but can accidentally mislead patients by comparing recoveries without context. Outcomes can differ vastly, even for the same diagnosis. Surgeons must clearly communicate these nuances to align expectations. Surgical consent forms list numerous risks, and experienced surgeons know these are not just theoretical. However, below are the three primary concerns, with questions patients should ask to gain clarity and confidence. Paralysis is a major fear, but true paralysis is extremely rare. The spinal cord, which carries critical signals, typically ends in the upper lumbar spine, so surgeries below this level involve specific nerves, reducing catastrophic risks. A nerve-specific issue, like foot weakness, is more common. For instance, the Scoli-RISK-1 study found 10% of complex adult scoliosis surgery patients had single-nerve deficits two years post-surgery, yet most were still better off than prior to surgery due to their severe presenting conditions. It's important to note that complex cases, such as tumors or severe deformities, carry higher risks of paralysis. However, tertiary referral centers and specialized surgeons focus on these cases with ongoing research, including the development of AI-powered risk assessment tools, to help mitigate these risks. Spine surgery alters spine biomechanics, potentially stressing the levels above and below surgery causing adjacent segment disease, where nearby spinal levels degenerate, necessitating further procedures. Scoliosis curves above and below surgery may progress. Non-healing bone at the surgical site is another risk. Advanced imaging, patient-specific instrumentation, patient selection and preoperative planning reduce these issues. Even successful surgeries may not eliminate pain, as outcomes prioritize spinal cord protection and quality of life improvements. Postoperative risks can affect major body systems, including the heart, lungs, and kidneys, necessitating robust hospital support. Surgeons are actively reducing complications in complex cases through innovation and collaboration. Lawrence G. Lenke, MD, Surgeon-in-Chief at Och Spine Hospital and Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Columbia University, is widely recognized as the world's leading expert on spinal deformity. In discussion for this article, he reflected on over 34 years of treating the most complex spine patients globally. He credits three key developments for safer surgeries in difficult cases: Organizations like the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) play a pivotal role in advancing safety initiatives, ensuring consistent, reproducible outcomes in the United States and worldwide. As the premier international society for spinal deformity, the SRS is committed to fostering optimal care for all patients with spinal deformities. Current SRS President, Laurel C. Blakemore, MD, stated, 'The SRS's vision is to enhance the quality of life for all patients with spinal deformities, and improving safety is a critical component of that mission. Since its inception, SRS members have contributed to a complications database. This month, we launched our Outcomes and Benchmarking app, which enables the deidentified collection of data on surgical complications. This tool will allow us to gather real-time data on perioperative complications, deepening our understanding and elevating the quality of care for spinal deformities.' Patients can take comfort in knowing that the science of spine surgery is advancing rapidly. The Spine Safety Summit, an annual meeting in New York City, brings together stakeholders in spine surgery—including patients, surgeons, hospitals, insurance companies, and technology developers—to collaborate on reducing harm. Organized under the Project for Safety in Spine Surgery (SP3), the summit fosters open discussions about complications to improve the safety and quality of spine care. Course Chairman and Director of Pediatric Spine and Scoliosis at Columbia University Medical Center, Michael G. Vitale, MD, MPH, stated, 'The idea started as a course where senior surgeons shared complications from their careers in an open forum to discuss lessons learned. Over the past 10 years, the summit has seen consistent demand from surgeons and others eager to learn how to leverage systems, flatten hierarchies, optimize culture, and confront human fallibility. We have developed nine best practice guidelines and checklists, published two books, and inspired many surgeons to create local programming on safety. This year, we are once again oversold with overflow seating—a testament to the hunger surgeons have to improve outcomes for our patients.' Spine surgery is safer than ever, but risks persist, and a zero-complication rate is neither achievable nor ideal. Patients must partner with surgeons to understand their procedure's scope and ask pointed questions. With rapid advancements in technology, data-driven safety protocols, and global collaboration, the field is poised to deliver better outcomes daily.
Health Line
12-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Everything You Need to Know About Hair Transplants
Key takeaways • Hair transplants are typically more successful than over-the-counter hair restoration products, with 10% to 80% of transplanted hair fully growing back within 3 to 4 months. • The cost of hair transplants ranges from $4,000 to $15,000, with final pricing dependent on factors like the extent of the procedure, surgeon availability and experience, and chosen surgical technique. • Hair transplants involve taking healthy hair follicles from thicker parts of the scalp or body and grafting them to thinning or balding areas, but they may not work for those with widespread thinning, chemotherapy-related loss, or thick scalp scars. Hair transplants are performed by taking hair from thicker parts of the scalp, or other parts of the body, and grafting it to the thinning or balding section of the scalp. These procedures are usually considered when other treatments like topical ointments don't work. The first transplant was performed in 1939 in Japan with single scalp hairs. In the following decades, physicians developed the 'plug' technique. This involves transplanting large tufts of hair. Over time, surgeons began using mini- and micro-grafts to minimize the appearance of transplanted hair on the scalp. Do hair transplants work? Hair transplants are typically more successful than over-the-counter hair restoration products. But there are some factors to consider: Anywhere from 10% to 80% of transplanted hair will fully grow back in an estimated 3 to 4 months, according to a 2017 study. Like regular hair, transplanted hair will thin over time. People with dormant hair follicles (sacs that usually contain hair beneath the skin but no longer grow hair) may have less effective transplants, but a 2022 review of studies suggests that platelet-rich plasma therapy is effective alongside hair transplantation in helping transplanted hairs to grow back. Hair transplants don't work for everyone. They're mainly used to restore hair if you're balding or thinning naturally or have lost hair due to an injury. Most transplants are performed with your existing hair, so they're not as effective for treating people with: widespread thinning and baldness hair loss due to chemotherapy or other medications thick scalp scars from injuries How much do hair transplants cost? Anecdotally, the costs of hair transplants can range from about $4,000 to $15,000, but they vary depending on numerous factors, such as: extent of the transplant procedure availability of surgeons in your area experience of the surgeon surgical technique chosen Because hair transplants are cosmetic procedures, health insurance usually won't pay for the procedure. Aftercare medications may also add to the final cost. How does a hair transplant work? A hair transplant involves taking hair you have and transferring it to an area where you don't have hair. It's typically taken from the back of your head, but it can also be taken from other parts of your body. Before starting a transplant, your surgeon sterilizes the area where the hair will be removed and numbs it with a local anesthetic. You can also request sedation to stay asleep for the procedure. Your surgeon then performs one of two transplant methods: follicular unit transplantation (FUT) or follicular unit extraction (FUE). There are variations of each method, such as NeoGraft, a type of FUE. Additional methods are being studied. One of them, the stem cell hair transplant, looks promising but is not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Follicular unit transplantation (FUT) FUT is sometimes known as follicular unit strip surgery (FUSS). To perform a FUT procedure, your surgeon follows these steps: Using a scalpel, the surgeon removes a piece of your scalp, usually from the back of your head. The strip size is typically about 6 to 10 inches long but can stretch from ear to ear. They close the area where the scalp was removed with stitches. Your surgeon and their assistants separate the scalp strip into smaller pieces with a scalpel. They may split the piece up into as many as 2,000 smaller fragments, called grafts. Some of these grafts may contain only one hair each. Using a needle or blade, the surgeon makes small holes in your scalp where hair will be transplanted. The surgeon inserts hairs from the removed piece of scalp into the puncture holes. This step is called grafting. They then cover the surgical sites with bandages or gauze. The specific number of grafts you receive depends on the: type of hair you have size of the transplant site quality (including thickness) of hair hair color Follicular unit extraction (FUE) To perform a FUE procedure, your surgeon takes these steps: They shave off hair on the back of your head. The surgeon then takes individual follicles out of the scalp skin. You'll see tiny marks where each follicle was removed. As with the FUT procedure, the surgeon makes small holes in your scalp and grafts hair follicles into the holes. They then cover the surgical site with bandages or gauze. Recovering from a hair transplant procedure FUT and FUE may each take several hours to several days to complete. In part, this depends on the amount of work performed by the surgeon. You will go home the same day. Once the surgery is done, your surgeon carefully removes bandages. The area may be swollen, so your surgeon might inject triamcinolone into the area to keep the swelling down. You'll likely feel pain or soreness at the transplant site as well as in the area where hair was taken from. For the next few days, your surgeon may prescribe or recommend: pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil) antibiotics to prevent infections anti-inflammatories, such as an oral steroid, to relieve swelling medications such as finasteride (Propecia) or minoxidil (Rogaine) to help stimulate hair growth Here are some aftercare tips for hair transplant surgery: Avoid strenuous activities in the days following surgery. Wait a few days after the surgery to wash your hair. Only use mild shampoos for the first few weeks. You should be able to return to work or normal activities in about 3 days. Avoid rubbing the affected area. Do not press a brush or comb down over the new grafts for about 3 weeks. Do not wear any hats or pullover shirts and jackets until your doctor says it's OK. Do not exercise for about a week. Don't worry if some hairs fall out. This is part of the process. Transplanted hair may not grow much or seamlessly match the hair around it for a few months. Hair transplant side effects A common side effect is scarring, and this cannot be avoided with either procedure. Other potential side effects include: unusual physical sensations in the affected area or losing sensation around the surgical sites infections crust or pus drainage around the surgical sites scalp pain, itching, and swelling folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles) bleeding visible areas of hair that don't match the surrounding hair or are noticeably thinner continuing to lose hair if your hair is still balding Minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia) can also have side effects. Minoxidil side effects include: irritated scalp nausea and vomiting dizziness irregular heart rate hand, foot, or breast swelling chest pain Finasteride side effects include: increase in breast size and tenderness skin rash sexual dysfunction Finding a surgeon Visit the American Academy of Plastic Surgeons website to search for medical professionals near you who perform hair transplants. A primary care doctor may also be able to recommend a professional specializing in hair transplants. Here are some tips to consider when you're looking for a hair transplant surgeon: Select only a licensed, certified surgeon. Confirm a record of successful transplant procedures by asking to see a portfolio. Read reviews about them.
