Dr Loseli’s story

The orthopaedic surgeon grew up in Griffith after his parents moved from Tonga when he was three years old. His father always dreamt his son would become a doctor.

“I was offered a job in Sydney, but was more drawn to the role here in Wagga Wagga. It was an opportunity to be part of the community and take on a mentorship role, and that really appealed to me.”

“My parents were both unskilled labourers but that didn’t stop them from encouraging their children to reach for the stars. My dad actually encouraged me to study medicine,” Dr Loseli said.

“My uncle Bill Tangi was a surgeon in Griffith and I was inspired seeing how much people respected and admired him for what he did in the community. He had a big influence on my decision to pursue medicine.”

The road to becoming a specialist is not a short one. After graduating from the former Griffith’s Wade High School, Dr Loseli moved to Sydney and then Wollongong to further his studies, before completing his internship and residency in Sydney hospitals.

“I initially thought I wanted to do General Practice, but I guess I’m a little impatient, and instead fell in love with orthopaedic surgery because you can see the results instantly,” Dr Loseli said.

“I really enjoy being able to see the problem, visualise how to fix it and then do it. The patient has an immediate benefit and, in some cases, that will mean they will be walking the next day.”

A typical day for Dr Loseli varies. Some days he spends the morning consulting and meeting new patients, other days he goes straight into surgery.

He works between Wagga Wagga and Griffith, visiting his hometown a few times a month.

From the team at Calvary

General Manager Jacki Hilton said Dr Loseli was a valuable member of the team.

“We’re so glad Dr Loseli has chosen to return to the Riverina and join the team at Calvary Riverina Hospital, providing everything from general orthopaedics to trauma care,” Ms Hilton said.

“Calvary is steadfast in developing our innovative workforce to meet the emerging health and social needs of the communities we serve, and Dr Loseli’s skills are extremely valuable to the Riverina community.”

In addition to being able to live close to his family and being a mentor to other health professionals, Dr Loseli believes working regionally ensures a rewarding career.

“There is work that needs to be done in regional areas, you’re not waiting around like in the big city for your turn,” Dr Loseli said.