Two Malaysian born brothers, Dr Daksha and Dr Nagusha Rachagan, have taken their sibling bond to a new level – both working and completing their obstetrics and gynaecology speciality training at Peninsula Health.
Following in their father’s footsteps, the budding obstetrician duo grew up in Malaysia exposed to the trials and tribulations of the practice from a young age. Stories shared by their father piqued their interest in the field, despite a heads up that it comes with its challenges.
“Our dad was a positive influence on us,” says Daksha, the oldest of the two doctors. “He was a role model for us growing up and is someone I look up to and inspire to be.”
“Being the older brother, Daksha would have had first dibs,” jokes Nagusha. “but it’s what I’ve always wanted to do – it’s funny that we are both doing it together now.
Daksha was the first to complete his medical studies at Monash University and worked in Malaysia before making the move to Australia in 2017, joining Nagusha who had started internship here that same year.
Nagusha commenced his career in medicine in rural Victoria before making the move to inner city Melbourne where he completed his residency years at Mercy Hospital (Werribee) and The Royal Women’s Hospital providing exemplary care to women and newborns. Shortly after, Nagusha joined Peninsula Health.
“I had heard good things about Peninsula Health,” says Nagusha, “The organisation was highly recommended for its supportive peers and consultants, skilled midwifery team, and its reputation as a great place to grow ones’ career.”
Naturally, the word spread to Daksha, and the two brothers were reunited at Peninsula Health in 2021, working closely in the Women’s Health Unit.
While there is some competitive spirit between the two, the rivalry doesn’t extend to work, instead they find it beneficial to have the support of each other in the workplace.
“In almost every other aspect of life however, especially sports, we’re very competitive,” jokes Daksha.
“It sounds cliché, but unlike in sports, in medicine it’s better that everyone wins,” adds Nagusha. “Teamwork is essential in a field like O&G – I am lucky to have great teammates like Daksha.”
Both brothers are committed to furthering their careers as obstetricians and gynaecologists, and were both successful in their application to The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) speciality training program, a pathway to specialist qualification in obstetrics and gynaecology.
The six year program will see Daksha and Nagusha complete rotations across different hospitals, including rural and tertiary rotations. Daksha commenced his training in February this year and says he is looking forward to achieving a high level of confidence and competence throughout the program.
“It has been a long time coming,” shares Daksha, who’s application was delayed due to permanent residency requirements. “I am looking forward to training with RANZCOG and pushing myself to be better.
“We can’t speak highly enough of the leadership team at Peninsula Health, and that is why we have both chosen to stay on at Peninsula Health as our primary training site” says Daksha. “They supported us throughout the challenges and uncertainties while we were waiting for permanent residency in order to start our specialty training”.
Nagusha, who has completed his first year, along with other trainees at Peninsula have been extremely satisfied with the robust training and surgical experience they have been afforded at this hospital.
“Following the completion of the program, it would be great to come back to Peninsula Health as a consultant,” says Nagusha. “Having bonded so well with the midwifery and medical team, it would be the perfect environment to start my specialist career and a great opportunity to mentor other trainees and continue to pay it forward.”
We wish Daksha and Nagusha the best as they complete the Fellowship of RANZCOG training program at Peninsula Health.
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