Dr Nisha Sachdev’s lasting legacy

There’s some change underway on the ASO Board of Directors, as we say farewell to one of our long-standing members.

Dr Nisha Sachdev is stepping back after more than 13 years of sharing her knowledge and experience with us — but not without leaving an indelible mark on the ASO. 

Shortly after Australia marked the significant milestone of its first female Prime Minister, change was afoot at the ASO, when Nisha became the first woman appointed to the ASO Board in 2011.

Since then, and throughout her tenure, Nisha has played an important role in many of the initiatives that best support the profession of ophthalmology.

In recognising and celebrating Nisha’s numerous contributions to the ASO and our members, we are highlighting several that have forever changed us.

First Woman Appointed

When we reach new heights, it is often because of the achievements of those before us, who allow us to step on their shoulders. After becoming the f irst woman appointed to the ASO Board of Directors, it has paved the way for others to follow.

Electronic Medical Records 

As an early adopter of electronic medical records, Nisha’s advocacy for the business of private practice resulted in action with many members of the ASO turning their attention to update the methods of patient record keeping across practices.

New Fellows

In an earlier iteration, Nisha performed the duties as RANZCO Chair of the New Fellows. Her work supporting ophthalmologists in the early stages of their careers became instrumental in growing New Fellow membership at the ASO. Without her influence, the popular Trainee and New Fellows Dinners we deliver each year may not have come to fruition. Nisha was also a RANZCO Examiner for a period of six years.

MBS Champion

Through her roles as Chair of the RANZCO MBS Committee and Board Director of the ASO, Nisha was in a crucial position to help guide the Board and support advocacy to ensure ophthalmology MBS items and rebates would deliver for Australian eye surgeons and their patients. She has attended many Department of Health meetings as the ophthalmology representative regarding numerous MBS item number issues.

ASO Skills Expo

The ASO Skills Expo as we know it today may not have been. From 2016–2018, Nisha was the Convenor of the first three Expos the ASO delivered and laid the foundations we have since built upon. She was appointed as Chair of the Younger Fellows Group at RANZCO and was requested to arrange and implement Business Skills Sessions for Younger Fellows. Nisha discussed this with the ASO president at the time, as she felt it was in the domain of the ASO rather than RANZCO. The Business Skills Expos were well received by all ASO members and incorporated all business skills and legal discussions to educate ophthalmologists at any stage in their career — from starting out to succession planning. Nisha’s organisational skills in establishing the Expo also solidified future and lasting alliance partnerships ASO members benefit from today, including with Cutcher & Neale.

Mental Health and Wellbeing

One of Nisha’s more recent appointments was as the founding Chair of the RANZCO Health and Wellbeing Committee. She was approached by RANZCO to formulate and lead this committee during the Coronavirus pandemic and recurrent lockdowns of 2020, when medical services were limited and the ASO was formulating discussions with the Department of Health and strategising how to deal with ophthalmology services. The committee now hosts many Trainees and Fellows of all ages to strengthen and advocate for the wellbeing of all ophthalmologists. Nisha’s influence has also enriched the way we view the mental health and wellbeing needs of our members at the ASO.

Parental Leave

As an ear for those not only starting their ophthalmology careers but their families, Nisha recognised more support was essential for new parents and advocated strongly for parental leave. In addition, whilst on the executive of the RANZCO NSW Branch and organising its scientific meetings, she incorporated creche facilities for her peers, in order for all Fellows to attend these meetings.

We also sat down with Nisha to reflect on the highs and lows of advocacy and the moments she’s most proud of from her time on the ASO Board of Directors.

Q: What are the standout moments from your time as a leader at the ASO?

A: The best moments from my time with the ASO has been involvement with the Business Skills Expo over the years. Seeing it become a standalone meeting, now with such great attendance, is so rewarding. With such great feedback from all attendees, it is amazing. When I was approached to organise this, I never anticipated it would grow as it has.

Q: What were your biggest challenges?

A: The biggest challenges were growing the membership and being the only female director! It does take a while to get used to the political side of medicine.

Q: While we have come far from humble beginnings, what do you consider to be the next steps in advocating for our members and the profession of ophthalmology?

A: The biggest step we have to face is the threat to our profession in the private sector. The corporatisation of our profession has some advantages, but it is not always the best choice for all. We need to work together to provide support and advocacy to maintain the private day surgical sector — due to restrictions from funding from health funds, this is our biggest threat and issue for the future.

Q: For those unsure about the value of the ASO provides, what advice would you give?

A: There is a lot that the ASO does behind the scenes that is not apparent to everyone — even me! The executive works very hard with the ASO staff on many issues on a daily basis and ‘puts out many fires’ that even the directors are unaware of. At our board meetings, it is apparent that a lot of discussions occur with Health Ministers, AMA presidents, and other officiaries to curtail issues before they become solidified, and as such, an issue for our profession.

Q: What are your top tips for New Fellows embarking on their own venture in private practice?

A: Gosh! Where do I begin? The best advice is that there are many options, but you need to do what is best for you! What works for one individual may not be best for another. Whether you work in a group practice, in solo, or a combination of private and public, do what is best for you and your family. There are multiple options and advantages and disadvantages of the options. When you are starting, try to not overcommit! It is hard to reduce sessions, rather than build them up. I would also say it takes five years to solidify the best schedule for you and your family.

Q: Describe one action that ophthalmologists can take in their day-to-day clinic or theatre work which will improve their mental health and wellbeing.

A: Exercise! Whether it is running, swimming or even walking, fresh air and outdoors is best. Even if you walk around the block at home before work, it will put you in a good frame of mind for the rest of the day. Having something outside medicine and ophthalmology is great — it is nice to meet so many others outside our profession!

Please join us in recognising and thanking Nisha for her long-term commitment and contributions to the ASO and advocating on behalf our profession.