For Dr Jake Jervis-Bardy, the prestigious RACS Pickard Robotic Training Grant was a transformative opportunity to delve into the cutting-edge world of transoral robotic surgery (TORS).

This career-defining grant opened doors to advanced training that he could not have accessed otherwise and set him on a path of innovation and excellence in his field.

He describes the grant as pivotal, one that “really changed the trajectory of my career. It was a massive honour to receive this grant.”

Awarded to a select group of surgeons in South Australia, it gave Dr Jervis-Bardy the opportunity to undertake a 15-month Fellowship in head and neck surgery at the renowned University of Western Ontario in Canada.

The University of Western Ontario is a global leader in head and neck reconstructive surgery and TORS—both in clinical practice and research— making it the ideal place for Dr Jervis-Bardy’s advanced training.

He says the experience was transformative."The exposure to different techniques and the sheer volume of cases was incredible."

It boosted his confidence and ability. The Fellowship advanced his technical skills and expanded his understanding of the potential of robotic surgery in treating cancer, especially in cases that required delicate and precise interventions.

Dr Jervis-Bardy’s journey into surgery is an interesting one. It wasn’t always clear that he would end up in the operating room. His early career saw him in the legal profession.

After studying law and practicing for several years, he realised he wasn’t fulfilled.

“The fee for service model in law is not as rewarding as medicine, especially in the field of head and neck cancer, where many of our patients are much less fortunate,” he says.

At 25, he made the bold decision to leave law behind and pursue medicine. This change, he admits, wasn’t just a career shift, it was a life-altering decision that would lead him through 15 years of study and training.

It was during his medical journey that Dr Jervis-Bardy found his true calling—head and neck surgery, particularly the intricate world of reconstructive procedures. The human anatomy in this region fascinated him, and the ability to make a real difference in people's lives through surgery resonated deeply.

“I really enjoy being an otolaryngologist surgeon,” he says. “It’s a super sub-specialised field, and the work is both interesting and impactful.”

The Fellowship gave Dr Jervis-Bardy a front-row seat to the future of surgery. TORS, a minimally invasive procedure that uses robotic technology to treat head and neck cancers, was one of the highlights of his training. “I have brought back this experience to improve patient care here in Adelaide,” he says.

The skills that he acquired through the Fellowship have already begun shaping his plans for the future. Dr Jervis-Bardy is eager to contribute to the already robust TORS program in South Australia. This program, he believes, can continue to expand surgical options for patients with head and neck cancers and provide a valuable alternative to traditional surgery. “The experience has really made me think about how we can expand the use of this surgery in South Australia,” he says.

Outside of work, Dr Jervis-Bardy enjoys running, which helps him stay focused and balanced amid the demands of his surgical career. His two young children also keep him busy, ensuring life is as lively at home as it is in the operating room.

RACS Scholarships and Grants Program is offering Research Scholarships and Learning and Development Grants for 2026.
Applications open 3 March and close 14 April 2025. Find out more