By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
AT 63 years old, Steven Hainsworth is filled with the excitement of starting school.
Next year, the Beaconsfield podiatrist will commence a PhD at Charles Sturt University in molecular studies of dermatophytes – the organisms that cause fungal nails.
Steven has been practicing podiatry in Berwick and Beaconsfield for the past 30 years and said the decision to return to study was an easy one.
“My interest in medical science started when I was doing my podiatry course,” he said.
“Chris Hyde had a little lab at the university and we would grow dermatophytes and identify them.
“I’ve always maintained that interest and now that the kids are grown up, it’s a good time.”
He graduated with a Masters of Medical Science pathology in 2012 and earlier this year had his work published in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, or JAPMA.
Steven will split his time between his Beaconsfield practice and the state-of-the-art labs at the university in Wagga Wagga.
Turning 64 in September, Steven has got another three to four years of study ahead, but says he is excited by the challenge.
“I graduated with my first degree in podiatry in 1985 and I’ve worked in the field since then,” he said.
“There’s always something new going on and something to learn.”
