Dr Sharron Flahive
Over twenty years ago, Sharron’s career as a Team Sports Physician commenced in the traditional heartland of New Zealand’s Polynesian rugby league in Wainuiomata. That was a time when doctors’ involvement in team sport was the preserve of men, forged through long association of family, club or friendship with the coach. However, Sharron was the first of a new breed of specialist Sports Physicians. Her team medical management and rehabilitation skills, aided with some sound pragmatism and humour, converted even her most entrenched critics. Twelve years ago, Sharron was appointed Chief Medical Officer for the NSW Waratahs Super Rugby Team and became the first female Chief Medical Officer of a Super Rugby franchise. Her honest and direct approach is sensitive to the fine line that exists between doctor/patient confidentiality, the requirements of the player’s physical and emotional state, and the demands of the collective team. Through her pragmatic approach, Sharron has engendered an unqualified level of trust and respect from a generation of Australian professional players and coaches. Professional sports people are exposed to some incredible highs and some equally devastating lows and Sharron, by being involved in the medical care of these athletes, experiences a small part of that which in itself is challenging, exciting and, at times, heartbreaking.
www.nsosmc.com.au
www.sosmc.com.au
www.waratahs.com.au
Charity: ‘Dress for Success’: www.dressforsuccess.org/Sydney
Photographer: Diane Macdonald
Location: Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney