American neurosurgeon Deepa Soni has returned to Dunedin Hospital as a locum while one of the permanent neurosurgeons gains vocational registration in Christchurch.
The Otago Daily Times reported last year Dr Soni, who has had two previous stints as a locum neurosurgeon in Dunedin, named her daughter Soleil Dunedin Desai reflecting the family's fond memories of the city.
The family returned to Boston last September. South Island neurosurgical service implementation manager Joy Farley said Dr Soni, who arrived last month, would stay until May. Neurosurgeon Ahmad Taha would be in Christchurch for three months to gain registration. Dr Soni would stay for about a month after his return, which would be useful to cover staff leave, she said.
Dr Soni slotted back into the department very easily, Ms Farley said.
The arrival of Dirk De Ridder this month brings the department to full staffing with three permanent neurosurgeons.
