He also has a special interest in Cosmetic Surgery and Hand Surgery. Graduating in 1985 from Otago University, Dr Tonks attained specialist qualifications in both Underwater Medicine and Aviation Medicine. This culminated in his work as the Diving Doctor for the NZ Navy Dive Team, and subsequently the FPMO (Flying Personal Medical Officer) for the NZ Air Force. This later role saw him performing a
nd coordinating medical evacuations and retrievals across New Zealand and the Pacific. After a period of work for NATO in Germany, Dr Tonks returned to undertake surgical training in New Zealand. After the completion of his advanced training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr Tonks was invited to undertake Fellowships in Sydney in hand surgery and in cosmetic surgery. His Cosmetic Surgical Fellowship saw him working alongside the most respected Plastic Surgeons in Sydney and saw him ultimately offered an appointment at Manly Public Hospital. Dr Tonks established a private practice in Manly before moving to Canberra in 1998. In Canberra, Dr Tonks has served as Head of Department of Plastic Surgery at The Canberra Hospital. He has also served on the Board of The John James Memorial Hospital. He is now in Private Practice co-located with the Capital Day Surgical Centre in Barton.
