Dr Semple’s medical training commenced at the University of Tasmania in 1993 where he obtained degrees in Bachelor of Medical Science and Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery. He was awarded 1st Class Honours in his medical degree and a Fellowship Prize for Academic Excellence. He was also placed on the Dean’s Roll of Excellence.
Dr Semple completed Advanced Surgical Training in Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery) following training at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital, the Royal Hobart Hospital, Barwon Health, St Vincent’s Hospital and the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. After successfully passing his final examination, he was admitted as a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (Specialist Qualification). He is also a member of the Australian Society of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (ASOHNS), the association for Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeons in Australia.
Between October 2007 and May 2008 Dr Semple undertook further training in Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery in Ottawa, Canada’s capital city. Here he expanded his experience in ear surgery including cochlear implantation (“Bionic Ears”), Paediatric (children’s) surgery and Rhinoplasty. During this period he was also heavily involved in training Canadian ENT surgeons and was an invited examiner for the Ottawa Ear Nose and Throat surgical training program. His community work aided the Canadian Arctic community by volunteering to travel to the arctic where he treated the local indigenous population.
In May of 2008 Dr Semple returned with his wife and young son, Will, to Geelong, a region they had longed to return to since working here in 2004. Since then 2 more boys have arrived, Finn and Nick. With three boys at home there is never a dull moment! Outside of work he can be found spending as much time with his family as possible, often surfing, hiking, camping, mountain biking, playing soccer and enjoying the snow. He is grateful for everyday he is alive and aims to make the most out of every moment.
As of 2025 Dr Semple is the only Otologist (Specialist Ear Surgeon) as well as the only ENT Surgeon performing Rhinoplasty surgery in the Geelong region, although the majority of his practice remains his major interest- looking after children with ENT problems. He has both a public appointment at the University Hospital Geelong and a private appointment at St John of God Geelong. His previous appointments as a consultant Ear Nose and Throat surgeon include an appointment in the Otology Unit at Melbourne’s Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (RVEEH).
Dr Semple continues an active role in teaching medical students from Deakin University, as well as Junior Doctors and accredited Advanced Surgical Trainees in Ear Nose and Throat Surgery at the University Hospital Geelong. He previously has been Head of the ENT Surgical Unit at Barwon Health and a Supervisor for the Victorian accredited ENT Surgical Training Program also at Barwon Health. He has previously been on the interview panel for the national selection of new ENT surgical trainees. In October 2015 in Sydney, Dr Semple was an invited instructor at an International Rhinoplasty Masters Symposium dissection workshop for both Plastic and ENT Surgeons.