Nigel Rusted is an icon of the health care profession in Newfoundland and Labrador. Early in his career, he travelled extensively by hospital ship and by ferry to isolated coastal communities to provide desperately needed medical services. His work in reconstructive surgery for cleft lip and palate is highly regarded; he was the only physician offering this surgery in his province for decades. Still active as a mentor to medical students, he is also known for his contributions to preserving the medical history of Newfoundland and Labrador.