LIFE SAVING, LIFE CHANGING - The Wesley ...
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Autumn 2021
Medical Professionals direct link
to programs and services at The Wesley
S U R G ER Y
BARIATRI C HA NG ING
, LIFE
INGC
LIFE SAV
In this issue: +Benefits of weight +Fast Five in +Neurosurgery +Brain Metastasis +Stereotactic Body
loss surgery Bariatric Surgery Radiotherapy
CONTENTS
5
Welcome 3 Profile
Meet Daniel Rochaix, Business Development Manager 4
Surgeon Profile: Dr Blair Bowden 5
The life changing and saving benefits of weight loss surgery 6
Dr Blair Bowden
11
Surgeon Profile: Dr Reza Adib 8
Fast Five 10
Dr Kevin Chan and Dr David Mitchell Neurology
The Wesley Hospital Bariatric Surgeons 12
Neurology: Management of brain metastasis 14
Dr Hamish Alexander
Stereotactic body therapy at The Wesley Hospital 16
Dr Art Kaminksi
Farewell Dr Leigh Atkinson 18 14
Meet our new Visiting Medical Practitioners 20 Farewell
With same day
mammogram results,
there’s no need to
wait and worry.
+ Dedicated multidisciplinary team of professionals
+ Actively engaged in research and diagnostics
+ Caring for women in our community since 1982
Visit wesley.com.au/breastclinic or call 07 3232 7202
2 MEDILINK
WELCOME
Welcome to our first edition
of Medilink for 2021
AS HEALTHCARE WORKERS, 2020 BROUGHT US UNPRECEDENTED CHALLENGES
WHICH TESTED AND PROVED OUR AGILITY AND ADAPTABILITY, AND HIGHLIGHTED
THE DEDICATION AND SACRIFICE OF OUR INDUSTRY.
As we continue to navigate some for-gps/gp-education-events Also in this edition, we are proud
of those challenges into 2021, our and book in early to avoid to welcome experienced new
focus here at The Wesley Hospital disappointment. specialists to the team at The
remains on providing the best Wesley; you can view their profiles
This year, Queensland Bariatrics will
possible care for our patients and at the back of this edition. They
welcome their 10,000th weight loss
workplace for our people. surgery patient through the door. are available to meet with you in
If you missed out on our Bariatrics person at your practice to introduce
Like you, we are grateful for the themselves and have a one-on-one
positive situation in Queensland, CPD event earlier last month, you
can learn more about Bariatric discussion. For more information
and all being well, look forward
surgery and the benefits for your on GP practice visits, please go to
to the opportunity this brings us
patients on page 6. page 4 for an introduction to our
to reconnect closer with you
Business Development Manager,
this year. To mark Brain Awareness Week Daniel Rochaix.
Fittingly, this year has been declared from 15 – 21 March, we also
the International Year of Health and recently held a CPD event in the Finally, we honour and thank
Care Workers by the WHO and specialist area of Neurological those who have dedicated their
celebrates the many roles it takes to Disorders. Our experienced careers to medicine and who
deliver great care. We look forward specialists expand on this with are hanging up their coats to
to recognising and thanking our staff articles on pages 14 – 17. embark on their retirements.
throughout the year, including you, We also sit down with Upper Turn to page 14 for a farewell
our network of GPs. Gastrointestinal Surgeon, Bariatric to our respected colleagues.
We are pleased to inform you that Surgeon and General Surgeons, Dr
We hope this year will be calmer for
our GP Education events are already Kevin Chan and Dr David Mitchell to
all and look forward to seeing you all
underway for 2021, with face-to- learn more about good candidates
throughout 2021!
face events back in business! Take a for bariatric surgery and how GPs
look at our calendar of online events can best support their patients post Sean Hubbard
at wesley.com.au/for-doctors/ surgery on page 10. General Manager
THE WESLEY HOSPITAL 3
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Business Development update
HI, I’M DANIEL ROCHAIX THE NEW
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
FOR THE WESLEY HOSPITAL. Private Medical Suites
You may see me visiting your practice or walking
the halls around the hospital. I’m looking forward
to keeping you up-to-date on all of The Wesley’s
programs, initiatives and educational events, and to
connecting you with our VMPs.
It was fantastic to have so many of you dial in to
our first CPD event for the year in March discussing
bariatric surgery. We hope you will be able to join us
at many more events throughout the year. Invitations Recently refurbished with excellent natural light & new
will be sent out to you via email, so please keep your individual AC units. Located in the Evan Thomson Building at
level 10
eyes peeled. Alternatively, please head to The Wesley The Wesley Hospital with direct hospital access, great parking
the wesley
website for a list of future events and to register. and close to public transport.
2021 CPD events will be different to previous years
LOT LAYOUT SIZE AVAILABILITY
as we aim to combine both online and face-to-face LOT 20 LEASED
formats. While this change is in response to COVID-19 LOT 21 Fully fitted with two 67sqm For Sale or Lease
consulting rooms
restrictions, we hope the silver lining to this challenge LOT 22 Open plan layout 64sqm For Sale or Lease
will be that our regional and remote colleagues, as well LOT 23 Open plan layout 114sqm For Sale or Lease
as others who cannot physically make it on the night, LOT 24 Open plan layout 107sqm For Sale or Lease
will have the opportunity to join our educational events.
The Wesley Hospital has a reputation for providing
informative and relevant CPD events. To ensure we RICHARD BARRAM
continue to hit the mark, I would like to invite you 0438 055 007
richard@barramproperty.com.au
to send your ideas for topics or themes via email to
Wesley.BDM@uchealth.com.au.
4 MEDILINK
PROFILE
Queensland Bariatrics welcomes
10,000th patient
IN 2021, QUEENSLAND BARIATRICS WILL WELCOME THEIR 10,000TH WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY
PATIENT THROUGH THE DOOR. WESLEY OBESITY CLINIC'S FOUNDER, DR GEORGE FIELDING,
PERFORMED THE PRACTICE'S FIRST WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY IN 1996. IN 2005, DR BLAIR
BOWDEN TOOK OVER THE CLINIC AND QUEENSLAND BARIATRICS WAS BORN.
As more and more Australians bariatric surgery, the risk of a Dr Bowden has been accredited
suffer with obesity issues, complication is extremely low. as a Surgeon of Excellence in
Queensland Bariatrics is working Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
Australia is now the fifth most
hard to provide modern solutions. by international accrediting body,
obese country in the world,
While diet and exercise are the the Surgical Review Corporation
according to a 2017 report by
first things people should look at (SRC).
the OECD, with 28 per cent of
to improve their health and weight, adults being overweight. This The Wesley Hospital was
surgery can also be an option for figure is expected to increase to internationally recognised in 2018
tackling related problems such 35 per cent by 2035, according by SRC as a Centre of Excellence
as diabetes, sleep apnoea and to a report by The University of in both Robotics and Metabolic
depression. Sydney. and Bariatric Surgery.
Queensland Bariatrics aims to Dr Blair Bowden trained at Royal Queensland Bariatrics
deliver a comprehensive, patient- Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Suite 93, Level 5
centric weight-loss program to Sandford Jackson Building
and then travelled to New York to
The Wesley Hospital
help patients achieve long-term undertake a fellowship in bariatric
30 Chasely Street
success with weight loss surgery. surgery at New York University. Auchenflower Qld 4066
In the past, people often worried This training has meant that he T 07 3371 4333
about the risks of undergoing can offer his patients bariatric F 07 3870 5466
weight-loss surgery but patients surgery with a world standard E info@blairbowden.com.au
realise that today, with modern level of care. www.queenslandbariatrics.com.au
THE WESLEY HOSPITAL 5
ARTICLE
The life changing and
saving benefits of
weight loss surgery
BY DR BLAIR BOWDEN
WEIGHT LOSS IS MORE SERIOUS THAN JUST FITTING INTO THOSE NEW SKINNY
JEANS OR LOOKING GOOD ON OUR BEACH HOLIDAYS, IT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE
LIFE CHANGING AND LIFE SAVING.
Bariatric surgery has shown • The National Cancer Institute with zero patients treated
to be the most effective USA (NCI) has estimated with medical therapy. Patients
treatment of serious medical that a 1kg weight loss in who had undergone bariatric
diseases, from long-term 2020 would decrease the surgery also had a substantially
remission of Type 2 Diabetes incidence of cancer in the significant lower incidence of
Mellitus (T2DM), sleep apnoea USA by 100,000 patients. diabetic complications including
and hypertension, cardiac, renal and neurological
So, no eating that biscuit whilst
to improve survival following effects (Lancet 2015; (386)
reading Medilink!
COVID-19! 694-73).
The outcomes of a recent
Importantly: A Swedish obesity trial, which is
10-year randomised controlled
one of the most highly regarded
• An intentional weight loss trial demonstrated that bariatric
obesity surgery studies, showed
surgery is more effective than
of 9kg showed a 53 per a 90 per cent reduction in
medical therapy in the long-term
cent reduction of all obesity diabetic mortality for bariatric
control of T2DM. 71 per cent of
related deaths surgery patients with an average
bariatric surgery patients were
• A reduction in BMI from 40 mortality dropping from 4.5 per
able to cease all insulin in the first
to 25 increases the average cent at 9 years to 1 per cent.
12 months of the study, while
lifespan by 15 years, from 64 37.5 per cent remained diabetes While there is an initial cost
to 79 years free after 10 years compared for surgery, the savings to the
6 MEDILINK
21.8 to 9.8 per cent at one year
30
following bariatric surgery in a
25 study by Sudack L et al. which
included 2,458 patients (JAMA
KILOGRAMS LOST
20 SURGERY
Internal Medicine 2015; 175 (8)
15 DIET, EXERCISE AND 1378–87).
MEDICATION
Most recently, a study from
10 DIET AND EXERCISE
the Cleveland Clinic of 4,365
5 DIETING COVID-19 positive patients,
of which 33 had previously
0 EXERCISE
had bariatric surgery, revealed
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
prior weight-loss surgery was
0 TO 8 YEARS
associated with lower hospital
length of stay. Surgical patients
were matched with non-surgical
patients as a multivariate analysis
AGE ADJUSTED RELATIVE RISK
100 WOMEN 93.2 that showed a prior history of
MEN
bariatric surgery was associated
75
54.0 with a lower hospital admission
50 40.3 42.1 rate versus control patients with
27.6
21.3
obesity (p=0.028). A French study
8.1
25 2.9 4.3 5.0
2.2
15.8
6.7 11.6 of 82,863 patients showed a
1.5 4.4
1.0 1.0 1.0
substantially significant lower risk
0
of invasive mechanical ventilation
8 MEDILINK
PROFILE
Dr Reza Adib
MD, FRACS, FRCSED
SPECIALTY AREA:
BARIATRIC SURGERY
GENERAL SURGERY
HEPATOBILIARY SURGERY
UPPER GI SURGERY
IN THIS EDITION, WE SIT DOWN FOR A Q&A WITH DR REZA ADIB. DR ADIB HAS STUDIED
IN AUSTRALIA, ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, FRANCE AND AUSTRIA AND APPLIED THAT WORLD
KNOWLEDGE TO ESTABLISH THE BRISBANE OBESITY CLINIC IN 2006.
Why did you choose to How has the perception of How has the COVID-19
specialise in bariatric surgery? Bariatric surgery changed in the pandemic impacted your
last decade within the medical patients in the recovery stage?
Morbid obesity is classified as
community and more broadly? Have there been barriers
a disease which has largely
to weight loss, with less
been unrecognised in the Thankfully through education, the
opportunity to get out and
general community due to weight bias is shifting. Education
exercise and working from
weight bias. I could see that and community awareness is home?
obesity related diseases were improving. I provide many GP
taken more seriously, without and nursing education sessions Fortunately, COVID-19 has not
any consideration of weight. I and am constantly working with impacted the recovery of our
wanted to make a change here. International Bariatric Surgical patients too greatly as we have
By addressing obesity, I am also Bodies to further this education. been able to offer phone and
addressing lots of co-morbidities In Australia and New Zealand, we video follow-up consultations with
that occur with being overweight, are the major contributor of the our dietitians who offer constant
such as diabetes, hypertension, national Bariatric Surgery Registry encouragement and support.
sleep apnoea and stroke. which collates data to improve
outcomes.
How many operations do you
perform in a year? As a recognised Surgeon of
Excellence, what does that
I perform more than 1,000
mean to you and to your
bariatric procedures each year –
patients?
more than any other surgeon in
Australia. Being part of the Surgical Review
Committee (SRC) means that
What has been the greatest
we are recognised as a Practice
technological advancement
(Brisbane Obesity Clinic and The
during your career and what
Wesley Hospital) and Surgeon Brisbane Obesity Clinic
impact has it had on patient
of Excellence. The SRC believes Suite 13, Level 10
outcomes?
that excellence is not simply Evan Thomson Building
There have been many an achievement – it is a culture The Wesley Hospital
technological advancements in that must be sustained. I am 24 Chasely Street
the past few years, in particular incredibly proud that I have SRC Auchenflower Qld 4066
improved energy sources within accreditation as it means the T 07 3871 2277
our surgical instruments for intrinsic delivery of safe and F 07 3871 0700
sealing/cauterising and stapling, effective patient care. We have E reception@dradib.com.au
which ensure excellent wound improved outcomes and reduced www.brisbaneobesityclinic.com.au
healing and management. complications.
THE WESLEY HOSPITAL 9
ARTICLE
FAST FIVE
WITH DR KEVIN CHAN AND
DR DAVID MITCHELL
Dr Kevin Chan is an Upper idiopathic intracranial hypertension. device, but through experience we
Gastrointestinal, Bariatric and The eligibility criteria for surgery are: know that one in five patients with
General Surgeon with special a band will have a band-related
• individuals with a BMI >40Kg/
interests in reflux disease, upper complication at some stage in
m2
their lives. They still have a role in
gastrointestinal oncology and
• individuals with a BMI >35Kg/ weight loss surgery but are not as
bariatric surgery. m2 with one or more obesity prominent as they used to be.
Dr David Mitchell is an Upper related complications.
A sleeve gastrectomy is a
Gastrointestinal, Bariatric More recently, the Australian straightforward procedure, but we
and General Surgeon. David Diabetes Society has endorsed now know through experience that
participates in on-call general bariatric-metabolic surgery as 20-30 per cent of ‘sleeve’ patients
and trauma surgery and has a proposed treatment option in will develop de novo reflux. Those
special interests in advanced the algorithm to manage Type 2 patients with pre-existing reflux are
Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Bariatric- also prone to worsening of their
oesophago-gastric cancer, reflux
metabolic surgery is recommended symptoms post-operatively. An
and bariatric surgery.
for: RYGB is a great operation for reflux
Kevin and David work closely and weight loss but there are some
• all individuals with T2DM and a
together and as part of the team at significant long-term complications
BMI > 40 kg/m2
Total Upper GI Surgery. that can occur such as nutritional
• individuals with BMI 35-40 kg/ deficiencies, dumping syndrome,
1. Who qualifies for bariatric
m2 with inadequate glycaemic chronic LUQ pain and internal
surgery?
control despite lifestyle and hernias. The SAGB is a newer
Internationally recognised optimal medical therapy. procedure that has the benefits of
guidelines for bariatric surgery are an RYGB without the risk of internal
2. Sleeve, roux-en-Y gastric
based primarily on Body Mass hernias. There is however a slight
bypass (RYGB), single
Index (BMI) and the presence of
anastomosis gastric bypass risk (two per cent) of bile reflux which
obesity related complications.
(SAGB) and gastric band. may mean this procedure is not
These include but are not limited
Which is the right operation? suitable for all patients.
to type 2 diabetes, hypertension,
dyslipidaemia, musculoskeletal Each bariatric procedure has its pros 3. My patient has terrible
disorders, obstructive sleep and cons and there is no ‘one-size- reflux following a sleeve
apnoea, non-alcoholic fatty liver fits-all’ for bariatric patients. The gastrectomy, can anything
disease, reproductive disorders and gastric band was once a popular be done about it?
10 MEDILINKLike we mentioned before, reflux deficiencies and require regular in a multidisciplinary approach and
following a sleeve gastrectomy is screening blood tests in the first all patients undergoing weight loss
common in up to 20-30 per cent year following surgery to ensure surgery are required to see one
of patients. The cause of this is any deficiencies are replaced of our dieticians before and after
multifactorial but ultimately comes appropriately. With weight loss, surgery. They are given advice on
down to increased pressures in many patients are able to wean
the expected post-operative dietary
the remnant gastric tube leading or cease their anti-hypertensive,
course and also ideas on the types of
to reflux of gastric contents into anti-cholesterol and anti-diabetic
foods that can be eaten after surgery.
the oesophagus. Surgery may also medications and this will need
disrupt the phreno-oesophageal to be monitored and adjusted Our practice also engages a
ligaments which can lead to the accordingly. Patients will also need
development of a hiatus hernia, to be monitored for complications psychologist where indicated
further contributing to reflux. of weight loss surgery as they may as some patients may have
Some patients may have improved not be aware of what to look out for underlying psychological
symptom control with a PPI, themselves.
issues that may make surgery
but ultimately they may require
5. What multidisciplinary care inappropriate.
conversion to a Roux-en-Y gastric
do you provide for patients
bypass to remedy their symptoms. We also have a strong relationship
requiring bariatric surgery?
4. How can GPs best support with an endocrinologist who can
Bariatric surgery requires more than
their patient post-bariatric assist with managing patients who
just surgery to achieve the best
surgery? may have challenging co-morbidities.
patient outcomes. Surgery plays a
Post-op bariatric patients role, but it is lifestyle and behavioural Some patients may not be suitable
have a unique set of long-term modifications that ultimately decides for surgery and are given the option
complications that require follow- whether a patient is able to achieve of pharmacological therapy which
up. They are at risk of nutritional their weight loss goals. We believe our endocrinologist manages for us.
THE WESLEY HOSPITAL 11The Wesley Hospital Bariatric Surgeons
FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS, THE WESLEY HAS BEEN PROVIDING BARIATRIC SURGERY USING
ADVANCED PROCEDURES AND SURGICAL TREATMENT FOR CLINICALLY OBESE PEOPLE. OUR
WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY SPECIALISTS ASSIST PATIENTS TO ACHIEVE SUSTAINED WEIGHT
LOSS, IMPROVE SERIOUS MEDICAL CONDITIONS AND QUALITY OF LIFE.
Dr Reza Adib MD, FRACS, FRCSED
SPECIALTY
Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery, Hepatobiliary Surgery, Upper GI Surgery
T 07 3871 2277 W www.brisbaneobesityclinic.com.au
Dr Blair Bowden MBBS, FRACS
SPECIALTY
Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery, Hepatobiliary Surgery, Upper GI Surgery
T 07 3371 4333 W www.queenslandbariatrics.com.au
Dr Kevin Chan B.PHARM MBBS FRACS
SPECIALTY
Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery, Upper GI Surgery
T 07 3350 2533 W www.totaluppergisurgery.com.au
Dr Ben Dodd BSC, MBBS, MSC, FRCS, FRACS
SPECIALTY
Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery
T 07 3367 1126 W www.brisuppergi.com.au
Dr Ian Martin MBBS (QLD), FRACS
SPECIALTY
Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery, Hepatobiliary Surgery, Upper GI Surgery
T 07 3720 9057 W www.drianmartin.com.au
Dr David Mitchell BSc MBBS FRACS
SPECIALTY
Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery, Upper GI Surgery
T 07 3350 2533 W www.totaluppergisurgery.com.au
Dr Nicholas O'Rourke MBBS (QLD), FRACS
SPECIALTY
Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery, Hepatobiliary Surgery
T 07 3876 7455
12 MEDILINKCelebrating 10 years
of excellence in
robotic surgery
Helping you get back to
life’s precious moments
Y
E
C
X
C
N
CENTER
E L
F I C I E
OF
L E N C
EXCELLENCE
E F
ROBOTIC SURGERY
E
&
I
N
Y
S C
A A
F C
E
T Y F I
, E F
wesley.com.au/robotics
THE WESLEY HOSPITAL 13ARTICLE
Management of
brain metastasis
BY DR HAMISH ALEXANDER
NEUROSURGEON AND SPINAL SURGEON
DR HAMISH ALEXANDER IS A NEUROSURGEON AND SPINAL SURGEON AT BRIZ
BRAIN & SPINE. HE HAS COMPREHENSIVE EXPERIENCE IN ALL ASPECTS OF CRANIAL
AND SPINE SURGERY WITH A SPECIAL INTEREST IN NEURO-ONCOLOGY.
Metastatic tumors are the chemotherapy drugs penetrate body, and is an integral part
most common neoplasm in the the CNS poorly, leaving the in formulating the treatment
brain, occuring in 24-45 per brain a safe haven for tumor plan. CT brain is the initial
cent of all cancer patients and growth. investigation in most cases
accounting for 20 per cent of and a useful screening tool.
Approximately 60 per cent of
cancer deaths annually. patients with brain metastases Further imaging studies
These rates are on the increase will present with subacute should include, CT or PET to
due to a boost in survival of symptoms. Symptoms are assess systemic disease and
patients with cancer because usually related to the location MRI to better define the anatomy
of modern therapies, along of the tumor and may include of the tumour and assess for
with increased availability of headaches, seizures, cognitive other cerebral lesions. Up to
advanced imaging techniques or motor dysfunction. 75 per cent of patients with
for early detection. Radiological investigation brain metastasis will have
provides information on multiple lesions.
Newer therapies, such as
immunotherapy, prolong overall tumor burden in the brain Initial medical management of
survival in some cancers such and associated structures, metastatic disease focuses on
as Melanoma, but many other in addition to the rest of the the treatment of symptoms such
IMAGING SHOWING BRAIN METASTASES
14 MEDILINKas headache from cerebral Surgical resection is considered treatment must be tailored to
oedema with corticosteroids standard care for solitary the individual patient’s needs
(dexamethsone) or seizures with metastases larger than three and requires the collaboration
anti-convulsants. centimeters and in non-eloquent of neurosurgeons, oncologists,
areas of the brain in patients and General Practitioners.
Most brain metastasis are not
with good performance status,
chemosensitive and treatment Dr Hamish Alexander
controlled systemic disease.
mainstays are surgery and BrizBrain and Spine
radiotherapy. Surgery is also an option in Bowen Hills Medical Specialist
Centre
cases where there is a dominant
Radiation therapy includes Suite 1, 16 Thompson Street
symptomatic lesion with multiple
whole brain radiotherapy Bowen Hills QLD 4006
other asymptomatic lesions.
(WBRT) and stereotactic T 07 3833 2500
radiosurgery (SRS). Surgery is contraindicated in F 07 3833 2511
the case of radiosensitive tumor E info@brizbrain.com.au
SRS is becoming a preferred
(e.g., small-cell lung tumor), www.brizbrain.com.au
treatment modality due to patient life expectancy less
a more favorable side effect than 3 months, and usually in
profile and better local patients with multiple lesions.
control rates up to 95 per
The development of brain
cent. It is also frequently
metastasis represents a
used to treat the resection
difficult and significant time
cavity of brain metastasis for any patient. As always the
post-surgery.
THE WESLEY HOSPITAL 15ARTICLE
Stereotactic body
radiotherapy at
The Wesley Hospital
BY DR ART KAMINSKI
ONCOLOGIST
ADVANCES IN RADIOTHERAPY HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE HAVE
RESULTED IN THE AVAILABILITY OF RADIOTHERAPY TREATMENTS
THAT ARE MORE EFFECTIVE IN CONTROLLING TUMOURS WHEN
COMPARED TO TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUES.
Stereotactic ablative body cancers in patients with significant producing local tumour control,
radiotherapy (SABR) is one such co-morbidities, including poor but in fact improves survival
treatment option. This form of lung function. This is in a context when compared to conventional
radiotherapy delivers a higher than of primary lung cancer being treatment. At present this principle
usual dose with each treatment responsible for more cancer related is being applied to patients with a
visit, translating into improved deaths in the Western world than satisfactory performance status
tumour control above and beyond any other malignancy. Of course, and no more than five metastases.
conventional techniques. This also there were also many patients with There are ongoing trials
permits the delivery of treatment cancer metastatic to the lungs, often investigating the utility of this
over a shorter time frame, usually with more than one lesion requiring modality in patients with up to ten
across one or two weeks as treatment. This remains the case metastases. Prior to commencing
opposed to longer courses. Finally, today, where up to three lesions the SABR journey, each patient’s
the improved accuracy of SABR in the chest may successfully be case is discussed at the
reduces the dose delivered to treated with SABR in the one sitting. GenesisCare SABR chart round to
normal tissues resulting in fewer confirm their suitability. Discussion
Over the past decade the
side effects. with a radiation oncologist of
GenesisCare SABR programme at
patients who may benefit from SABR
GenesisCare at The Wesley Hospital The Wesley Hospital has expanded
is strongly encouraged.
has been utilising SABR since 2013. to include treatment of tumours
This programme was built on a arising in (or in some cases Dr Art Kaminski
foundation of cranial stereotactic metastatic to) the liver, kidney, Genesis Care Queensland
Suite 1, Level G
radiotherapy that has been in use at prostate, bone, and lymph nodes. At
The Wesley Medical Centre
GenesisCare at The Wesley for three present, GenesisCare at The Wesley
40 Chasely Street
decades now. Hospital, on average, treats at least Auchenflower QLD 4066
one tumour deposit per week with T 07 3377 4200
The SABR programme evolved
the stereotactic technique. F 07 3377 4210
to meet a need to treat patients
E receptiononcologywesley@
with thoracic malignancies not There is a strong body of evidence genesiscare.com
suitable for surgical resection. that suggests treatment with this www.genesiscare.com/au/
Many of these were primary lung technique is not only useful in treatment/cancer
References:
1. Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy 2. Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy P Yaremko 4, Glenn S Bauman 4,
versus standard of care palliative for the comprehensive treatment of Belal Ahmad 4, Devin Schellenberg
treatment in patients with 4-10 oligometastatic tumors (SABR- 2, Mitchell Liu 2, Stewart Gaede
oligometastatic cancers (SABR- COMET-10): study protocol for a 4, Joanna Laba 4, Liam Mulroy 6,
COMET): a randomised, phase 2, randomized phase III trial Sashendra Senthi 7, Alexander V
open-label trial David A Palma 1, Robert Olson 2, Louie 8, Anand Swaminath 9, Anthony
David A Palma MD, Robert Olson MD, Stephen Harrow 3, Rohann J M Chalmers 10, Andrew Warner 4, Ben
Stephen Harrow PhD, Stewart Gaede, Correa 4, Famke Schneiders 5, J Slotman 5, Tanja D de Gruijl 5,
PhD, Alexander V Louie MD, Cornelis Cornelis J A Haasbeek 5, George B Alison Allan 4, Suresh Senan 5
Haasbeek MD et al. Rodrigues 4, Michael Lock 4, Brian
16 MEDILINKSABR AND CONVENTIONAL PLAN COMPARISON
CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT WHERE THE INTERMEDIATE DOSE
IS SPREAD OVER A WIDE AREA
STEREOTACTIC TREATMENT WHERE THE HIGH DOSE IS
CONTAINED WITHIN THE TUMOUR AND THE INTERMEDIATE
DOSE CONFORMS MORE CLOSELY TO THE TUMOUR
THE WESLEY HOSPITAL 17RETIRING DOCTORS
Farewell Dr Leigh Atkinson:
a pioneer of pain management
at The Wesley Hospital
AFTER 20 YEARS AS DIRECTOR OF THE WESLEY HOSPITAL’S PAIN AND SPINE
CENTRE, DR ATKINSON RETIRED FROM PRACTICE IN DECEMBER 2020.
Dr Atkinson has been the at the Australian and New at The Wesley for the past two
cornerstone of neurosurgery Zealand College of Anesthetists decades, as Director of the
in Brisbane for a generation in 1999, in addition to numerous Wesley Pain Unit since 2001.
and had a significant influence other national and international Thank you, from The Wesley
on the development of Pain accolades. staff and patients for your tireless
Medicine. He had a special interest in the work, focusing on the expansion
non-interventional approach and improvement of pain
He trained a large number of
management services across
neurosurgeons in Queensland; to managing persistent pain,
Queensland.
was awarded Fellowship of through The Wesley’s Pain
the Royal Australasian College Management rehabilitation The Wesley Pain & Spine Centre
programs. Dr Atkinson has been The Wesley Hospital
of Surgeons (Neurosurgeons)
East Wing - Level B1
in 1971, a Fellowship of pivotal in ensuring Queenslanders
451 Coronation Drive,
the Australian Faculty of have access to chronic pain
Auchenflower Qld 4066
Rehabilitation Medicine (RACP) services in both the private and T 07 3232 6190
in 1980, and Fellowship of the public arenas. We have been very F 07 3232 6189
Faculty of Pain Medicine (FPM) fortunate to have Dr Atkinson E twh.rehabcentre@uchealth.com.au
18 MEDILINKWe also acknowledge the retirement of the following
doctors and thank them for their contribution to The
Wesley Hospital.
Dr Douglas Killer Dr Neville Sandford
In 1986, Dr Douglas Killer was appointed Dr Neville Sandford was principal member
Medical Superintendent of The Wesley of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (GIE) which
Hospital. started at The Wesley Hospital in 1985.
From 1998 to 2001, he was Executive Director Dr Sandford was a valued and respected
Medical Services for the Wesley Group of member of the gastroenterology community.
Hospitals, a position he relinquished He was instrumental in guiding and supporting
when this group was incorporated into the the growth and success of GIE and
Uniting Health Care group of hospitals. From gastroenterology as a whole.
that time, he continued as the Executive
He will be missed by all staff and doctors at
Director Medical Services for The Wesley
GIE and The Wesley Hospital and we wish
Hospital until June 2004.
him all the best for his future endeavours in
Dr Killer was a member of the UnitingCare his retirement.
Human Research Ethics committee from
GIE is now under the leadership of A/Prof
its inception until his retirement from the
David Hewett and A/Prof Daniel Worthley.
committee in December 2020. During that
time, he performed the roles of Chair and
also Executive Officer. Dr Killer continues to
contribute to UnitingCare Health in a teaching
role at the Clinical School.
THE WESLEY HOSPITAL 19NEW VMPS
New Visiting Medical Practitioners
A/Prof. Ben Chua is a
consultant Radiation
Oncologist.
He obtained his radiation oncology
fellowship in 2015 after training
in Queensland and regional
New South Wales, including a
fellowship in head & neck cancer.
He also has an interest in complex
skin, CNS and haematological
malignancies.
Ben has a conjoint appointment
at the University of Queensland
with an active academic portfolio,
A/Prof Benjamin Chua including over $2m in competitive
Radiation Oncology grant funding, supervision of
higher degree students, leadership
The Wesley Medical Centre of clinical trials as a chairperson
Suite 1, 40 Chasely Street and principal investigator,
Auchenflower QLD 4066 publications in international
T 07 3377 4200 medical journals and presentations
F 07 3371 4210 at international meetings.
Dr Ross Fowler is a consultant Urological Society of Australia and
Urological Surgeon with sub- New Zealand (USANZ). He then
specialty fellowship training in undertook an additional one-year
robotic, laparoscopic and open international fellowship in robotic
management of prostate, kidney and laparoscopic urological
and bladder cancer. oncology in the UK at the Royal
Berkshire Hospital, one of only a
He is also highly skilled in
few prestigious centres accredited
minimally invasive management
by the European Robotic Urology
and prevention of complex urinary
Section (ERUS) for training robotic
stone disease using techniques
surgeons. During his time there
such as Supine PCNL and
he gained extensive experience
Endoscopic combined intrarenal
in the surgical management of
surgery (ECIRS). Ross takes a
prostate, bladder and kidney
friendly approach to his care; he
cancers. He performed minimally
enjoys getting to know his patients,
Dr Ross Fowler invasive techniques using the Da
helping them understand their
Urology Vinci robot including the novel
urological condition and making
“Retzius sparing prostatectomy”
them feel as comfortable as
Total Care Urology for improved early return of urinary
possible.
Wesley Medical Centre continence. He also trained
Sessional Suites After graduating from the in robotic cystectomy, partial
40 Chasely Street University of Queensland nephrectomy and reconstruction.
Auchenflower QLD 4066 School of Medicine in 2009, As part of his oncology training
T 07 3184 6488 Ross completed his advanced he also performed single stage
F 07 3184 6498 surgical training in Urology and low dose rate Brachytherapy seed
was awarded a Fellowship of insertion for specific prostate
E rfowler@totalcareurology.
com.au
the Royal Australasian College cancer patients.
of Surgeons (FRACS) and the
20 MEDILINKDr Rishendran Naidoo is a He is currently the Acting Director
cardiothoracic Surgeon. of Cardiothoracic Surgery at
Prince Charles Hospital and also
Originally from Durban, South
have a VMP appointment at St
Africa, having completed his
Andrew̓s Hospital, Spring Hill.
basic medical training and
specialist training in cardio- His practice involves adult cardiac
thoracic surgery there, attaining and general thoracic surgery
the Fellowship of the College and is part of the lung transplant
of Cardiothoracic Surgeons programme.
in 2005 and subsequently the
Interests include minimally invasive
Master of Medicine (MMED) in
thoracic surgery - thoracoscopic
Cardiothoracic Surgery in 2008.
lung resection and mediastinal
After relocating to Australia in surgery, total arterial coronary
2006, Rishendran completed surgery and mitral valve surgery.
Dr Rishendran Naidoo the Fellowship of the Royal
Cardiothoracic Surgery Australasian College of Surgeons
in 2010, starting as a staff
Brisbane Heart & Lung Surgery specialist in November 2010 at
Suite 303, Level 2, The Prince Charles Hospital.
St Andrew’s Place
33 North Street
Spring Hill QLD 4000
T 07 3309 300
E thoracic_surgery@yahoo.
com.au
After graduating from the She returned to Australia and
University of Melbourne in moved to Brisbane in 2020, and
2012, Dr Danaë Papachristos she now consults in the Sandford
completed basic physician Jackson Building at The Wesley
training at St. Vincent’s Hospital Hospital.
in Melbourne.
Danaë has a special interest
She then undertook her in systemic connective tissue
advanced specialty training diseases, vasculitis and
in rheumatology at both St rheumatoid arthritis. She is
Vincent’s Hospital and the Royal a member of the Australian
Melbourne Hospital, where she Rheumatology Association.
gained extensive experience in
scleroderma, systemic lupus
erythematosus, rheumatoid
Dr Danaë Papachristos arthritis, spondyloarthritis and
biologic therapies.
Rheumatology
Recently Danaë has completed a
Suite 77, Level 4 clinical and research fellowship in
Sandford Jackson Building Systemic Lupus Erythematosus at
The Wesley Hospital the renowned University of Toronto
30 Chasely St Lupus Clinic in Canada.
Auchenflower QLD 4066
T 07 3870 3166
F 07 3371 6650
E reception@drdanae.com.au
THE WESLEY HOSPITAL 21NEW VMPS
Dr Ranjith Ralapanawa is a He has extensive experience
specialist General Medicine in the management of complex
physician. medical cases/diagnostic
dilemmas and maintains an
Dr Ralapanawa recently relocated
interest in all aspects of General
from Rockhampton, setting up his
& Acute Care Medicine including
practice in Brisbane and bringing
hypertension, diabetes, stroke
a wealth of experience to The
and perioperative medicine.
Wesley Hospital.
In 2018, he completed his
He graduated from the University
Perioperative Medicine course
of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka in 1995
(Monash University).
and has completed his post
graduate training in General/ Ranjith is a Senior Lecturer with
Internal Medicine at the Post the University of Queensland
Graduate Institute of Medicine, and is involved in the teaching
University of Colombo, Sri Lanka programs of General and Acute
in 2006. care medicine for medical
Dr Ranjith Ralapanawa students, JHOs and Registrars
General Medicine Ranjith completed his
(Physician Trainees).
FRACP (Fellowship of the
Suite 30, Level 2 Royal Australasian College
The Wesley Medical Centre of Physicians) in 2013 and is
40 Chasely Street currently working as a Specialist
Auchenflower QLD 4066 Physician (General Medicine) at
T 07 3870 0185 The Wesley Hospital in Brisbane
and at The Mater and Hillcrest
F 07 3036 5837
Hospitals in Rockhampton.
E drrreception@gmail.com
Dr Daniel Schweitzer is a
General Neurologist.
In addition to general
neurology, his special interests
are Cognitive Neurology,
Clinical Electrophysiology and
Neurophysiology, inpatient
consultations and the clinical
intersections of Neurology and
Psychiatry. He performs and
interprets nerve conduction
studies, EMG and EEG.
He undertook his Neurology
training in Queensland and New
South Wales and completed a
PhD in Medicine and Philosophy
Dr Daniel Schweitzer
at the University of Queensland.
Neurology He has forged collaborations
with Psychiatry and in particular,
Suite 24, Level 2
developed the Neuropsychiatry
The Wesley Medical Centre
Certificate at the Mater Hospital.
40 Chasely Street
Auchenflower QLD 4066 He has multiple publications in
T 07 3871 0033 peer reviewed journals and has
F 07 3371 0522 ongoing interests in research
in the area of cognition across
E neurologyreception@
neurological conditions.
impactmedical.com.au
22 MEDILINKWhen every
minute matters
choose Wesley
EMERGENCY CENTRE
wesley.com.au/emergency
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