That focus is deliberate. Rhinoplasty sits at the point where appearance and breathing meet, and the two cannot sensibly be separated. A nose that looks better but works worse is not a good result. The name of the practice reflects how I approach it.
Training
My path here ran through three countries: South Africa, Ireland and Australia.
I qualified in medicine at Stellenbosch University in South Africa in 2005. After internship I moved to Ireland to train in surgery, and completed advanced training in Ear, Nose and Throat, Head and Neck Surgery there, being awarded Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 2015. During those years I also completed a Master’s degree in advanced surgical practice at Cardiff University in Wales.
I then came to Brisbane for a further year of advanced training in rhinology and anterior skull base surgery at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. This position covered all aspects of nasal and sinus surgery including rhinoplasty surgery.
I am a registered specialist surgeon in both Ireland and Australia, and a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. I have practised as a fully qualified specialist ENT surgeon for more than ten years.
AHPRA registration: MED0002054579, Specialist registration in Surgery, Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery.
Teaching and research
I hold a Senior Lecturer appointment at the University of Queensland, where I teach and supervise medical students, junior doctors and surgical trainees.
I have published 18 peer-reviewed papers, eleven as first author, including first-author work in The Lancet. My research has covered head and neck oncology, paediatric airway surgery, surgical consent and clinical audit, and I have presented at national and international meetings.
My publications are listed on my ORCID profile.
How I work
Every rhinoplasty I perform uses ultrasonic instruments. Piezoelectric tools cut bone and largely spare the surrounding soft tissue, blood vessels and cartilage, which allows more precise reshaping and a visibly easier first fortnight. I have written about what the technique does and what the evidence supports.
The airway is assessed at every consultation, whatever the reason for the appointment. A significant proportion of patients who come to me about appearance also have a breathing problem, and often they share a cause.
I have a particular interest in preservation rhinoplasty, which keeps more of the natural structure of the nose rather than removing and rebuilding it, for patients whose anatomy suits it.
I take on revision and complex work, including patients whose first operation was performed elsewhere. That work is more demanding than primary surgery and it is a substantial part of what I do.
What I will not do
I do not offer surgery to everyone who consults me.
I will only proceed where I am confident that surgery can deliver a worthwhile and lasting improvement, where what you are hoping for is achievable, and where the balance of benefit and risk is in your favour. Where that is not the case I will tell you directly and explain why. I may recommend waiting, a different approach, or a second opinion.
A consultation is an assessment, not a surgery booking.
Where I consult and operate
I consult from Westside ENT’s rooms in Indooroopilly, Springfield and Ipswich, and I see patients from across Queensland and interstate. A first consultation in person is ideal, but for patients travelling from outside Brisbane it can be done by video.
I operate at Herston Private Hospital, Mater Private Hospital Springfield and Westside Private Hospital.
Qualifications and memberships
Qualifications
- MBChB – Medical Degree – Stellenbosch University, South Africa (2005)
- MSc – Master’s Degree in Advanced Surgical Practice – Cardiff University, Wales (UK)
- MRCSI – Member of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Dublin Ireland
- DOHNS (Eng) – Diploma in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery – Royal College of Surgeons of England
- FRCSI (ORL-HNS) – Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (United Kingdom and Ireland Specialist Qualification in Ear Nose and Throat surgery)
- FRACS (ORL-HNS) – Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (Australian Specialist Surgeon qualification in Ear, Nose and Throat surgery)
Memberships and affiliations
Australasian Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery
European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery
Rhinoplasty Society of Europe
European Rhinologic Society
Australia and New Zealand Rhinologic Society
Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland