15 January 2012

Are there any proctologists in Canberra?

| Trashman
Join the conversation
16

Ok I have an ongoing health condition which I believe is going to require me to see a proctologist soon.

However after over an hour of searching online I cannot see any listing for proctologists in the ACT.

Please tell me that I’m not going to have to travel to either Sydney or Melbourne to consult with this type of specialist?

Join the conversation

16
All Comments
  • All Comments
  • Website Comments
LatestOldest

The following publication is aimed at GPs, but is a useful guide for anyone looking for a specialist in Canberra. Although doctors do not have to pay to have a listing it is by no means an exhaustive list. Many ACT specialists get plenty of business without having to advertise their services.
http://www.ama-act.com.au/files/SpecialistDirectory2011.pdf

Me no fry said :

It could be Cannonball Run, with the wonderfully bug-eyed Jack Elam playing Dr Van Helsing.

I think that was it, I keep seeing the interior of a fake ambulance!

EvanJames said :

LSWCHP said :

I’ve always wondered how and why someone would develop an interest in this particular area of medicine.

What’s that old movie, 70s or 80s, where this dreadful-looking Proctologist keeps popping up? I’m having a mental blank but mention of the speciality had me thinking of it.

It could be Cannonball Run, with the wonderfully bug-eyed Jack Elam playing Dr Van Helsing.

neanderthalsis12:14 pm 16 Jan 12

LSWCHP said :

I’ve always wondered how and why someone would develop an interest in this particular area of medicine.

There is always plenty of openings for colorectal surgeons and for the golf fanatic, you’ll always manage to get in 18 holes a day…

You are correct that there are no colorectal surgeons in Canberra.

Several PPs have given details of gastroenterologists. They would be your first port of call, and will no doubt refer you interstate if required. There are several specialist colorectal centres in Sydney.

I too am unsure what prompts a medical graduate to pursue this particular speciality…

Another, saw him at Calvary Clinic and colonoscopy was a half-day procedure at Calvary. Got the impression there was quite a waiting list for public but quicker if private patient.

Riddell James Dr
Gastroenterology – Bruce, ACT
Suite 14 Calvary Clinic Mary Potter Cct, Bruce ACT 2617, Australia
Phone number(02) 6251 0255

LSWCHP said :

I’ve always wondered how and why someone would develop an interest in this particular area of medicine.

What’s that old movie, 70s or 80s, where this dreadful-looking Proctologist keeps popping up? I’m having a mental blank but mention of the speciality had me thinking of it.

I’ve always wondered how and why someone would develop an interest in this particular area of medicine.

squashee said :

Try Gastrotract in the Brindabella Specialist Centre in Garran. They have the whole range from Gastro Specialists to surgeons. They have some fantastic Doctors. Their number is 02 6282 7177 or you can Google them for more information.

Thank you for the contact details squashee. Much appreciated.

gun street girl said :

Rest assured, there are both colorectal surgeons and gastroenterologists in Canberra.

Thanks. That’s really all that I was wondering about.

gun street girl said :

The public listings for doctors is never exhaustive; given the restrictions on advertising one’s services and the fact that the public can’t directly refer themselves, what you find in the Yellow Pages or internet is only a rough guide. Rest assured, there are both colorectal surgeons and gastroenterologists in Canberra.

And plenty of arseholes by the look of it from where I’m sitting in Queanbeyan lol…

gun street girl2:42 pm 15 Jan 12

The public listings for doctors is never exhaustive; given the restrictions on advertising one’s services and the fact that the public can’t directly refer themselves, what you find in the Yellow Pages or internet is only a rough guide. Rest assured, there are both colorectal surgeons and gastroenterologists in Canberra.

Try Gastrotract in the Brindabella Specialist Centre in Garran. They have the whole range from Gastro Specialists to surgeons. They have some fantastic Doctors. Their number is 02 6282 7177 or you can Google them for more information.

Yes, I’m aware that I will need a referral from a GP first. I am simply trying to determine if there are any specialists of this type in Canberra so that I will have some idea if travel will be involved after I get the referral. I know that many people need to travel interstate for specialist consultations as this rural backwater that we laughingly call our nation’s capital has much to be desired when it comes to health-care. A search for colorectal surgeons also turns up nothing.

As above; we don’t have proctologists in Australia. They are all colorectal surgeons.

The person you need to see first would be a GP; they can refer you on to a gastroenterologist in nearly all circumstances. They do most of the colonoscopies, and if they find something that needs surgery they’ll refer you on to a surgeon.

I don’t think you can see a gastroenterologist or a surgeon without a referral from your GP.

gun street girl1:02 pm 15 Jan 12

The reason you’re not finding any proctologists in your search is that it’s a term that’s used more in the US. For surgical issues, you’d be looking for a colorectal surgeon. For medical issues related to that part of your body, you’re looking for a gastroenterologist. As per previous, your GP should be able to refer you onto the most appropriate party.

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.