Emergencies in GP practice: How best to avoid unnecessary ED referrals?

A/Prof Peter Chin is a widely published Urologist and a clinical Associate Professor at Wollongong University School of Medicine. He has worked extensively in the area of the management of enlarged prostate, medical devices, laparoscopic and Robotic surgery, uro-oncology and prosthetic surgery for incontinence and impotence.

A/Prof Smita Agarwal is a comprehensive ophthalmologist, a member of several public and private hospitals' Medical Advisory Committees, a Clinical Associate Professor at UOW and a Senior Lecturer at Sydney University.

Smita specialises in cataract and refractive surgery. She brought Wollongong Refractive Laser Eye Institute to the South Coast of NSW, the only facility in the area that offers laser vision correction procedures using the latest world class technology.

Smita teaches registrars and interns and conducts continuing medical education seminars. She has published several research papers in peer reviewed journals locally and overseas and is an invited guest speaker at numerous ophthalmology conferences globally.

Dr Matthew Luttrell is a Staff Specialist Endocrinologist at The Wollongong Hospital. His areas of interest include High Risk Foot, type 1 diabetes, and general endocrinology. He works in a diverse range of settings, with public appointments at Nepean Hospital, Sutherland Hospital and Bathurst Hospital. He enjoys teaching and is actively involved in the training and supervision of registrars, junior medical officers, and medical students, in all areas of endocrinology

Dr Jorge Morgues is a Consultant Cardiologist with sub-specialty training in Advanced Cardiac Imaging. He is also a Cardiology Staff Specialist at Wollongong Hospital, a Clinical Senior Lecturer at the University of Wollongong, as well as the clinical director of the Heart Failure and Pulmonary Hypertension services for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District.

A/Prof Rowena Ivers is a general practice academic who is an active clinician, working as a general practitioner in Aboriginal health. Additionally she is a GP Visiting Medical Officer in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. A/Prof Ivers is committed to justice and equity in the delivery of health services.

Dr Stephen Pearson has specialty training in major head and neck surgical procedures, including the management of both benign and malignant diseases. His particular interests include thyroid, parathyroid, parotid gland surgery and trans-oral robotic surgery. Dr Pearson’s clinical experience covers the general areas of ear, nose, throat, head, and neck surgery. This includes both paediatric and adult conditions.

Dr Simone Trist is a local female Paediatrician and holds a VMO appointment at Wollongong Private Hospital. She also has a private clinic in the rooms at Amelie Private in Wollongong. Dr Trist holds a Staff Specialist appointment at Wollongong Public Hospital and is the Co-lead Director for Kids and Families for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District.

Dr Kylie King is a specialist haematologist with an interest in lymphoma, leukemia, myeloma and cellular therapies. She cares for patients with both malignant and non-malignant conditions. She trained in Sydney and in the Illawarra and completed three specialty fellowships (in haematology, pathology and palliative medicine). She also has an interest in clinical trials and health equity and is committed to increasing access to new therapies for haematology patients in the Illawarra.

Dr Anoop Jalota is a local General Practitioner. His special interests are undertaking emergency procedures, helping patients to quit smoking and with weight management. Anoop is currently a cluster leader for Central Illawarra and has a passion for continued learning and mentoring.

Dr Katherine Michelmore is a General Practitioner who completed GP vocational training in Newcastle, UK and attended Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar to complete a DPhil with the Division of Public Health and Primary Health Care. She has worked as a GP in Bermuda and the UK, and has experience in occupational health and politics. She has worked in general practice in Australia since 2011, and recently became the Medical Director for COORDINARE, the SENSW primary health network.

Dr Emma Tetstall is an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist who holds Staff Specialist appointments at Wollongong Public Hospital and Shellharbour Hospital. She currently facilitates the Obstetric and Gynaecology teaching program at Wollongong Hospital. Dr Tetsall also holds a conjoint associate lecturer position at the University of NSW and is an examiner for the RANZCOG pre-examination courses.

Dr Robert Knight is a fully trained specialist plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon. He has post graduate fellowships in craniomaxillofacial, reconstructive, paediatric and aesthetic plastic surgery. Dr Knight has received a number of awards for his conjoint lecture positions at various Australian universities and has a keen interest in molecular and clinical research which has been published and presented internationally.

Julie-Anne Geddes is a registered psychologist with extensive training that includes forensic psychology. Julie-Anne works with clients of all ages and all conditions, and also works with men and women to improve their relationships and parenting skills. Julie-Anne also works with people who are gender diverse, doing gender affirming work with those who are transitioning gender. She practices using Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Dr Soni Putnis specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and management of benign and malignant conditions of the lower GI tract. She has a particular interest in laparoscopic surgery for bowel cancer. Dr Putnis has an active interest in mentoring and teaching in the hospital setting and facilitates improved communications between healthcare professionals.