If you have been informed that you require an orthopaedic procedure or if you have been diagnosed with an orthopaedic problem with respect to your bones or joints, it can be very difficult to choose an orthopaedic surgeon to treat you.
With so many orthopaedic surgeons practising in Melbourne, this can be a very overwhelming choice to make. Therefore, it is important to come prepared with a number of questions to ask your preferred orthopedic surgeon so you can determine the best one for your needs.
Finding the best orthopedic surgeon in Melbourne
At David Slattery, we strongly recommend that you carefully assess who you have been referred to in terms of their training, expertise, and experience. By treating your orthopedic surgeon like a candidate for a job interview, you can find the right person for the procedure.
Keep in mind the following questions to ask when choosing a good orthopaedic surgeon:
- Where were they trained?
The Australian Orthopaedic Association training program is one of the leading Orthopaedic Training programs in the world, as it is a competency based assistant, and it is the benchmark by which other training systems are evaluated. We would highly recommend that you choose a surgeon who has gone through the Australian Orthopaedic training program to ensure a high level of surgical expertise and competence.
- What Fellowships have they completed?
This directly relates to the surgeon’s sub specialist interest and should give you an indication of what subspecialty they are an expert in. For anterior hip replacement surgery, in particular, it is essential that surgeons have completed a dedicated period of training to perform this procedure without significant complications. It is wise to choose a surgeon who has done at least 1-2 recognised 6+ month Fellowships in the subspecialty of the area of their practice. Most surgeons complete 18 months to 2 years of fellowship training to become an expert in their field.
- How many of these types of procedures has the surgeon performed?
Most surgeons improve their results with practice, and it is appropriate to ask how many times a surgeon has performed the procedure prior to undergoing surgery. Some procedures are very rare and may only be performed 1-2 times per year, however more common operations, such as an anterior hip replacement, would typically be performed many times per week by a hip replacement specialist.
- Have they practiced as a consultant orthopaedic surgeon in a large public hospital?
Surgeons who have practiced in a large public hospital have had a significant amount of clinical oversight of their practice, and typically practice to a high standard of care.
- Are they personable and a good communicator?
It is wise to choose a surgeon or doctor who is an excellent communicator, and who can take time with you and your family to discuss and inform you of your condition and your treatment.
Make an appointment with Dr. David Slattery today
If you’re looking for the best orthopaedic surgeon in Melbourne who can tick all your boxes, then please book your appointment at David Slattery today.