Colorectal & General Surgery Fellow

Requisition No: 6070

Executive Division: Operations

Division: Surgery Endoscopy Anaesthesia Services

Program: Surgery

Department: Colorectal & Gen Surgical Unit

Enterprise Agreement: Doctors in Training (Victorian Public Health Secto

Job Function: Medical

Project:

Advanced Academic/Educational Colorectal & General Surgery Fellow

• Location: Footscray

• Employment Type: Sessional, Fixed Term (2026 clinical year)

• Salary: HM Superannuation + Salary Packaging

About the role:

Western Health is seeking an enthusiastic and innovative Fellow in Colorectal & General Surgery to join our dynamic Colorectal & General Surgery Unit. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a growing service that is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care across Melbourne's western region. The post is intended for a candidate with an outstanding record in both surgical academia and medical education. The role will be focused on developing services in cross-disciplinary colorectal care with gynaecology & urology, as well as in advanced proctology.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide expert clinical care in colorectal and general surgery, including elective and emergency procedures under appropriate supervision, including:

• Advanced proctology (sphincter preserving procedures for fistula in ano)

• Minimally invasive (laparoscopic and robotic) surgery for endometriosis

• Support for gynae-oncology, including exenterative surgery

• Support for reconstructive urology

• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and contribute to patient management plans.

• Mentor and support junior medical staff, including registrars and interns.

• Contribute to the development and delivery of surgical education and training programs.

• Ensure compliance with clinical governance, safety, and quality standards.

• Collaborate with other departments and services to ensure integrated patient care.

• Support Western Health's strategic initiatives, including service improvement and innovation.

• Participate in audit, research, and quality improvement activities.

• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation and communication.

About you:

You are a dedicated and forward-thinking clinician who:

• Holds Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) or equivalent specialist qualification in colorectal and general surgery. [FRACS may be provisional pending completion of supervision for IMGs)

• Is registered (or eligible for registration) with AHPRA.

• Demonstrates experience in providing high-quality surgical care in both elective and emergency settings: Applicants would be expected to have consultant-level experience of providing a general surgery emergency on-call service as well as an independent consultant practice in general surgery.

• Demonstrates experience of minimally-invasive surgery for endometriosis, gynae-oncology (including exenteration & peritoneal surgery), experience in robotic surgery for colorectal conditions and advanced techniques in proctology: Prior fellowship or consultant practice in these fields is essential. Experience in reconstructive urology would also be looked upon favourably.

• Proven ability to supervise and mentor junior medical staff: Applicants would be expected to hold a higher degree (Masters degree or above) in medical / surgical education as well as provide evidence of prior supervision of trainees in an official capacity.

• Experience in contributing to education, research, or service development initiatives: Applicants would be expected to hold a higher degree (Doctorate / PhD) in a subject relevant to colorectal surgery and demonstrate recent (within the last 5 years) of peer-reviewed & indexed publications.

• Experience in contributing to undergraduate education & research: Applicants would be expected to have held an official University appointment (non-honorary).

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

• Strong commitment to clinical governance, patient safety, and continuous quality improvement.

Position Description

About Western Health:

Western Health is one of the largest healthcare providers in Victoria, caring for a vibrant, diverse and rapidly growing community of one million people in Melbourne's western suburbs.

With more than 13,000 staff, Western Health delivers 800,000+ occasions of care every year, providing high-quality, person-centred care across every life stage.

We provide a combination of hospital, community-based, at-home and in-reach services to aged, adult and paediatric patients and newborn babies. Specialties include oncology, renal, mental health, women's health and maternity, chronic diseases, geriatrics and cardiology.

We have remarkable strengths in chronic disease, complex care and developing innovative and sustainable healthcare solutions. Our experience at the coalface of healthcare delivery for some of Australia's most culturally and socioeconomically diverse and vulnerable populations provides us with unique insights into the most pressing health challenges.

Western Health operates four acute public hospitals: Sunshine Hospital (including Joan Kirner Women's and Children's), Footscray Hospital, Williamstown Hospital and Bacchus Marsh Hospital. We also operate Sunbury Community Hospital, Sunshine Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre, Melton Health and Community Services, Bacchus Marsh Community Health Centre, Caroline Springs Community Health Centre and Grant Lodge Residential Aged Care in Bacchus Marsh. Western Health also provides the primary healthcare service at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, a women's prison located in Ravenhall.

Why join us?

Compensation and benefits

• Competitive salary packages aligned with market standards.

• Health and wellbeing programs, including flexible work arrangements.

• Scholarships and grants to support your continuous learning journey.

Learning and development opportunities

• Access the Western Health Learning Academy (WHA) for personalized learning pathways.

• Professional growth programs, including postgraduate studies and clinical education.

• Mentorship and career support.

Community impact and inclusion

• Make a meaningful difference in patients' lives through compassionate care.

• Join a workforce that champions diversity and inclusion.

• Engage in community wellbeing initiatives and groundbreaking healthcare research.

Organisational culture and environment

• Thrive in a collaborative, compassionate and innovative team environment.

• Be part of a culture that celebrates continuous improvement and excellence in healthcare.

Ready to make an impact?

If you're passionate about compassionate care, innovation, community wellbeing, we'd love to hear from you.

If you are currently employed at Western Health, please ensure you sign in through the 'Employee Login' via the external Careers Page or access the Careers Page via the intranet before applying.

Closing date: 11:59pm on 19 November 2025.

Enquiries: For further information about this role, contact Cassandra Cook on

Western Health is an equal opportunity employer committed to attracting and retaining diversity in our workforce. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Western Health is committed to providing a safe environment for the children and young people who are involved in our services, sites and operations. We follow and abide by all legislative requirements to keep children and young people safe.

All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory Police Record Check, an Immunisation Status Clearance and a Working with Children Check (if applicable).

Western Health does not accept unsolicited resumes/applications from recruitment agencies.