Which Doctor?—Dr Mathew Carmody

Dr Mathew Carmody is a general surgeon, specialising in Laparoscopic and Upper GI Surgery. His rooms are located at Mater Private Clinic 550 Stanley St, South Brisbane, phone +61 7 3010 5760 to book an appointment.

Training background/experience:

• Completed Specialist Training Royal Brisbane Hospital 1997.
• Senior Registrar, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
• Senior Registrar, Norfolk & Norwich Hospital, Norwich, Norfolk, United Kingdom
• Senior Lecturer, General Surgery, University Department of Surgery, Mater Hospital
• RACS Supervisor of Surgical Training, Mater Health Services
• Visiting Surgeon, Mater Private Hospital

Why did you choose in your area of specialty?

A senior surgeon took me aside during my training and told me where he thought my abilities were. I like to think all his advice was right.

What is the most interesting/exciting area of your work, and why?

Salvaging a complex abdominal case, usually after multiple operations at other hospitals. These people can be in hospital for a year. Some have had over seventy major operations in that time. You must admire the patient's resilience and marvel at the human body.

What has been your greatest professional achievement so far?

Receiving the President's Award for services to Surgical Training in 2006 at the College of Surgeons in Melbourne.

What is the most challenging thing about working in your specialty?

Eternal vigilance—many of the operations can have potential catastrophic failures, punishing technical indiscretion in theatre.

Do you have a passion besides medicine? If yes, what is it?

Music and wine (and it's a song too—by Blue Six).