What is a "General Surgeon" What does "subspecialty-trained" mean?

All surgeons in Australia must complete rigorous training to become a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS). This qualification ensures they are competent to practise as a general surgeon, managing a broad range of surgical conditions safely and effectively.

However, some surgeons, like Dr Thwin, undertake additional years of formal training and experience in a specific area of surgery. This is called subspecialty training.

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After obtaining her FRACS in General Surgery, Dr Thwin completed further training focused on:

• Endocrine Surgery (Thyroid, Parathyroid, Adrenal Surgery)

• Breast Surgery

• Surgical oncology with a special interest in melanoma and skin cancer

This means she has:

• Worked in high-volume specialist units

• Managed complex and rare conditions in these areas

• Continued to train with experts in the field

• Kept up-to-date with the latest evidence and techniques

If you're facing a condition that affects the breast, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal gland, or a melanoma/skin cancer, seeing a subspecialty-trained surgeon can offer:

• A deeper level of expertise

• Access to multidisciplinary care and networks

• Personalised treatment based on the latest research and guidelines

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General surgeons are highly capable and often provide excellent care, especially in rural and regional settings. But when available, subspecialty-trained surgeons bring additional focus and experience to specific areas.