Melbourne weight loss surgery specialists

Meet the team

Are you looking for Melbourne weight loss surgery specialists? At HWS we have a team of qualified and accredited specialists who understand the challenges and opportunities of weight loss. From psychology and dietetics, through to surgery and nursing care, we’re here to help you each step of the way.

Talk to us today to find out which weight loss option may be right for you.

SURGERY

PSYCHOLOGY

DIETETICS

CLINICAL NURSE

Mr Kiron Bhatia

MBBS, MMedSci(Surg), FRACS Surgeon

Dr. Kiron Bhatia is a General Surgeon and Specialist Upper Gastrointestinal / Bariatric Surgeon attached to the UGI Surgical Unit at Austin Hospital since 2010. He trained at St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, with subspecialty UGI fellowships at the Austin Hospital and Monash Medical Centre. Dr. Bhatia undertook post-fellowship training at the National Cancer Institute Hospital, Tokyo, Japan, in 2010. This enabled him to gain further experience in advanced Oesophageal and Gastric cancer surgery, including laparoscopic and endoscopic techniques. He is also skilled at robotic surgery, having completed further training at the Memorial Hermann Medical Centre, Houston, Texas, in 2014.

Dr. Bhatia established Heidelberg Weight Loss Surgery & Minimally Invasive Surgery Melbourne at his Martin Street practice in 2013. The practice provides a dedicated, multidisciplinary model for managing general surgical, UGI cancer & bariatric patients.

Dr. Bhatia’s main surgical and research interests are in General Surgery, benign oesophageal disorders, including Reflux, Oesophageal/Gastric cancer, and Bariatric Surgery. He keenly advocates for minimally invasive surgery, including interventional endoscopy, laparoscopic and robotic surgery. Being aware of the future direction in surgery, he is a regular member of the RACS/GSA Simulation Program faculty, conducting hands-on workshops for surgical trainees at the Skills lab. He is also faculty at IMRA (International Medical Robotics Academy). He provides proctorship services for Intuitive Surgical/Device technology for surgeons training on the Da Vinci robot. As one of Melbourne’s leading robotic UGI surgeons, he has performed many procedures, including revisional bariatric surgery, gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, Hellers myotomy for achalasia, giant hiatus hernias and abdominal wall hernias.

Dr Chun Guan Chong

MBBS, FRACGP

Dr. Chun Guan Chong is a highly skilled and compassionate Bariatric General Practitioner. He specialises in providing comprehensive care for individuals seeking effective weight management solutions. He graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2007 with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and later achieved Fellowship with the Royal Australian College of General Practice (FRACGP). He is a SCOPE certified Bariatric Practitioner with specialised training in bariatric medicine and a deep understanding of managing obesity and related conditions. Dr. Chong completed the HORIZON program to stay up to date with the latest bariatric treatment methods.
Aside from his general practice, Dr. Chong assists Dr. Bhatia in theatre to perform laparoscopic and robotic bariatric surgeries. He also excels in perioperative management, ensuring our patients receive excellent care and support during their weight loss journey. Dr. Chong is experienced in medical weight loss strategies and pharmacotherapy, tailoring personalised treatment plans to meet individual needs for sustainable weight management.
Dr. Chong’s passion, knowledge, and empathy drive his dedication to helping patients achieve weight loss goals, improve health, and enhance overall quality of life. His unwavering commitment to bariatric medicine continues to positively impact many individuals on their path to better health.

Denise Sammut

Clinical Nurse Specialist

Denise is a Registered Nurse with over 25 years of experience in the Public and Private sectors. She has undertaken postgraduate studies in Oncology and High Dependency Nursing. During her time at Austin and Epworth Hospital, she has worked across a variety of clinical roles.

Denise has extensive experience as a Nurse coordinator and case manager of complex pre-operative patients. She is patient-focused and enjoys working with and supporting patients through their health journey.
Denise is pivotal in managing the journey of weight loss surgery patients, from initial consultation and theatre scheduling to post-operative check-ups.

Noela Kluchkovsky

Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD)

Noela has a Master of Nutrition and Dietetics and a Bachelor of Applied Science Honours (Human Movement). Noela has been an Accredited Practising Dietitian since 1999 and is a member of the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA).

Noela started her career as a dietitian in the public health sector at the West Gippsland Hospital and the Pakenham Community Health Centre. She has extensive experience in providing individual dietary assessments, education, counselling, and support for those with diet-related conditions such as gastrointestinal tract diseases, constipation, diverticulitis, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. She is also experienced in working with group education programs, including diabetes, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation services.

Joanne Burch

Psychologist

Jo Burch is a registered psychologist who is dynamic, engaging, and solution-focused. Jo has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in various contexts, including public and private health services, educational institutions, and private practice.

Jo has widespread knowledge in assessing, diagnosing, and treating various mental health concerns. She brings a warm, collaborative, and engaged approach to assisting her clients.

Jo has a particular interest and is skilled in treating eating disorders. She possesses the tools to support clients in managing weight-related concerns, motivational and behavioural problems, disordered eating, body image, body dissatisfaction, self-esteem, and self-acceptance, as well as symptoms of anxiety or depression associated with weight problems.

Jo holds general registration with the Psychology Board of Australia and is a member of The Australian Psychological Society and a Healthy At Every Size (HAES) Practitioner. She also holds an ANZAED Eating Disorder Credential. She is trained in Enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E).

April Cannon

Administration

Before being part of the HWLS team, April had extensive experience as a practice manager and an administrative assistant at various specialist medical practices. Since joining the HWLS team, April has become one of our friendly receptionists, bringing a wealth of administration and management skills to the practice. April is extremely helpful with patient check-in and check-out, scheduling appointments, providing and gathering up-to-date patient records and catering to your administrative needs.

Jessica Newman

Administration

With over seven years of experience in GP Clinics and specialty practices, Jess brings a professional, efficient and personal touch to HWLS. Having had a sleeve gastrectomy two years ago, Jess is focused on providing a patient-centred experience at HWLS. She recognises that our patients are often anxious and require support. Jess enjoys guiding patients through their weight loss journey and is happy to answer any questions.