Dr Bridget Clancy

Dr Bridget Clancy is an Ear, Nose, Throat & Head & Neck surgeon. She offers expert care to adults and children.

The private practice team includes an ENT clinical nurse specialist and dedicated administrative staff.

We value respect and effective communication in our service to patients. Our practice aims to provide excellent surgical services to the region. Our team aims for continuous improvement and innovation.

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Questions frequently asked by kids about surgeons

Are surgeons doctors?

Yes, you need to become a doctor before you can train as a surgeon.

How do you get to become a surgeon?

You need to:

  1. finish VCE;
  2. Go to university for around six years.

Now you are a doctor.

Then you need to:

  1. Work as an intern for a year. An intern is a junior doctor working in a hospital and supervised by more senior doctors;
  2. Work for another 2-4 years in a hospital then pass an exam. In this phase you are called a resident or hospital medical officer;
  3. Apply for a training programme in surgery at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons;
  4. Then work for another 4-5 years in a hospital as a surgical registrar;
  5. Pass a final set of exams.

Now you are a surgeon!

How long does it take to become a surgeon?

It took me 15 years: 6 years at university and 9 years working in hospitals, studying and passing exams.

Why some surgeons are called Mister instead of Doctor?

Many years ago, surgeons weren’t doctors and so were called Mister (Mr) rather than Doctor (Dr). At that time, it was also unheard of for women to be doctors or surgeons!  If you want to find out more about surgeons in the past, try googling “barber surgeons”. In some Australian states, when a male doctor becomes a surgeon, they choose to change their title from “Dr” to “Mr”.  In other states they keep the title of “Dr”. It can get complicated for women surgeons who can be called Dr, Ms, Miss or Mrs. Dr Clancy chooses to keep the title “Doctor (Dr)”. Lots of kids and some adults get confused when doctors aren’t called “Doctor”. As a feminist, Dr Clancy also prefers a title that is the same for men as for women surgeons.

To add to the confusion, anyone (even a child) can call themselves “Doctor”. There is no law preventing it. If you are choosing to see a health practitioner than uses the title of “Doctor” you can look them up on the AHPRA website to find out whether they really are a doctor.

Do you actually do the operation?

Yes!

Practice Nurse

Brooke Rawlings

Registered Nurse, BNurs 

Brooke studied Bachelor of Nursing at Deakin University, Warrnambool. She commenced her nursing career at South West Healthcare before joining the practice in 2017. Brooke is passionate about providing healthcare within the practice setting. Along with her clinical skills, Brooke also has an extensive administration background.

Brooke supports Dr Clancy’s care of patients through:

  • Ear Plug fitting: we recommend, fit and supply Doc’s Proplugs for swimming after ear surgery.
  • Triage of patient referrals to ensure patients get the right care at the right time.
  • Ensuring all medical instruments, endoscopes and other equipment are sterilised in accordance with Australian Standards and maintained for patient safety and efficiency.
  • Scheduling surgery for patients or facilitating placement on public hospital waiting lists. Contacting patients before and after surgery to answer questions, provide advice and arrange further care as needed.
  • Assisting Dr Clancy with office surgical procedures.

Administration and Reception

Adrienne O’Sullivan

Cert III Business Administration-Medical

Adrienne is an experienced medical administrator, across specialist and general practice. She has a strong focus on customer service and excels in communication  with our patients and collaboration with clinicians.

Emily Gleeson

Associates

Catherine Turland

Bachelor of Speech Therapy

Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist and owner of Eat Speak Learn Speech Pathology

Catherine is passionate about tailoring therapy to meet clients’ individual needs, so they can learn, communicate and meet their full potential.

For the past 10 years, Catherine has worked in schools, community health, Early Intervention for children with Autism, nursing homes and hospitals.

Catherine completed a Bachelor of Speech Pathology in 2007 at La Trobe University, Melbourne.

Dr Emily Young

Dr Emily Young is an Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgeon. She will join the practice in August 2019. Emily has subspecialist qualifications in otology (ear surgery) and an interest in vertigo.

Our staff are welcoming referrals for Emily in advance of her commencement date.