Dr Simon Whitcher is a General and Bariatric Surgeon who has lived and worked in Newcastle for the last 10 years. After finishing an undergraduate degree in Medical Science and a postgraduate degree in Medicine and Surgery, Dr Whitcher undertook his internship and residency in the Hunter region. He then continued his surgical training in the Hunter gaining a broad base of experience and skills across various areas of general surgery including hernia, gallbladder, colorectal, endocrine, trauma and breast surgery.

After being awarded his fellowship with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Dr Whitcher underwent further training interstate and internationally. He undertook a post-fellowship role at Royal Hobart Hospital performing general surgery with a focus on hepatobiliary and upper gastrointestinal surgery, as well as laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Following this Dr Whitcher gained a highly competitive position at one of Australia’s few, high-volume public bariatric surgical units at Box Hill Hospital in Melbourne. This training has given Dr Whitcher up-to-date subspeciality experience in the medical and surgical management of obesity. Dr Whitcher then sought further experience in bariatric surgery being granted an observership at the world-renowned Lenox Hill hospital in New York, a pioneering Centre of Excellence in the treatment of obesity. Dr Whitcher has been trained in various different surgical and non-invasive procedures for the treatment of obesity allowing him to provide individualised advice and solutions to his patients.

During his bariatric training Dr Whitcher also completed a Masters in Minimally Invasive Surgery through the University of Adelaide. The postgraduate degree focused on the most cutting-edge surgical developments, such as robotics, and an understanding of the future of surgery. His work during the Masters led to Dr Whitcher being awarded a competitive Medtronic scholarship.

Dr Whitcher is dedicated to providing the highest quality, individualised care to all his patients. He is known as an approachable, sympathetic surgeon who takes the time to communicate clearly and personalise his treatment to each individual patient.

Special area of interest:

General surgery including: Hernia repair (open and laparoscopic), gallbladder surgery, upper and lower endoscopy as well as surgical treatment of reflux and hiatal herniae.

Dr Whitcher performs the following bariatric procedures:

• Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
• Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
• Laparoscopic Single Anastomosis Bypass
• Single Anastomosis Duodenal Ileostomy with Sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S)
• Revisional Bariatric Surgery

Dr Whitcher currently consults out of Hunter Weight Loss and Upper GI, and Maitland Private Hospital. He operates at Lake Macquarie Private Hospital, Warners Bay Private Hospital, Newcastle Private Hospital, Hunter Valley Private and Maitland Private Hospital.