The idea
In 2006 I started a clinic dedicated to women with hernias at Fortis Hospital in Kolkata, and called it HERnia. The thought behind it was simple. Women's hernias were being managed as if they were men's, using evidence mostly gathered from men, and women were paying for that in missed femoral hernias, emergencies, and conversations that did not address their lives: pregnancy, children, body image, and what they wanted from surgery.
Since then I have used the HERnia name for the women's hernia sessions I run at international meetings of abdominal wall surgeons. This website takes the same idea online, for women in Melbourne and beyond.
Who I am
I am Ramana Balasubramaniam, Ram to most people, a general surgeon in Melbourne whose practice is concentrated on hernias, abdominal wall reconstruction and the surgery of obesity. I trained in India and have spent three decades working alongside leading abdominal wall surgeons around the world. I founded an international online community of around 6,000 abdominal wall surgeons, and I am a member of the Executive Committee of the Australia and New Zealand Hernia Society.
My qualifications are:
- MS, Master of Surgery
- DNB, Diplomate of National Board, Surgery
- FRCS, Fellow, Royal College of Surgeons
- FRACS, Fellow, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
- FACS, Fellow, American College of Surgeons
- FIBC, Fellow, International Bariatric Club
- FISA, Fellow, Israeli Surgical Association
There is more about my background and work on my practice website.
How HERnia relates to my practice
HERnia is not a separate clinic or company. It is the name I give to my care of women with hernias and abdominal wall problems, within my surgical practice. Consultations, referrals and appointments all go through ramana.au, and I see every patient myself. I consult in Balwyn North, at John Fawkner Private Hospital in Coburg, and in Williamstown.
What you will not find here
You will not find patient testimonials, before-and-after photographs, or promises about results. Australian law restricts how doctors advertise, for good reason, and in any case I would rather you judged me on clear information and a frank conversation. Every operation carries risk, and individual results vary.
Seeing me
HERnia is the name I give to the care of women with hernias and abdominal wall problems. Appointments are made through my practice, and consultations are in Balwyn North, Coburg and Williamstown. A referral from your GP is needed for a specialist consultation to attract a Medicare rebate.
Request an appointmentCall (+61) 493 091 911