About Upper GI West
Upper GI West was founded in 2008 by Mr Alan Thomas and Mr Krishna Epari. The practice has grown significantly during this time to now include additional surgeons, bariatric physician and dietitians.
Our surgeons have subspecialised in Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery having first completed their basic General Surgery training - and can offer the latest minimally invasive laparoscopic and endoscopic surgical procedures or traditional open surgery methods, for the services provided at Upper GI West.
Our management of morbid obesity is facilitated with a multidisciplinary approach to assist you in achieving your optimal health results.
We can advise and support lifestyle changes, provide the management of medical conditions, perform surgical and endoscopic procedures, including the follow up and treatment of unexpected events.
We provide expert management across the Upper GI spectrum - including the formal diagnostic assessment, subsequent treatment and management of Upper Gastrointestinal conditions including; reflux disease, hiatus hernias, gallbladder disease, other hernias and their relevant medical and/or surgical treatment approaches together with specialist expertise in gallbladder, pancreas, liver, stomach and oesophageal cancers.
We are here to help you live your best life.
Meet the doctors
1
Our surgeons
Krishna is an Australian trained Surgeon. He was born and educated in Hobart where he graduated with Honours from the University of Tasmania. He relocated to Victoria to undertake a Fellowship in General Surgery,...
"Growing up, my father was an anaesthetist and my mother a theatre nurse. I had a fascination with surgery from a young age."
Having moved to Western Australia from Wales in 2004 to undertake a post as an Upper Gastrointestinal Specialist Surgeon at Fremantle Hospital, Alan co-founded Upper GI West with fellow Specialist Surgeon Mr Krishna Epari in 2008,...
"But things have to fall in place and it didn’t quite work out for me. I was pretty good with my hands though and I was very interested in biology, so it lent itself to studying medicine and on to being a surgeon."
Mo is a highly trained Upper Gastrointestinal and Bariatric surgeon, having completed his training under some of the world’s leaders in both general and upper gastrointestinal Surgery. Mo embarked on his journey to...
"Being able to fix a problem that will have a significant positive impact on someone’s life, that’s what inspired me to become a doctor."
Sanj grew up in Western Australia then moved to Brisbane to attend the University of Queensland’s medical school. On graduating from the University of Queensland, Sanj continued his basic surgery training in Brisbane,...
"Communication is important to me, similar to clinical judgement and technical surgical skills. This is what makes a great surgeon."
2
Bariatric physician
Dr Rosalind Reid
After completing her medical degree at the University of Melbourne, Rosi trained as a General Practitioner becoming a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. In addition, Rosi has post graduate qualifications in obstetrics and anaesthetics.
Whilst maintaining her general practice working in a large GP clinic two days per week, Rosi joined Upper GI West in 2012 having developed a special interest in the medical treatment of morbid obesity.
Outside of work, Rosi enjoys spending time with her growing family and likes to run - having competed in multiple running events - including the 2016 Masters Games held in Perth.
3
Dietitians
Shannon Finucane
Shannon has completed a Masters in Nutrition and Dietetics and is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian and a member of the Dietitians Association of Australia.
Shannon has gained expertise in a range of areas including diabetes, weight management, gastrointestinal disorders and food intolerances with a particular interest in bariatric surgery, mental health and eating disorders.
Shannon has extensive experience working in the area of bariatric surgery and as the chairperson of the WA Bariatric Interest group. Nutrition and dietetics is an area that Shannon is extremely passionate about and is motivated to help you achieve your nutrition goals and to improve your overall health and well being.
Georgia Bixley
Georgia has always had a passion for food and nutrition science. She completed a Bachelor of Science (Nutrition) and Master of Dietetics at Curtin University.
Georgia has worked in project and clinical roles as a Dietitian and is experienced with a range of conditions including Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Food Allergy, Type 2 Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes, Malnutrition, Tube Feeding and Paediatric Nutrition.
In 2019, she managed the Pilbara Dietetics Department in her role as Regional Dietitian to the Country Health Service. She joined Upper GI West in Early 2020, where her role involves nutritional assessment, preparation and ongoing dietary support for our surgical patients. She finds particular interest in guiding those undergoing bariatric surgery towards long-term weight loss success.
4
Staff
Toni
Toni is a Senior Medical Secretary at Upper GI West, having worked with Mr Krishna Epari and Mr Alan Thomas since Upper GI West’s inception. Toni has seen the practice grow from two founding surgeons, to a busy practice with numerous surgeons, bariatric physicians and allied health practitioners. Toni works primarily as Mr Alan Thomas’ secretary. Outside of work, Toni is an avid lawn bowls competitor and competes throughout the Perth Metropolitan area.Fiona
Fiona has been working at Upper GI West since early 2017 working primarily as Mr Krishna Epari’s secretary. Fiona has a long working history within the medical industry and has been working as a Medical Secretary since 2003. In her spare time Fiona, has keen a interest in cake decorating (which all staff take advantage of) and travelling.Cheryl
Cheryl came to work at Upper GI West from SJOG Murdoch in 2014. Cheryl predominately works with Associate Professor Mo Ballal and Mr Sanjeeva Kariyawasam and enjoys the hustle and bustle of a busy practice. Cheryl enjoys her family especially looking after her granddaughter and also keeping fit.Mel
Mel has been working with Upper GI West since 2013. Mel works predominantly with Mr Andrew Hardley. Mel enjoys all aspects of the job with a particular interest in patient liaison. Melissa also holds a Diploma in Children’s Services and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.When she is not working Melissa can be found gardening, at her children’s sporting events, enjoying family time and dog walking.WHY UPPER GI WEST?
Our mission at Upper GI West is to deliver the latest and best care that meets your needs. You will be receiving a comprehensive, state of the art and up to date surgical care.
Our experience in managing complex upper GI surgical problems and complications makes us best placed in treating common straight forward bariatric and upper GI problems to minimize the risk of those complications from happening.
We work with outstanding interdisciplinary specialists to ensure your surgical journey is safe, comfortable and successful. We adopt an enhanced recovery program to facilitate a speedy return to function with lowest complication rate. We are a collegiate team working together to support you through your journey around the clock. The collective experience of surgeons at Upper GI West is superior and unmatched in western Australia.
Members of the team are pioneers, leaders and active contributors to the education and health development at national and international levels. We deliver the latest and advanced surgical techniques covering the breadth of keyhole , mini-keyhole, Endoscopic, robotic and open surgery.
The whole team are devoted to ensure your recovery is seamless and comprehensive.