Dr Scott Whiting

MBBS FRACS.

Dr Scott Whiting is an upper gastrointestinal, bariatric and metabolic and general surgeon based in Townsville, North Queensland. He is the director of general surgery at Townsville University Hospital and consults and operates at both Mater Private Hospital Townsville and Mackay.

Dr Whiting’s career has taken a distinctive path from a professional rugby league player with the North Queensland Cowboys to specialist surgeon and surgical leader.

Dr Whiting completed his medical studies at the University of Notre Dame Australia in Fremantle, graduating with honours and a Dean's Commendation. He undertook specialist general surgical training before attaining fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in 2017. He subsequently pursued accredited post-fellowship training in Australia and internationally, including advanced fellowship training in bariatric/metabolic surgery, anti-reflux surgery and minimally invasive oesophagectomy/gastrectomy developing subspecialty expertise across these disciplines.

As North Queensland’s only subspecialised upper GI surgeon, he provides advanced care options to patients in the region. Dr Whiting is one of the highest volume surgeons completing minimally invasive (laparoscopic/robotic) oesophageal and gastric cancer resections in Australia. As result, Dr Whiting is a Da Vinci robotic surgery proctor and leads a minimally invasive oesophagectomy immersion course, providing advanced practical surgical training and sharing contemporary surgical techniques with the broader surgical community. Through this program, he contributes to the ongoing development of upper gastrointestinal surgical expertise in Australia and internationally.

Dr Whiting is also actively involved in cancer care and health service development through his committee role on the Cancer Alliance Queensland (CAQ) Committee. Through this work, he contributes to broader initiatives focused on improving cancer outcomes and the delivery of high-quality cancer care across Queensland.

Dr Whiting is actively involved in research and surgical innovation. Together with his colleagues, he is currently leading a study investigating prophylactic EndoVAC insertion at the time of oesophagectomy, exploring its potential to improve postoperative outcomes and reduce complications following major oesophageal surgery. He has developed expertise and provides education and support in the use of EndoVac therapy for the management of complications.

Alongside his upper gastrointestinal and cancer practice, Dr Whiting leads North Queensland’s highest-volume private bariatric and metabolic surgery service supported by a comprehensive multidisciplinary team.

Dr Whiting has also played a key role in developing North Queensland’s publicly funded bariatric surgery service at Townsville University Hospital, improving access to specialised bariatric and metabolic surgery for the community.

Having returned to his hometown of Townsville following his specialist and international training, Dr Whiting remains strongly committed to the North Queensland community. His career combines clinical excellence, surgical innovation, research, education and health service leadership, with a particular focus on bringing world-class upper gastrointestinal, cancer and bariatric surgical care to regional Australia.

Dr Whiting is committed to providing the highest quality compassionate care to each of his patients at Mater Private Hospital Townsville and Mackay.

• Mater Private Hospital Mackay
• Mater Private Hospital Townsville