Department of Surgery Staff

Michael graduated from Melbourne Medical school in 2014 and has  recently completed General Surgery training. With a growing academic profile in surgical outcomes research, sustainability in surgery, and perioperative optimisation, Michael's academic interests focus on improving clinical outcomes through evidence-based perioperative care, optimising surgical systems, and integrating sustainability principles into surgical practice.

Michael's current research is looking into sustainability projects with an aim to reduce cost and carbon footprint particularly in endoscopy. Other research includes utilising AI algorithms to assess blood vessels in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery to help individualise surgical options for these patients.

Michael contributes extensively to surgical education. He is an Honorary Lecturer and MD Examiner with the Melbourne Medical School and serves as an instructor for the ASSET course. He is actively involved in peer review for the ANZ Journal of Surgery.

Outside of work, Michael has 3 beautiful kids and enjoys time with them doing various activities.

Dr Besson completed his medical training at University of Melbourne (2018) before finishing a Masters of Traumatology at the University of Newcastle (2021) and then commencing his General Surgical training through RCAS (2023).

Alex first became involved with research as a student at the University of Melbourne and since then has published articles on quality of life in colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment, sarcopenia and inflammatory bowel disease. Alex is also founding member of the WestSuRG research collaborative operating out of Western Health, which has contributed to both domestic and international multicentre trials.

In 2022 Alex received a research scholarship through the Melbourne Academic Centre for Health to complete a PhD through the University of Melbourne and the MACH-Track program.

With an interest in understanding variable responses to colorectal cancer treatment, Alex aims to further explore the relationship and clinical impact of sarcopenia on both the oncological and surgical management of colorectal cancer. Utilising novel means, such as AI algorithms, Alex aims to develop predictive mechanisms for treatment outcomes for colorectal cancer patients.

Jo enjoys working in the department bringing her skills from a background of pharmacy and business administration. She has taken on the responsibilities of supporting ethics applications for junior doctors as well as being involved with the administrative tasks of webpage updates and research documentation.

Outside her work, Jo likes spending time in the garden as well as trying out new culinary recipes.

Susan comes from an extensive Sales and Administrative background including events management, customer support and Education. Susan is still relatively new to the Department of Surgery but is really enjoying being able to utilise her skills and is very happy to have an opportunity to work with such an amazing and innovative team.

Outside of work she enjoys a variety of outdoor activities and especially loves hiking across the different national parks with family and friends.