Media Release
Sydney, July 29: Nepean Hospital in Sydney is achieving a major milestone in women’s healthcare, as Dr Caroline Ruth Mathias—of Mangalorean origin—becomes one of Australia’s first public sector advanced gynaecological surgery fellows to be formally trained in robotic surgery.
Dr Mathias is breaking new ground as part of Nepean Hospital’s Advanced Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgical Training Program in Gynaecology, which is one of the few public initiatives in Australia offering robotic-assisted gynaecological surgery.
The program is revolutionizing patient care by providing:
- Shorter recovery times
- Minimal post-operative pain
- Reduced hospital stays
- Enhanced outcomes for complex procedures such as hysterectomies and treatment for advanced endometriosis
“If robotic surgery isn’t already the present, it’s definitely the future — and Nepean has really led the way in bringing it into the public sector,” said Dr Caroline Ruth Mathias of Nepean Hospital.
A global journey in medicine
Born and raised in Abu Dhabi, Dr Mathias undertook medical school and obstetrics and gynaecology training at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. She then moved to Australia to advance her expertise, and is currently completing her advanced gynaecological surgery fellowship at Nepean Hospital.
Dr Mathias operates using the Da Vinci Robotic Surgical System, a cutting-edge platform enabling surgeons to perform highly intricate procedures with improved precision and patient comfort.
Pioneering surgical training
Under the supervision of Professor George Condous and Dr Naman Dahiya, the training program prepares the next generation of robotic surgeons for Australia’s public health system. Unlike conventional surgical training, Nepean’s unique dual-console robotic system allows:
- Real-time supervision
- Direct, hands-on experience for fellows
“I’ve been looking at this program for the entirety of my training and I feel privileged to be part of it,” said Dr Mathias.
Dr Dahiya notes, “We’re only the second or third public hospital in the country offering robotic-assisted gynaecological surgery. What makes it truly special is the team’s dedication to both excellence in care and high-quality training.”
Transforming patient outcomes
Thanks to the collaborative expertise of Nepean’s dedicated team, patient experiences and outcomes have been transformed:
- Surgeries that previously required long hospital stays are now completed with far less discomfort.
- Many patients return home the same day, reflecting remarkable advancements in minimally invasive care.
Nepean Hospital is on track to complete 2,000 robotic procedures by the end of 2025, with about 60 public gynaecological cases already counted amongst them.
A source of community pride
Dr Mathias’s pioneering role is celebrated by the Mangalorean community and beyond for her dedication, skill, and commitment to patient-centered care. Nepean Hospital’s ongoing culture of teamwork and innovation continues to set a benchmark for excellence in Australian public health.