Dr David Addenbrooke grew up on the NSW North Coast, receiving his primary and high school education in Alstonville, then studying medicine at the University of NSW in Sydney. He combined his medical studies with an arts degree in English literature and graduated in 2005. During his medical training, David delivered his first baby and from that moment directed his career towards Obstetrics and Women's Health.
David was accepted into specialist training in 2008 with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG). During specialist training, he acquired advanced skills as a registrar at The Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Gold Coast University Hospital and subsequently as senior registrar at St George Hospital (Sydney).
He continued his commitment to rural health, with appointments at peripheral hospitals including Lismore, Hervey Bay, Armidale, Wagga Wagga, Griffith, Bendigo, Launceston and Hobart. His intention, however, has always been to return to the Northern Rivers for long-term practice. This has been realised with his recent appointment as a VMO Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Lismore Base and Ballina Hospitals
David has experience in the full range of Women's Health sub-specialties, including high risk pregnancy management, infertility, urogynaecology (bladder and prolapse concerns) and gynaecological cancer surgery. He has a special interest in promoting natural birth experiences, including offering "Natural Caesarean", vaginal birth after Caesarean (including multiple Caesareans) and lotus birth.
In addition to traditional one-to-one Obstetrician care, David is committed to collaboration with midwives to offer women options for joint models of care whilst retaining the reassurance of his support should a crisis occur in labour.
His other interest is in non-invasive surgery. He is skilled in complex laparoscopic surgery, including advanced endometriosis excision. For the first time in the Northern Rivers, Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH) will be offered to women under David's care - avoiding the need, in many patients, for traditional open incisions. Women undergoing TLH will often be pain free and ready for discharge on the day following surgery and enjoy a much more rapid recovery compared with open hysterectomy.
David also offers a wide range of vaginal surgeries for prolapse and bladder incontinence, including advanced procedures such as sacrospinous fixation, paravaginal repair and tension free vaginal tapes.
David has commenced private practice and is working in association with Dr Phillip Steele, from his rooms located at 62 Diadem St, Lismore. David and Phil will share private obstetric cover on week-ends.
David is happy to talk to GPs about any aspect of obstetric or gynaecological care. He can be reached via his rooms in Lismore and additional informaiton is available from his website.
