In 2006, she achieved FRANZCOG accreditation and obtained her Masters of Reproductive Surgery from UNSW in 2014.
A/Prof Ang’s pursuit of excellence led her to become a Clinical Research Fellow at the John Radcliffe Hospital and the University of Oxford. She further honed her skills through an advanced laparoscopic fellowship at the esteemed CHU, Clermont-Ferrand, France. Since 2009, she has held the position of Head of Gynaecology Unit 1 at the Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne.
A/Prof Ang has a wealth of experience in gynaecological surgery and is recognised for her work in endoscopic surgery. She has subspecialty interests in infertility, particularly the surgical management of endometriosis and fibroid disease, and she continues to innovate in these fields. Her leadership extends to her roles at the Royal Women’s Hospital as Head of Gynaecology Unit 1 and Director of the AATP Gynaecological Endoscopy Fellowship, where she is deeply involved in training the next generation of gynaecological surgeons.
The Age interviewed a few of us at the end of medical school; I said I wanted to be a country obstetrician/gynaecologist. Then when I first saw laparoscopic gynaecological surgery in action, that was it – I knew that’s what I wanted to do. I spent 4 years organising my fellowship in the best centre in the world at the time, in Clermont-Ferrand, France. Oxford was just the icing on the cake really. Now I look back and think I must have been crazy to dream of doing all those things when in your 20s but why not!
Despite it being thought of as “radical” or “last resort”, I think a vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy is a wonderful operation for the right patient. It is so definitive and it is the operation I most often hear from patients as “life-changing”. That said, the most professionally satisfying cases are the complex ones—severe stage IV endometriosis or a “frozen pelvis.” There’s a unique challenge in carefully untangling abnormal anatomy, layer by layer, until the pelvis resembles normal anatomy again. It’s an incredibly rewarding process to restore function and relieve pain for patients in such profound ways. And I’ll admit, it’s an absolute ego boost when a patient falls pregnant as a result of my surgery. Those moments are incredibly rewarding and remind me why I do what I do.
I’ve been fortunate to have several mentors who profoundly shaped my career. My first boss, Mr Joe Onwude, was an exceptional influence. At a time when it was uncommon, he stood out as a man of colour practising in the NHS and later daring to branch into private practice . He also ventured into statistics and epidemiology which has had a lasting impact on my approach to patient care. His endless curiosity and determination to explore new avenues made me think I must never rest on my laurels!
Assoc. Prof. Les Reti was another pivotal figure, whose commitment to excellence in gynaecological surgery and leadership in Quality and Safety at the Women’s, have had a lasting impact on my approach to patient care. His humility and dedication to improving systems and outcomes remain a constant source of inspiration.
Finally, Dr Hubert Manhes – he was a true pioneer in gynaecological laparoscopy. In 1977, he published his laparoscopic approach to ectopic pregnancy, a groundbreaking advancement at the time but for which he was ostracised by his peers. His willingness to challenge conventional methods, “swim against the stream” and his perseverance in the face of skepticism have taught me the importance of innovation and resilience in advancing patient care.
When the opportunity for the Head of Unit role came up, I didn’t even think about applying—I thought I was too young, and it simply wasn’t on my radar, especially as I was pregnant with our 3rd child . Luckily, I had a couple of incredible mentors (Thank you Les & Marcus) who encouraged me to see the possibilities. I had a, sort of, Obama moment—“Yes we can”— became “Yes I can.” If you never, never try, you’ll never, never know.
I like gardening and for all my plants to have a culinary purpose. Unfortunately, plants don’t always feel the same way about me! I used to grow black truffles and was one of the first “hobby” farmers in Victoria. Now I just like to eat them.
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