Meet Dr Alan Tien

13 Apr 2017

13 April 2017

General surgery is a surgical specialty providing expertise across a variety of areas. 

We spoke to Dr Tien to find out about how his work, his biggest successes and the new service he has established in Narrogin to bring surgical services to rural patients. 

What attracted you to general surgery?

General surgery deals with multiple organ systems so you see a wide variety of conditions. 

It is a specialty that not only requires medical knowledge to make a diagnosis, but is also very hands on with intervention providing immediate results, which is wonderful for the patients and rewarding for the surgeon.

Can you tell us about the service you have established in Narrogin?

Access to clinical services for country patients is always challenging. 

To see a surgeon and receive treatment often involves travel to Perth and days away from family.

This is the predicament facing many Narrogin residents seeking surgery since their local surgeon retired. 

To provide surgical services for Narrogin residents closer to home, our surgical group at SJG Mt Lawley Hospital makes a monthly trip to Narrogin Hospital to provide outpatient consults, surgery and endoscopy procedures.

What has been your biggest patient success?

My biggest patient success is seeing the smiles on my patients’ and their families’ faces after surgery that replaces the anxiety, fear and pain they may feel when they come to see me.

What piece of advice do you share with your patients?

In the age of the internet, it is easy to access information.  However, you have to be careful what you read on the internet.  

If you have any medical concerns, it is always best to discuss them with a medical practitioner.

• Find out more about Dr Alan Tien in our Find a Doctor section