In Good Hands: Building surgical excellence in North Queensland

When Dr Janani Krishnan arrived in Townsville, she brought with her a rare blend of international expertise, surgical precision, and a deep commitment to improving regional health outcomes.

In just a few years, she has transformed paediatric surgical care in North Queensland, not only by expanding access to high-quality procedures for children across the region but also by pioneering Queensland’s first paediatric robotic surgery on the Da Vinci Xi system in the public health sector.

From performing life-changing operations to mentoring the next generation of clinicians, Dr Krishnan exemplifies the power of placing highly skilled specialists in regional centres.

Now a Consultant Paediatric Surgeon and Paediatric Urologist, Dr Krishnan is a leader in her field and a shining example of how regional training, strong mentorship and innovation in rural medicine can transform not just careers, but lives.

From Mumbai to the North: A Surgical Journey

Dr Krishnan knew early on she wanted to be a surgeon.

“I always wanted to be a surgeon right from school (thanks to medical fiction), but an internship posting in a busy rural children’s hospital in India made my decision easy,” she says.

“Fascinating pathologies, fine skills required, ability to operate on a wide range of systems and provide a lifetime of change in little patients.”

After training in India, she sought international experience, completing a paediatric urology fellowship at Sydney Children’s Hospital, before pursuing her FRACS.

It was a move to North Queensland, however, that brought her work deeper meaning and greater impact.

“I had heard about the department being very collegiate and supportive, headed by Dr Harry Stalewski,” she says. “I was keen to work and see how I would fit in. I have loved it since I’ve been here.”

Breaking Barriers in Robotic Surgery

She’s since made her mark, most notably becoming the first paediatric surgeon in Queensland, and the second in Australia, to perform robotic surgery on the Da Vinci Xi system.

“Since 2010, I’ve been fascinated by what the robotic arm offers,” she says. “In 2017, I was awarded a scholarship by Sydney Children’s Hospital to train in paediatric robotic urology at the University of Chicago. It’s taken years of work, persistence, upskilling and breaking barriers to make it happen, and I’m glad I could do it in Townsville.”

Making it happen wasn’t a solo effort.

“We had to work it all from scratch,” Dr Krishnan explains.

“I’ve been very fortunate to be surrounded by excellent teams — the CEO of Townsville Hospital Mr Kieran Keyes, CEO of Mater Hospital, and my Director Dr Harry Stalewski. Our paediatric anaesthetic team, Dr David Stoeter and Dr Priya Sreedharan, were equally invested in ensuring safe translation of a vision to reality.”

Now, Dr Krishnan delivers specialist care across Townsville and Cairns, giving families the chance to access high-quality surgical treatment without leaving the region.

“I have the opportunity to provide a service and make a difference to the regions in need,” she says.

“I have been fortunate to be provided with the encouragement and support to perform highly skilled minimal access surgery, including robotics. I don’t feel like another cog in the wheel and I’m glad I can contribute to providing high quality healthcare to the children in North Queensland.”

Mentorship, Education, and a Message to the Next Generation

Beyond surgery, Dr Krishnan is equally passionate about medical education, currently undertaking a Master’s in Surgical Education through the University of Melbourne.

As a senior lecturer at JCU and a supervisor and examiner for paediatric surgical training, she’s committed to doing education “right.”

“Medicine is changing at a speed we’ve never seen before,” she says. “Being able to keep up with the changing needs of the community, innovation and science is imperative. Hence the method of delivery of education is equally important.”

Her advice to junior doctors and medical students?

“A career in surgery is intense and demanding. It involves a lot of hard work, but it is absolutely fascinating. For those who are passionate about the field, I absolutely encourage it.”

And when it comes to balancing career and life, Dr Krishnan is clear.

“Being a mum, a wife, a daughter, surgeon, educator — we can assume all these roles and do it well. It is possible to have a work-life balance as a surgeon — it is how you want to shape your career.”

With NQRTH helping pave the way and mentors like Dr Krishnan leading by example, the future of medicine in northern Queensland is in capable and compassionate hands.