A/Prof James Symons

Practices

Profile

Dr Symons is an experienced urologist offering minimally-invasive treatments for complex urological problems, including laparoscopic and robotic procedures. James has long held interest in improving men's health, particularly in disorders of the prostate / bladder and male voiding dysfunction.

Dr Symons was one of the driving forces behind safer prostate cancer detection, writing the landmark paper on transperineal prostate biopsy in 2013 and the definitive chapter in the Hinman's Atlas of Urological Surgery.

Treatments offered include medical, lifestyle and minimally invasive surgical management plans for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Prostate cancer is managed in a modern multi-disciplinary setting and aims to minimise the morbidity (and anxiety) of the disease and its treatment. Dr Symons strongly believes in a collaborative approach and works closely with expert oncologists, pathologists, radiologists and a broad allied health support team. He is chair of the San Prostate Multidisciplinary Team (MDT).

Dr Symons believes in tailoring a patient's care to their own unique circumstances, and strives to ensure that patients are fully informed and actively involved in the decision-making process. Prostate cancer patients treated at the San have additional support through the Prostate Cancer Centre of Excellence.

In addition to his clinical interests, James is involved in current research and education. He is the Co-Director of the San Prostate Centre of Excellence, and Director of Australian Clinical Trials, a private research group at the forefront of prostate-related research. He holds academic appointments with both a Senior Lecturer at the Australian National University and the University of Sydney. The latter is his alma mater, where he now leads the Surgical Endoscopy program in the Master of Surgery degree.

Dr Symons is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, a faculty member at the University of Sydney, a founding member of the St Vincent's Community Hospital Medical Advisory Committee, and holds membership with the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand, Australian Medical Association, European Association of Urology, American Urological Association, Australian - Canadian Prostate Cancer Research Alliance, International Continence Society, Academy of Surgical Educators, and Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Glasgow.

Areas of interest:

• Robotic & Laparoscopic Surgery
• Prostate, Kidney, and Bladder Problems
• Family Planning (including Microsurgical Vasectomy Reversal)
• Medical Education & Research

Hospitals