Dr Michael Gattas
Clinical geneticist expands services
to new home at Greenslopes
One of Brisbane’s most
sought-after genetic
specialists has relocated
to Greenslopes Private
Hospital.
Clinical geneticist Dr Michael Gattas is
now based at the new Nicholson Street
Specialist Centre.
The specialist said the expansion into the
bigger space had enabled him to employ
a genetic counsellor so patients could be
seen sooner.
“Waiting for an appointment is not
empowering people to make the sorts of
choices they want to,” he said.
The additional service, named Wellspring
Genetics, offers prenatal genetic
screening and a well adult clinic for those
interested in gene testing to predict if
they may have a future health problem.
Patients can be seen and tested by the
genetic counsellor without a referral, but
all diagnostic questions will still require a
referral to see Dr Gattas.
The specialist works with several
California-based companies to conduct
a range of tests, because they cost
about half the price of those available in
Australia.
The most common are breast and colon
cancer gene screening, but pre-natal is
also becoming increasingly popular with
couples wanting to start a family.
Dr Gattas said the appeal of genetic
testing was that it gave people options.
“You can be more proactive with your
health like your breast screening if you’ve
inherited a high-risk breast cancer gene,”
he said.
“It doesn’t mean you have to get a
preventative mastectomy, although some
people will choose to do that.”
Dr Gattas said he saw the role of genetic
counsellors as an important one for
doctors and patients, because they were
affordable and more frequently available
than specialists.
“I see this as something that assists or
enhances the role of GPs in providing
better care rather than undermining or
having them think this is going to stop
patients from talking to them about these
issues,” he said.
“The genetic counsellor writes back
to GPs using Medical Objects (a
secure format for transferring medical
information), while patients are sent a
summary letter.”
“It is the GP that then has the opportunity
to incorporate these results into the care
of that individual and their family.”
Dr Gattas said he also wanted people
to know there was very affordable gene
testing available.
“Anyone can now make an appointment
for genetic testing with genetic
counselling,” he said.
“Genetic testing can provide patients
with choices for better health and
prevention.”
Brisbane Genetics and Wellspring
Genetics is located at Nicholson Street
Specialist Centre Level 7, Suite 107
Greenslopes Private Hospital.
greenslopesprivate.com.au | 5