Dr Suat Chin Ng, FRACS, is among a small number of women colorectal surgeons in Victoria. Reflecting on her journey in a traditionally male-dominated field, she says, “Although surgery has its set stereotypes, my path has been supported by incredible mentors and colleagues.”

Among just “nine or 10” women colorectal surgeons in Victoria, Dr Ng credits her mentors at St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, where she received foundational training and inspiration. She later refined her surgical precision under the guidance of the senior team at Box Hill Hospital. She also acknowledges the invaluable support of her sister, a fellow surgeon, whose shared experiences and encouragement have been a constant source of strength. “Working alongside skilled and compassionate colleagues made the long hours easier, thanks to their support and shared humour.”

Drawn to surgery
Dr Ng discovered her passion for colorectal surgery during her internship at St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne. Observing experienced surgeons inspired her. “It wasn’t just their technical ability, but their care for patients, dedication, and above all, their genuine humanity,” she recalls.

From a young age, Dr Ng enjoyed work “that combines thinking and drawing, building, and tinkering with small projects”. She found in surgery a discipline that blends creativity, structure, and compassion—where craftsmanship meets care. 

“The anatomy is beautiful but unforgiving. You must be in the right plane, or it bleeds. I relish the exactness—every movement must have purpose and care, because it reflects respect for the patient,” she says.

Global training and experience
Born in Malaysia, Dr Ng won a scholarship to study in Singapore and then studied Chinese medicine in China before moving to Australia for her surgical training. 

She later gained specialist experience in both Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, including a Fellowship in Christchurch where she managed complex cancer cases. Her exposure to high-volume cancer units gave her a strong foundation in oncological principles, which continues to underpin her work. 

Today, Dr Ng focuses on colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), pelvic floor disorders, advanced colonoscopy and proctology at St Vincent’s and Eastern Health in Melbourne. Her practice reflects a comprehensive yet focused approach—integrating surgical precision with patient centred care. 

Dr Ng remains at the forefront of her field by staying up to date with the latest advancements. She recently participated in the Tripartite Colorectal Meeting in Paris, which brought together leading surgeons from Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, Europe, and the US. There, she explored cutting-edge research, including the ALASCCA trial—focused on patients with a PIK3CA gene mutation. 

“The study found a daily dose of aspirin reduced the risk of cancer recurrence by 55 per cent in these patients. Surgery and chemotherapy remain part of treatment if needed, but aspirin acts as a preventative measure for this specific genetic mutation—an excellent example of personalised medicine using genetic information to guide care.”

Her strong commitment to evidence-based practice ensures that each patient benefits from the latest research, applied with empathy and individualised attention. 

In both cancer and IBD care, she works closely with oncologists, gastroenterologists, radiologists, and pathologists. “Multidisciplinary care is central to giving patients the best outcome.” 

Compassion and respect as guide 
Dr Ng’s Buddhist faith and its principle of compassion form the foundation of her approach. She sees compassion as the direct path to earning respect—a value she extends to everyone, "from seniors to cleaners.”

Guided by this philosophy, she listens as closely as she operates—speaking clearly and recognising each patient’s unique background.

This commitment was reinforced during her 2019 mission to Nepal with Open Heart International, where she joined a team of volunteers to provide critical surgery for people with burn injuries. They stayed in basic accommodation and walked a long way to the hospital each day.

The first week was spent operating on patients. The second week focused on follow-up care and dressing changes. Resources were limited—relying on older equipment donated from Australian hospitals. At times, she had to improvise, building a vacuum dressing from local tubing when a pre-made one was unavailable.

“It reminded me how fortunate we are with resources we often take for granted,” Dr Ng says. “Being adaptable and thoughtful can change outcomes. It was a humbling experience that reinforced how surgery is about compassion, attentiveness, and problem-solving.

“Even now, the experience stays with me. It taught me the importance of supporting others, teaching whenever possible, and making the most of available resources to make a real difference in people’s lives.”

She reflects that these experiences strengthened her ability to remain calm and precise under pressure—qualities essential in complex cancer and pelvic surgery. 

Another defining moment came when a close friend was diagnosed with bowel cancer. The experience taught her the importance of understanding patients’ fears and guiding them with compassion.

Mentorship and change 
As a mentor, Dr Ng champions authenticity. Her advice to women entering surgery is: “Don’t feel you need to fit someone else’s idea of what a woman surgeon should be.”

She sees surgery becoming more inclusive, with stronger support networks and flexible training pathways benefiting everyone.

At Box Hill, she continues to mentor registrars and Fellows, sharing technical insights and human aspects of surgical care. 

Dr Ng places equal importance on technical skill and emotional intelligence. While a surgeon may hold a patient’s life in their hands, it’s the ability to read body language, tone, and unspoken concerns that elevates a competent technician into an exceptional healer. 

For her, this blend of technical precision, humility, and empathy is what truly defines the modern surgeon.