For Dr Wilson Petrushnko, receiving the 2024 RACS Colorectal Fellowship through the Rural Surgery Fellowship for Provincial Surgeons was more than a personal achievement. It was a pivotal step for his long-term goals. 

“It broadened my skill set and expanded options for patients, especially in regional areas where travelling long distances is challenging. Being able to offer services typically available only at tertiary hospitals is invaluable,” he says.

Fellowship focus 
Dr Petrushnko’s Fellowship focused on acquiring skills in robotic surgery training, deepening his expertise in rectal cancer management and resection, and developing the capability to run an anal physiology clinic. “I chose these topics because of its immediate relevance to patients in rural areas,” he says. 

He is already integrating these skills, performing monthly robotic surgeries in Port Macquarie, with plans to expand this service to Coffs Harbour.

“Colorectal conditions, particularly cancer, are not uncommon. We are also seeing an increase in younger patients diagnosed with bowel cancer, yet access to advanced surgical options outside metropolitan centres is limited. Currently, no one in Coffs Harbour provides robotic colorectal surgery and anal manometry services, and with an ageing population, that gap is significant.”

With these capabilities, Dr Petrushnko hopes patients suffering from faecal incontinence will finally receive answers and appropriate treatment. This will help ensure that rural patients have access to the same standard of care as those in the city.

Shaping a more equitable future for surgery
The impact of Dr Petrushnko’s training is twofold. Firstly, it directly benefits patients, who now have access to advanced surgical care without the burden of travelling long distances. He hopes individuals suffering from conditions like faecal incontinence will finally get answers and appropriate treatment close to home.

Secondly, he is an advocate for the integration of modern technology in Australian surgery. "Robotic surgery is something that we can't ignore anymore," he says, confident that ongoing evidence will confirm its benefits. By pioneering these techniques in a regional setting, he is helping shape a more equitable and advanced future for surgical care across the country.
Beyond the technical skills, the Fellowship also helped him to develop a valuable professional network. “When there are presentations or complex cases, it’s easier to phone a friend for advice.

And ultimately, that goes a long way towards helping the patient,” he says.

From a fascination with science to a passion for surgery
Growing up in the western suburbs of Sydney, Dr Petrushnko was always fascinated by science—first in high school and then at university. “My early fascination with problem-solving and precision led me to medicine. The opportunity to use those skills to improve lives was compelling, making the decision to pursue a medical career an easy one.”

He gravitated towards surgery because it combined hands-on practical work with scientific research. “I enjoy the practical aspects of surgery, as well as applying research to achieve the best outcomes for patients.”

Words of encouragement for the aspiring 
For those considering applying for a RACS scholarship, Dr Petrushnko’s advice is simple. “I think it’s never too late, and we should always challenge ourselves. Put yourself out there and be willing to learn new techniques and skills. Ultimately, everything you learn benefits patients, and that’s our primary goal: to deliver the best patient care.”

Work, teaching and life beyond
Now practising in Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie, Dr Petrushnko seamlessly integrates teaching into his schedule, mentoring students from the University of Wollongong and UNSW, Sydney.

In 2023, he was awarded the 2023 Excellence in Surgical Teaching Award. He considers mentoring as an essential responsibility—drawing on the guidance he received from his own mentors and passing on the practical skills and techniques to the next generation of surgeons.

Outside the hospital, life revolves around his family. With his wife and two young boys aged five and two, he enjoys the outdoors and is a keen fisherman. "Whenever we have the opportunity, I take them fishing," he says. 

Dr Petrushnko also enjoys tending to his property—mowing and planting—and finds quiet focus in a game of chess, creating a perfect balance.