Dr Craig Timms

Dr Craig Timms finished his Medical Degree at the University of  Tasmania in 1996. He moved to Melbourne in 1998 to commence work at The Alfred Hospital. It was here that Craig worked under the renowned Neurosurgeon, Dr Kevin Sui, which ultimately led to his interest, training and career in neurosurgery.

After completion of basic surgical training in 2001, Neurosurgical registrar experience was gained at St Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne as well as Monash Medical Centre in Clayton over several years.  Craig completed his Neurosurgical training, which included a year of clinical research and a Master of Surgery, in 2007. Working at busy Tertiary hospitals, with different patient demographics, has provided Craig with a breadth of neurosurgical experience, ranging from treating life-threatening traumatic brain and spinal injuries, which requires focus under extreme pressure, to managing patients with acute bulging discs and those with chronic spinal degenerative conditions.

Craig retains a love of learning new techniques in neurosurgery, particularly with the rise in surgery assistive technology, but also a passion for teaching. He completed a Masters of Surgical Education in 2015 with a view to mentoring and teaching the next generation of neurosurgical trainees. Teaching the next generation of neurosurgeons requires him to stay up to date with the latest advances in neurosurgical techniques and treatments in order to demonstrate, train and supervise neurosurgical trainees. Craig was appointed supervisor in ‘Surgical Education and Training’ by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in 2016.

Completing a Masters of Surgical Education has also helped hone and refine Craig’s patient communication skills. He takes his time to
explain things clearly and thoroughly, making patients feel like they are informed and their questions are answered.