SWIFT GP Education Night | Beyond the Symptoms

Lineup

• More details about Dr Prashanth Rao, MBBS, MS, DNB, FRACS (Neurosurgery), PhD | Brain & Spine Surgeon

  Dr Prashanth Rao, MBBS, MS, DNB, FRACS (Neurosurgery), PhD | Brain & Spine Surgeon

  Dr Prashanth Rao is a highly qualified, Australian-trained Neurosurgeon and Spine Surgeon with extensive experience in the management of complex spinal and neurological conditions. Based in Sydney, he specialises in minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgery, motion-preserving techniques, spinal tumours and complex spinal disorders, with a strong commitment to personalised, patient-centred care. Dr Rao completed his medical degree at Bangalore Medical College and Master of Surgery at Gujarat University in India before undertaking specialist neurosurgical training across several leading Australian hospitals, including Westmead Hospital, Royal North Shore Hospital, Prince of Wales Hospital and The Canberra Hospital. He obtained his Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in Neurosurgery in 2016 and completed a PhD in Spine at the University of New South Wales. Further advancing his expertise, Dr Rao undertook specialised training in minimally invasive spine surgery, spinal tumours and complex spinal surgery at Royal Adelaide Hospital, followed by training in peripheral nerve surgery at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in London. Alongside his clinical practice, Dr Rao is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the University of New South Wales, where he contributes to neurosurgical research and education. His research interests include degenerative spinal disorders, spinal cord injuries, brain tumours and innovative surgical techniques. He has contributed extensively to peer-reviewed scientific publications and ongoing research aimed at improving surgical approaches and patient outcomes. Recognised for his interest in advancing minimally invasive spinal surgery, Dr Rao combines contemporary surgical techniques with evidence-based practice and a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. He is passionate about improving treatment options, supporting clinical education and helping patients achieve better long-term outcomes through individualised care.

• More details about Dr Kartheek Garikapati | General Cardiologist MBBS, FRACP, MPhil

  Dr Kartheek Garikapati | General Cardiologist MBBS, FRACP, MPhil

  Dr Kartheek Garikapati is a cardiologist consulting with Hills Specialist Group and Penrith Specialist Group in Western Sydney. He has contributed to published cardiovascular research, particularly in cardiac arrhythmias, electrophysiology and the use of wearable and handheld ECG technologies for detecting and managing abnormal heart rhythms. His research includes work published in Heart, Lung and Circulation and the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC). At the SWIFT GP Education Night, Dr Garikapati will present on Atrial Fibrillation, an important topic in general practice and cardiovascular care.

• More details about Dr Balveena Dhaliwal | Emergency Physician & Toxicologist FACEM

  Dr Balveena Dhaliwal | Emergency Physician & Toxicologist FACEM

  Dr Balveena Dhaliwal is a Specialist Emergency Physician and Fellow of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (FACEM), with expertise in emergency medicine and clinical toxicology. Her clinical work encompasses the assessment and management of acute medical presentations, including poisoning, toxic exposures and other potentially life-threatening emergencies. Combining her background in emergency medicine with a focus on toxicology, Dr Dhaliwal brings a valuable perspective to the recognition, investigation and management of poisoning-related presentations. Her areas of expertise are particularly relevant to general practitioners, who play an important role in identifying early warning signs, initiating appropriate management and determining when urgent escalation of care is required. At SWIFT's GP Education Night, Dr Dhaliwal will present "Mushroom Poisoning: Recognition, Clinical Course & Management," exploring the challenges associated with identifying potentially toxic mushroom exposures, recognising evolving clinical symptoms and understanding the importance of timely assessment and intervention. Her presentation will provide practical insights into the different clinical manifestations of mushroom poisoning, initial management priorities and the circumstances requiring specialist toxicology advice or emergency department referral. Through her specialist perspective, Dr Dhaliwal aims to strengthen clinical awareness and support informed decision-making when managing suspected poisoning presentations, helping clinicians recognise potentially serious exposures and facilitate appropriate patient care.