The Craniofacial Team at Westmead
Our team is made up of many different specialists. Your child is in safe and caring hands.
We have experience and know-how on our side across nursing, surgery, and speech and hearing.
Associate Professor Damian Marucci, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
A/Prof Marucci has degrees in Medicine, Surgery and Arts as well as a PhD in Surgery, all from the University of Sydney where he is an Associate Professor. After completing his training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Sydney, he did fellowships in Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery in Oxford and later Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London.
A/Prof Damian Marucci has been a member of the Craniofacial Service at the Sydney Children's Hospitals 星空体育 since 2007 based at the Children's Hospital at Westmead campus. As part of the craniofacial service, he most commonly treats children with craniosynostosis and various causes of facial difference. His main research interests include using the 3D imaging to assess surgical outcomes of craniofacial surgery. A/Prof Marucci teaches advanced surgical anatomy as part of the Masters in Surgery course at the University of Sydney
Dr Gemma Olsson, Neurosurgeon
Dr Gemma Olsson is a senior paediatric and adult neurosurgeon, with a decade鈥檚 specialist experience in paediatric and adult neurosurgery. She completed bachelor degrees in medicine and surgery and science at the University of Queensland prior to completing her neurosurgical training in posts in Queensland and South Australia.
Gemma commenced work in Sydney in 2013 to further her paediatric, epilepsy and vascular interests. Having chosen to pursue paediatric work in particular with her current appointment at the Childrens Hospital at Westmead, Gemma also operates and consults at Westmead Public hospital and Westmead Private Hospital.
Dr Olsson has research and advocacy interests in diversity and teaching and is an executive member of the NSW RACS State committee and board member of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia.
Dr Olssons role with the craniofacial service is neurosurgical care of children with craniofacial conditions involving surgery that requires a neurosurgical part.
Prof Christopher R. Forrest MD, MSc, FRCSC, FACS
Christopher R. Forrest is a Professor in the Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Toronto and is the Medical Director of the Craniofacial Program at the Hospital for Sick Children.
He received his medical training at the University of Toronto and completed his fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery also at the University of Toronto in 1990. He is a graduate of the Surgeon Scientist Program at the University of Toronto and received post graduate fellowship training in the area of adult and paediatric craniomaxillofacial surgery.
After completing fellowships in paediatric and adult craniofacial surgery and aesthetic surgery, he started his university appointment at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in 1993 and moved to the Hospital for Sick Children in 1999 as the Medical Director of the Craniofacial Program. He is an internationally recognized expert in paediatric craniofacial disorders and has trained fellows from all around the world.
Dr. Forrest became the chief of the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive in January 2003 and stepped down from this position in October 2022 after almost 20 years. During his tenure, the division grew from 5 to 10 full time academic staff making it the largest division of paediatric plastic surgeons in North America with internationally recognized expertise in all aspects of paediatric care.
After almost 2 years as the interim Chair, he was appointed Chair of the Division of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, Department of Surgery, at the University of Toronto in 2013 and stepped down in October 2022 after 12 years at the helm. He has published over 210 peer reviewed papers and has authored several book chapters. He has research interests in surgical simulation, global outreach, patient reported outcome measures and the application of surgical robotics in craniofacial surgery. Dr. Forrest has just completed a 12 month sabbatical at Sydney Children鈥檚 Hospital 星空体育, Sydney, Australia and has returned to his position at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto. He continues to remain as part of the team at SCHN and participates in clinical care by zoom and in-person site visits.
Dr Donald Innes, Anaesthetist
Dr Donald Innes is one of the consultant craniofacial anaesthetists on the service. He graduated from the University of Newcastle in both Medine and Medical Science. He completed a Fellowship in Paediatric Anaesthesia at the Children's Hospital at Westmead before being appointed to the staff.
He has over 20 years of experience in complex craniofacial anaesthesia. His other clinical interests include massive transfusion management, difficult airway management and anaesthesia in cardiac patients for non-cardiac surgery. His non clinical interests include health and fitness, looking after his kids and walking his dog.
Other staff:
- Imelda Behringer - Clinic Co-ordinator
- David Fitzsimons - Speech Therapist
- Nicole Coburn - Clinical Nurse Consultant
- Paul De Sensi - Clinical Photography
- Dr Ji Heo - Anaesthetist
- Thomas Paine - Orthotist
- Dr Aziz Sahu-Khan - Orthodontist
- Dr Hugo Lee - Ophthalmologist