About: Dr Catherine Banks

My Story

Every surgeon has a story, and mine is guided by a simple philosophy: we are shaped not only by our mentors but also by our patients. It is a privilege to practice ENT surgery, and this belief drives everything I do at MY-ENT.

 

International Training That Made the Difference​

My journey to becoming an ENT specialist took me from Auckland University (MBChB 2000) to some of the world's most prestigious medical institutions. The turning point came during my fellowship training, first at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (2017-2018), where I worked alongside Dr. Brad Woodworth. This experience was transformative—serving a population of over 14 million people provided hands-on surgical experience that simply isn't available in Australia. The volume and complexity of cases I encountered there accelerated my learning in ways I never imagined possible.

Following UAB, I continued my fellowship training at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary (2018-2019). Walking through those historic corridors where medical breakthroughs had been made for generations, I knew I was exactly where I needed to be. These international experiences didn't just enhance my surgical skills; they gave me a global perspective on what's possible in ENT surgery.

​

Building Excellence: Research and Innovation

Today, I'm proud to be an NHMRC PhD candidate investigating stem cell treatments for sinus diseases—research that could fundamentally change how we treat airway disease. With over 30 peer-reviewed publications and roles as a international journal reviewer, I'm committed to advancing ENT surgery through evidence-based innovation.

One of my proudest achievements has been co-founding the Base of Skull Service (BOSS) at Sydney Children's Hospital, securing $3million in funding to advance pediatric skull base surgery. This multidisciplinary service brings together the best minds in neurosurgery, oculoplastics, and ENT surgery to tackle the most complex cases.

​

Shaping the Future

As Supervisor of Training at Sydney Children's Hospital and a newly appointed RACS examiner for 2025, I have the privilege of training the next generation of ENT surgeons. I am the Co-Director with Dr Ben Bleier (Mass Eye and Ear) Harvard Medical School for the International Endoscopic Orbital & Skullbase Workshop, were with the work I did on my fellowship at Harvard I was able to implant a tumour simulator that interpolated in and around the neurovascular structures in the orbit, eye and brain, bringing together Neurosurgeons, Occuloplastic and ENT specialists from around the world to advance surgical techniques and patient care.

​

The MY-ENT Difference

MY-ENT represents the culmination of everything I've learned about providing exceptional patient care. We combine cutting-edge surgical techniques gained from international training with genuine compassion and understanding. Whether I'm operating at Sydney Children's Hospital, Prince of Wales Hospital, or in private practice at Prince of Wales Private and St Luke's Private hospitals, the standard of care remains consistently world-class.

What sets us apart is our commitment to patient-centered excellence. We don't just treat conditions—we care for people. Our patient portal system provides comprehensive, tailored information because I believe informed patients achieve better outcomes.

​

Beyond the Operating Room

My commitment extends beyond individual patient care to broader advocacy. Through media engagements, including Channel 9 News features and patient family interviews, I work to raise awareness about innovative ENT treatments and help families understand that solutions exist for complex conditions.

​

Core Values

Three principles guide everything I do: Excellence in Patient Care through compassion and cutting-edge techniques, Commitment to Innovation via research and education, and a Collaborative Approach that brings together the best minds for optimal patient outcomes.

​

Looking Forward

The journey from Auckland to UAB to Harvard, from trainee to trainer, from researcher to clinician, has been remarkable. But what excites me most is that this is just the beginning. There are still patients to help, research to conduct, and innovations to develop.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about my journey. I look forward to the opportunity to be part of yours.

​