Obstetrician
Dr Shavi Fernando
MBBS(Hons), BMedSc(Hons), PhD, FRANZCOG
Biography
Dr Fernando completed a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) with honours and a Bachelor of Medical Science (BMedSc) with First Class Honours at Monash University in 2007. He subsequently underwent specialist training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology through Monash Health and was awarded a prestigious NHMRC Fellowship to support his PhD research in gynaecology.
Clinical Focus & Expertise
Dr Fernando offers a broad scope of care across women’s health, with particular strengths in:
- General and high-risk obstetrics: managing twin pregnancies, vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC), gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders and pregnancies following fertility treatment.
- Patient-centred & holistic care: he emphasises open communication, explaining complex conditions in accessible language and tailoring plans to each woman’s goals.
Dr Fernando is regularly entrusted with performance of complex caesarean deliveries and high-risk cases and he trains future specialists in these areas.
Academic & Leadership Roles
Dr Fernando is also active in academia and medical education:
- He holds an Adjunct Lecturer role at Monash University and is involved in teaching and curriculum development in women’s health.
- His research interests include infertility, fetal screening, and gynaecological surgical outcomes.
Philosophy & Personal Approach
Dr Fernando believes that each pregnancy and woman is unique. He strives to provide safe, minimally invasive care wherever possible, while respecting patients’ preferences and delivering clear, compassionate communication.
As a father himself, he understands the emotional dimensions of childbirth and family planning, and prioritises supporting both women and their partners throughout the journey.
Special Interests:
- In-clinic gynaecology: contraception services, minor procedures
- General / low-risk obstetrics
- High-risk obstetric (ie: diabetes, hypertension, pre-eclampsia, multiple pregnancy, placenta praevia, fetal growth restriction, advanced maternal age, etc).Complicated caesarean sections
- Pregnancy after previous history of pregnancy loss
Qualifications
- Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), Monash University, 2023
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Monash University, 2018
- Fellow of the Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (FRANZCOG), 2014
- Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) with Honours, Monash University, 2007
- Bachelor of Medical Science (BMedSc) with Honours, Monash University, 2006
Registrar Training
- Basic & Advanced Trainee, Monash Health (Clayton), 2015
- Advanced Trainee, Monash Health (Dandenong), 2014
- Basic Trainee, Mildura Base hospital, 2011
Academic, Research & Professional Appointments
- Senior Lecturer, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University (Aus and Malaysia)
- Director of Undergraduate Curriculum and Assessment (Obstetrics and Gynaecology), Monash University (Aus and Malaysia)
- Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Monash Health
- Director, Monash Obstetrics
Memberships
- Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (RANZCOG)
Experience in Numbers
- Over 900+ babies delivered during my career
Awards & Career Achievements
View All
2024
Top 10 most cited articles ANZJOG (2022-2023) – Blended (online and in-person) Women’s Health Interprofessional Learning by Simulation (WHIPLS) for medical and midwifery students. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 2022
2023
Associate investigator – Transforming the treatment for pelvic organ prolapse, NHMRC Ideas grant $1.4M – Mukherjee S., Werkmeister JA, Rosamilia A, Wood B, Kochan K, Gargett C , Fernando S. Award date: 13/11/23
2017
- Geoffrey Driscoll Medal and BFS Exchange Award – Awarded to Best Clinical Presentation at the Fertility Society of Australia Conference 2017, includes $5000 sponsorship to attend British Fertility Society Conference 2018
- 1st place – RANZCOG VRC Afternoon session research award ($200)
2016
Top Reviewer for Human Reproduction, Awarded to top 10% of reviewers for the journal
2015
1st Place – The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research 3MT Competition
2014
- NHMRC Postgraduate Scholarship ($38000pa for three years)
- RANZCOG Ella MacKnight Memorial Scholarship ($25000pa for two years)
- Monash IVF Research Foundation Grant ($20,000, 2015)
- Monash University Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, APA scholarship ($25000)
- Faculty Postgraduate Excellence Award – awarded to top 8 candidates ($5000)
- Senior Medical Staff Clinical Research Fellowship – Monash Health ($20000pa for three years)
- Speaker of the Week – Introductory lecture week for fourth year medical students
2013
RANZCOG VRC afternoon session research award ($300)
2007
Final Year Monash Medicine Neurology Prize
2006
Monash Golden Key Membership (top 15% of year level)
Research Interest
My research focuses on the following areas:
- NIPT
- Medical education
- Fertility
Hospital Accreditations
- Monash Medical Centre, Clayton
- Jessie McPherson Private Hospital, Clayton
- Cabrini Hospital, Malvern
- Waverley Private Hospital, Mount Waverley
Consulting Locations
- Monash Obstetrics, Clayton
- Mother & Baby Centre, Cabrini Hospital, Malvern
Personal Q&As
Why did you choose this profession?
I look forward to seeing the glowing faces of the mothers, fathers and families immediately after a new birth, and of course seeing the babies I help to deliver.
I decided to become an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist after realising what a fantastic profession it is; no other medical specialty allows one to help to bring life into this world safely and without incident.
As a father, I acknowledge how important this time in your life is for you and your family and have a genuine respect for the individuality of pregnancy and birth needs. I have always understood that what works for one person may not work for another, and I carry this into my practice every day.
My number one priority has always been the health and wellbeing of my patients and their babies. My objective is always to assist you in achieving the birth that you desire, while maintaining safety for both you and your baby.
What is your favourite operation (or procedure or service) and why?
I absolutely love delivering babies. It is in my blood. Over my years of experience, I feel that I have developed a real instinct for it and enjoy the challenge and the joy that I can help bring my patients. It is a real honour and privilege to be able to look after a family in one of the most important times of their lives.
Can you name a person / teacher / mentor along the way that taught you something important about your given field?
Too many to name all of them! I think I have to specifically mention my main mentors, Professor David Healy, Professor Euan Wallace and Professor Luk Rombauts who have each taught me much about the profession and life in general.
Do you have a memorable patient story / work experience or moment you can share?
Too many to name! Many of these can be found on my social media pages on Instagram @drshavi and Facebook www.facebook.com/drshavi
What are some hobbies and interests outside of work that you enjoy?
Patient-Centric Care
We combine the strength of a large group practice – diverse expertise, shared resources, continuity of team – with the personal touch of patient-centric care.
We believe your care should be seamless: from your initial consultation through investigations, treatment, surgery (when needed) and follow-up, you’ll always have a specialist you know and trust leading your care.
Book Your Consultation and Start Your Journey Today
Ready to take the next step in your health, fertility or pregnancy care? Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialist.