David Hewett

Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland

Gastroenterologist & therapeutic colonoscopist, Colonoscopy Clinic

David Hewett is a gastroenterologist, therapeutic colonoscopist and health services researcher. He is in private specialist practice at Colonoscopy Clinic, and performs endoscopies at Brisbane Private Hospital, Canossa Private Hospital, Chermside Day Hospital, North West Private Hospital, and the Wesley Hospital.

After graduating MBBS with honours from the University of Queensland, he undertook clinical and research training at the RBWH, before completing post-doctoral studies at Indiana University, USA where he developed advanced skills in the technical performance of colonoscopy, including the resection of large colorectal polyps.

Dr Hewett's clinical research focuses on improving the effectiveness of colonoscopy for the bowel cancer screening, and he has published widely on new colonoscopic techniques and methods to improve physician performance of colonoscopy. He has parallel interests in health systems research and medical education, including quality of patient care, intergroup relations, and procedural skills training. The unique contribution of his PhD work was the application of intergroup theory to interactions between hospital doctors, and exploration of the ways doctors define their group memberships and negotiate conflict, and the impact on patient care.

Dr Hewett is active in national colorectal cancer policy and training initiatives. He is a member of national advisory boards for the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program and Lynch Syndrome Australia. He has served as Director of Training for the Gastroenterological Society of Australia and as a member of the Specialist Training Committee in gastroenterology with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.