Meet our multi-disciplinary team

My Story

Praveen was born and raised in Wellington. He completed his Bachelor of Medicine and Sciences through the University of Otago, Wellington campus. His passion towards women’s health originated after spending his medical elective at the Mother Teresa Hospital in Kolkata India where he assisted in the safe delivery of many mothers with minimal access to healthcare. 

My formative years were spent growing up in Wellington, and my medical and specialist training has taken me all around New Zealand. In 2019 I had the privilege of joining the world-leading team at Sydney Women’s Endosurgery Centre (SWEC), to complete a 24-month fellowship — to obtain the sought-after AGES (Australasian Gyanecological Endoscopy and Surgery) qualification. One of my recent professional highlights was conducting a randomized clinical trial using pelvic nerve blocks to reduce post-operative pain for women, for which I won best presentation at the 2021 AGES annual scientific meeting. 

I have recently returned home with my young family, to take up a position at Waitemata DHB, as an advanced endometriosis surgeon. In my free time you will generally find me chasing behind a bicycle or scooter, or trying to convince a toddler of the value of sleep. 

Gemma

Gemma is a Registered Nurse with over 15 years’ experience across gynaecology, surgical nursing, fertility medicine, emergency, primary care, and women’s health. Her diverse clinical background has shaped her thoughtful, evidence-based approach to care, with a focus on supporting patients to make decisions that feel right for them.

She has contributed to national women’s health initiatives, including the New Zealand HPV self-testing pilot programme and rollout under Professor Bev Lawton (CNZM), reflecting her commitment to improving healthcare across New Zealand.

Alongside her clinical work, Gemma has commenced postgraduate study through the University of Auckland. 

Gemma combines extensive clinical experience with a genuine commitment to helping patients feel informed, empowered, and supported throughout their healthcare journey.

Catherine

Catherine is a Consultant Anaesthetists providing care for my surgical patients. She has extensive experience in pain management and specialises anaesthesia regimes for Women's Health and complex pain conditions. Prior to surgery she will undertake a consultation to optimise your health and discuss medications.

Surgical assistants

Dee (left) is a nurse with over two decades of experience in theatre nursing. She is also fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin and will aid me in consultations for non-English speaking patients. Dr Ashley Eastwood (centre) and Dr Rosalie Fergusson (right) are both consultant Gynaecologists. All three assist me with complex gynaecology and endometriosis surgery. They are very happy to meet you on the day of surgery and help with answering any questions you may have.

Colorectal surgeon and Endoscopist
BSc, MBChB 2004 (Otago), FRACS 2013 (General Surgery), MCCSANZ 2017 (Colorectal)

Mr Andrew Herd

Andrew is my assisting colorectal surgeon for endometriosis cases requiring rectal disc excision and bowel resections. 

Mr. Andrew Herd is a New Zealand trained General and Colorectal Surgeon and Endoscopist. After completion of his General Surgical training, he completed a two-year post-fellowship training program as part of the Australasian Colorectal Society, with one year spent in the prestigious Goligher unit in Leeds (UK) and one year at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (Sydney, Australia).

Dietitian and Nutritionist
BSc (Bachelor of Science), MDiet (Master of Dietetics), NZRD (New Zealand Registered Dietitian)

Teresa Gudex

Teresa works out of Auckland Gynaecology group with me and is a close friend and colleague. She is achieving great results for many of my endometriosis patients and will be able to give people a good starting point for dietary modification.

Since finishing her training at Otago University in 2014 Teresa has worked in hospitals in Hawkes Bay, Auckland and Ireland in a range of positions with adults and children. Her main area of interest is the critical importance of nutrition in the peri conception period and with pelvic pain. She aims to make dietary changes that are backed up by science and achieve results with the least amount of restriction possible.

Podcast Episode

The Cyclist: A women’s health podcast

Period pain: Is your pain being taken seriously?

Podcast Episode

We need to talk with Toni Street

Hysterectomies with Dr. Praveen De Silva

 Credentials

  • Bachelor of Medical Sciences with First Class Honours BMedSci(Hons) 2009

    Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery MBChB 2011

    Diploma of Obstetrics and Medical Gynaecology DipOMG 2012

    Fellow of Royal Australasian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists 2020

    Australasian Gynaecological and Endoscopic Surgery Fellowship 2019-2021

  • AGES/ AAGL exchange award for best original research presentation at AGES annual scientific meeting 2021

    Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) Trainee Intern prize for professionalism 2011

    Edward Kerkin Scholarship awarded for BMedSci 2009

  • Investigator and Site Personnel Good clinical practice training- Genesis Research Services 2020

    Cervical Quality Improvement Programme (C-Quip) RANZCOG 2019

    P4/ P4b/ P6/ P7 Davinci Robotic Xi Training modules 2019

    Early management of severe trauma (EMST) Royal College of Surgeons (RACS) 2017

    Care of the Critically Ill Surgical Patient (CCrISP) Royal College of Surgeons (RACS) 2017

    Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ALCS) Level New Zealand Resuscitation Council (NZRC) 2017

  • Royal Australian New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG)

    Australian Gynaecological Endoscopy Surgery society (AGES)

    American Association of Gynaecological Laparoscopists (AAGL)

    DaVinci Surgery Community

    Australian Medical Association

    Medical Protection Society

    New Zealand Medical Council


  • The “Rendezvous” technique for Caesarean Scar defect. Combined Hysteroscopy & Laparoscopic Repair
    Nagi K, De Silva P, Daniel S, Bukhari M, Choi S et al | Poster AGES ASM | October 2022


    Superior HypogastricSuperior Hypogastric Plexus Block in Minimally Invasive Gynaecology: A Randomised Controlled Trial De Silva P, Daniels S, Bukhari M, Choi S, Liew A, Rosen DMB, Conrad D, Cario GC, Chou D | Oral Presentation AGES ASM | October 2021


    Robotic Surgery: a 2020 vision. How far has it come? What is its future? De Silva P, Crumb R | Oral Presentation RANZCOG webinar | August 2020


    The all-in-one endometrioma excision

    De Silva P, Chou D, Rosen DMB, Choi S, Daniels S, Bukhari M, Cario GM | Poster AGES Annual Scientific Meeting | Sydney March 2020


    The immediate development of colovaginal fistula after hysterectomy. An unusual presentation

    De Silva P, Rosen DMB, Chou D, Choi S, Daniels S, Bukhari M, Cario GM | Poster AGES Annual Scientific Meeting | Sydney March 2020


    How bad are these adhesions? A review of the classification of Ashermann Syndrome and a video demonstration

    Listijono DR, De Silva P, Rosen DMB, Chou D, Choi S, Daniels S, Bukhari M, Cario GM | Poster AGES Annual Scientific Meeting | Sydney March 2020


    Fumerate hydrate deficiency leiomyomas

    Daniels S, De Silva P, Rosen DMB, Chou D, Choi S, Bukhari M, Cario GM | Poster AGES Annual Scientific Meeting | Sydney March 2020


    Uterine positioning system: First Australian series

    Daniels S, De Silva P, Rosen DMB, Chou D, Choi S, Bukhari M, Cario GM | Poster AGES Annual Scientific Meeting | Sydney March 2020


    Laparoscopic reverse submucosal dissection (Sydney Shaving). Standardising rectal shaving for bowel endometriosis

    Bukhari M, Chou D, De Silva P, Daniels S, Rosen DMB, Choi S, Cario GM | Poster AGES Annual Scientific Meeting | Sydney March 2020


    Complications in laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with concurrent hysterectomy- a five year update: the SWEC technique

    Bukhari M, De Silva P, Daniels S, Rosen DMB, Choi S, Cario GM, Chou D | Poster AGES Pelvic Floor Meeting | Sydney October 2019


    Pelvic Schwannoma encountered at laparoscopy

    De Silva P, Conrad D, Choi S, Al-Shamari M, Daniels S, Rosen DMB, Chou D | Poster AGES Annual Scientific Meeting | Perth March 2019


    Laparoscopic cervical cerclage using Mersilene tape

    De Silva P, Naqiso S, Harrison KR | Poster AGES Annual Scientific Meeting | Perth March 2019


    Contained laparoscopic power morcellation for large pelvic masses.

    Al-shamari M, Choi S, Conrad D, Choi S, De Silva P, Daniels S, Rosen DMB, Chou D | Oral Presentation AGES Annual Scientific Meeting | Perth March 2019


    Complete resection of a large, ultra-low, full thickness rectovaginal endometriotic nodule with natural orifice specimen extractions (NOSE) and Robot-assisted technique by a multidisciplinary team- anatomical and technical considerations.

    Choi S, Al-shamari M, Conrad D, De Silva P, Daniels S, Rosen DMB, Chou D | Oral Presentation AGES Annual Scientific Meeting | Perth March 2019


    Robotic-assisted benign gynaecology: A 6 year multicenter experience.

    Conrad D, Choi S, Al-shamari M, De Silva P, Daniels S, Cario GM, Rosen DMB, Chou D | Oral Presentation AGES Annual Scientific Meeting | Perth March 2019


    Vault closure during total laparoscopic hysterectomy with FlexDex system: First Australian series.

    Conrad D, Al-shamari M, De Silva P, Choi S, Daniels S, Cario GM, Rosen DMB, Chou D | Oral Presentation AGES Annual Scientific Meeting | Perth March 2019


    Neuropelveology: Why do we need to know about pelvic nerves?

    Chou D, Al-shamari M, De Silva P, Conrad D, Choi S, Daniels S, Cario GM, Rosen DMB, | Oral Presentation AGES Annual Scientific Meeting | Perth March 2019


    Removing the large uterus without morcellation. The Colpo-Vincision for specimen extraction at hysterectomy

    Conrad D, Al-shamari M, De Silva P, Choi S, Daniels S, Cario GM, Rosen DMB, Chou D | Oral Presentation AGES Annual Scientific Meeting | Perth March 2019


    Quality of life assessment after vaginal electrical stimulation for women with urinary incontinence unsuitable for biofeedback therapy

    De Silva P, Keedle L, Machin S | Poster Presentation RANZCOG Annual Scientific Meeting | Auckland 2017


    The Challenges of Perimortem Caesarean section

    De Silva P, Maharaj D, Langana F | Oral Presentation RANZCOG Annual Scientific Meeting | Wellington 2015


    The use of implantable cardioverter defibrillator in the New Zealand context from 2000 to 2007

    De Silva P, Harding S, Larsen P | Poster Presentation CSANZ Annual Scientific Meeting | Adelaide 2009

  • Superior Hypogastric Plexus Nerve Block in Minimally Invasive Gynaecology: A Randomised Controlled Trial. De Silva P, Daniels S, Bukhari ME, Choi S, Liew A, Rosen DMB, Conrad, D, Cario Gm, Chou D. JMIG 2021, doi:10.1016/j.jmig.2021.06.017

    De Silva P, Maharaj D, Langana F | ANZJOG 2016, Vol 56;6 p662-665

    Ovarian hyperstimulation guidelines.

    De Silva P| MidCentral District Health Board 2014

    The use of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators in the New Zealand Context from 2000-2007

    Larsen P, De Silva P, Harding S | NZMJ 2010, Vol 123;1309 p76-85

    The cost effectiveness of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators in New Zealand

    De Silva P | Thesis for BMedSci(Hons) University of Otago 2009

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