DR JOSHUA HAMMERSCHLAG
MBBS, PGDipSurgAnat, FRACS, FAANZGOSA
UPPER GI, BARIATRIC & GENERAL SURGEON
Dr. Josh Hammerschlag is a General Surgeon with sub-specialist training in Upper Gastrointestinal and Bariatric Surgery, having completed the highly regarded AANZGOSA (Australian & Aotearoa New Zealand Gastric & Oesophageal Surgery Association) post-fellowship training program. He has expertise in the management of both benign and malignant oesophagogastric conditions, including oesophageal and gastric cancer, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), hiatus hernias, and oesophageal motility disorders. He also has comprehensive training in metabolic and bariatric surgery, including revisional procedures.
After graduating from medical school in 2010, Dr. Hammerschlag began his medical career at Monash Health, where he also completed his General Surgery training. He was awarded Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in General Surgery before undertaking three years of post-fellowship sub-specialty training. Following acceptance into the AANZGOSA training program, he undertook positions at Christchurch Hospital in New Zealand and The Austin Hospital in Melbourne. During this time, he gained advanced experience in both open and minimally invasive surgical techniques across the spectrum of Upper GI and Bariatric Surgery.
Alongside his Upper GI work, Dr. Hammerschlag is a highly skilled General Surgeon with broad experience in elective and emergency general surgical conditions. He regularly performs gallbladder surgery, simple and complex hernia repairs, and emergency abdominal procedures.
He currently consults and operates at Peninsula Private Hospital, with public appointments at both Frankston Hospital and Monash Health, ensuring a strong commitment to both public and private patient care. He is committed to providing high quality care with a focus on safety, compassion, and long-term outcomes.
Dr. Hammerschlag is passionate about being a doctor and a surgeon. He values building strong, trusting relationships with his patients and takes great pride in supporting them through every stage of their surgical journey. Known for his calm and empathetic manner, he is deeply committed to providing care that is patient-centred, holistic, and technically excellent.
Outside of medicine, Josh is a husband, and a dad to three young kids, and one energetic dog. He enjoys spending time with his family, travelling, camping, and generally being outdoors. He is a lifelong sports fan and a music enthusiast, often found unwinding with a great playlist or catching a live gig when he can. Whether it’s exploring nature with his kids or heading out for a run, Josh values balance, connection, and making the most of life outside the hospital.
Why choose to work with Dr Josh Hammerschlag
Dr. Hammerschlag is a young, dynamic and an expert trained Oesophagogastric, Bariatric & General Surgeon. He offers his patients the advantage of modern, up to date, minimal invasive surgical techniques, and a fresh, energetic approach to patient care.
His strengths lie in his strong sense of collaboration, communication and proactivity. Dr. Hammersclag prioritises patient-centred care, with clear communication, strong shared-decision making skills and a compassionate bedside manner. He is deeply committed to delivering the best possible outcomes to his patients.
Dr. Hammerschlag accepts private and public referrals from all areas and accommodates urgent referrals at short notice (usually within one week), especially for new cancer diagnoses and acute general surgery conditions (i.e. appendicitis, cholecystitis, bowel obstructions, complicated hernias), to reduce stress and anxiety.
He encourages family involvement in consultations to support patients and integrate them into the care team.
