About Me

About Dr. Michael Chu
General, HPB and Laparoscopic Surgeon

Dr. Michael Chu is a highly trained General, HPB (Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary) and Laparoscopic Surgeon based in Auckland. With a deep commitment to his field, Dr. Chu boasts a rich education background, including training in Australia and New Zealand. As the only surgeon in New Zealand with post-Fellowship sub-specialisation training in both liver/pancreas/biliary surgery and renal transplant surgery, his surgical repertoire includes both open and laparoscopic (key-hole) procedures. His proficiency covers liver resection surgeries, pancreatic surgeries, and advanced laparoscopic surgeries. The surgical approach will be tailored to provide the best outcome for his patient’s specific needs.

Dr. Michael Chu is noted for his meticulous approach to patient care, ensuring that all his patients receive comprehensive, tailored treatment plans. His multilingual abilities in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, further allow him to connect and communicate effectively with a diverse patient demographic, embodying a patient-centric approach to healthcare. Dr. Michael Chu also actively participates in teaching. He is involved in various research projects, demonstrating a commitment to advancing surgical techniques and patient outcomes.

With a philosophy grounded in providing compassionate and high-quality procedures, Dr. Michael Chu represents a blend of surgical excellence and patient-centred support. His holistic, patient-first approach is evident in every facet of his practice, from initial consultation to postoperative care. To experience dedicated, compassionate surgical care, contact Michael's clinic for a consultation at https://www.drmichaelchu.co.nz/contact.html

Surgical Training

Dr. Michael Chu graduated from medical school at the University of Otago. He worked as a junior doctor in Christchurch and rural New Zealand before undertaking a PhD in Surgery at the University of Auckland. Dr Chu then obtained a Fellowship (General Surgery) with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. He underwent further subspecialty training in Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery (AANZHPBA) at Auckland City Hospital and Westmead Hospital in Sydney. Dr. Chu also concurrently completed his Kidney Transplant Surgery fellowship training in both of these hospitals.

Medical & Surgical Education

2022
Post-Fellowship Training in HPB Surgery
AANZHPBA

2022
Post-Fellowship Training in Renal Transplant Surgery
General Surgery Australia Transplant Training committee

2020
General Surgery
Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS)

2016
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Surgery
University of Auckland

2005
Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)
University of Otago

Awards

2022
Best Fellow presentation
AANZHPBA Fellow Trainee weekend, Sunshine Coast, Australia

2011
Young Investigator Award
Asia-Pacific Hepatopancreatobiliary Association, Melbourne, Australia

2011
Runner-up, Applied & Clinical Science oral presentation
HealthEX, Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences,
University of Auckland

2011
Young Investigator Award
Transplantation Society of Australia and New Zealand, Canberra, Australia

2010
Foundation for Surgery New Zealand Research Scholarship
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons

Work experience

18 December 2023-Current
Kidney Transplant Surgeon
Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand

20-21 November 2023
Visiting General Surgeon
Wellington Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand

24-27 October 2023
Visiting General Surgeon
Wairarapa Hospital, Masterton, New Zealand

20 March 2023 – 20 October 2023
Volunteer General Surgeon
Charity Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand

20 March 2023 – 20 September 2023
Visiting General Surgeon
Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand

6 March 2023 – 14 March 2023
Visiting Kidney Transplant Surgeon
Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand

7 February 2022 – 5 February 2023
Surgical Fellow (HPB and Transplant)
Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Sydney, Australia
Under supervision of Professor Arthur Richardson (HPB) and Professor Henry Pleass (Transplant)

18 January 2021 – 6 February 2022
Surgical Fellow (HPB)
Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
Under supervision of Associate Professor Adam Bartlett

4 January 2021 – 24 July 2021
Donor Retrieval Surgeon
Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand

3-28 April 2020
Consultant General Surgeon
(Providing extra cover during COVID-19)
Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand

20 January 2020 – 17 January 2021
Surgical Fellow (Transplant)
Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
Under supervision of Dr. Carl Muthu

8 December 2014 – 8 December 2019
General Surgery Trainee
Palmerston North Hospital, Rotorua Hospital, Christchurch Hospital, North Shore Hospital,
New Zealand

10 June 2013 – 7 December 2014
Non-training surgical registrar (General Surgery)
Middlemore Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand

6 December 2010 – 9 June 2013
Medical Officer
Mercy Ascot Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand

8 December 2008 – 6 December 2009
Non-training surgical registrar
(General Surgery & Vascular Surgery)
Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand

28 November 2005 – 23 November 2008
House Officer
Christchurch Hospital, Gisborne Hospital,
Rotorua Hospital, New Zealand

University Appointments

Doctor in white coat holding a stethoscope

25 March 2024 - Current
Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer
Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences
University of Auckland, Auckland
New Zealand

20 March 2023 – 20 September 2023
Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer
Department of Surgery, University of Otago, Christchurch,
New Zealand

12 December 2016 – 9 December 2018
Honorary Clinical Lecturer
Department of Surgery, Christchurch, New Zealand

13 December 2010 – 9 June 2013
Clinical Lecturer and Research Fellow
Department of Surgery, University of Auckland, Auckland,
New Zealand

January 2011 – December 2012
Anatomy tutor
School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

January 2011 – December 2011
Tutor
New Zealand Registration Exam programme
Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand

Research & Administrative Positions

July 2023 – Current
Reviewer
Royal Australasian College of Surgeon Scholarships & Grants

May 2023 – Current
New Zealand National Co-Lead
GECKO Cohort Study

8 May 2023 – 20 September 2023
General Surgery Consultant representative
Short Stay Unit Steering Group
Department of Surgery, Christchurch, New Zealand

January – June 2021
Hospital Lead for PancreasGroup research
Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand

June – December 2019
Chief Resident
General Surgery, North Shore Hospital, Auckland,
New Zealand

December 2016 – June 2017
Chief Resident
General Surgery, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand

April – October 2018
Hospital Lead for GlobalSurg3 Trial
Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand

January – May 2018
Hospital Lead for IMAGINE Trial
Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand

September 2017 – December 2018
South Island Trainee Lead (General Surgery)
Clinical Trials Network of Australia and New Zealand (CTANZ)

January – December 2014
Committee member
Auckland Chinese Medical Association, Auckland,
New Zealand

January – December 2011
Board member
Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences Postgraduates Students’ Association
University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

December 2010 – November 2011
Board member
University of Auckland Postgraduate Students’ Association
(including being representative on Vice-Chancellor/Student committee meeting)
Chairperson
Exposure Postgraduate Research Exposition committee, University of Auckland

Practicing Hospitals

Laparoscopy Auckland

Mercy-Ascot Hospital

Southern Cross Brightside Hospital