Sarah Thompson

Sarah Thompson is an Associate Professor in the College of Medicine and Public Health at Flinders University, where she also serves as a Full Member of the Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute. She is concurrently a staff specialist upper gastrointestinal surgeon at Flinders Medical Centre, appointed to these roles in 2019, and serves as the Topic Coordinator for 4th year core topics in the Doctor of Medicine program.

Her educational background includes:

• Doctor of Philosophy (Surgery), University of Adelaide (2008-2011)
• Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery Fellowship, Royal Adelaide Hospital (2005-2007)
• Minimally Invasive Surgery Fellowship, Oregon Health Sciences University (2004-2005)
• General Surgery Residency Program, University of Calgary (1999-2004)
• Doctor of Medicine, University of Calgary (1996-1999)
• Bachelor of Science (Honours Biology), Queen's University (1992-1996)

Dr. Thompson specializes in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, oesophageal motility disorders, and upper gastrointestinal cancer. Her research focuses on improving diagnostic and staging tools for esophageal cancer and developing better surgical approaches for complex gastrointestinal conditions. She has authored over 100 peer-reviewed scientific articles and secured more than $1.4 million in research grants as chief investigator.

Her recent publications (2021-2025) demonstrate a consistent focus on surgical management of esophageal disorders, hiatus hernias, and gastroesophageal reflux disease, with particular attention to outcomes in special populations including the elderly and obese. The research often employs comparative cohort studies and systematic reviews to evaluate surgical techniques and patient outcomes.

Professional recognition includes:

• Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
• Specialty Editor for Upper GI Surgery for the ANZ Journal of Surgery
• Editorial Board member of the World Journal of Surgery
• Board member of Australian and New Zealand Gastric Oesophageal Surgery Association (ANZGOSA)
• Active member of Society of American Gastric and Esophageal Surgeons (SAGES)

Dr. Thompson has supervised multiple graduate students, including principal supervision of one Masters (Surgery) candidate and associate supervision of another Masters (Surgery) and a PhD (Medicine) candidate. Her research program has been supported by significant grant funding totaling over $1.4 million, reflecting the importance and impact of her work in gastrointestinal surgery.

She maintains active clinical practice at Adelaide Gastroenterology, specializing in treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, large hiatus hernias, achalasia, biliary colic, and gastric and esophageal cancers, while contributing to medical education through her teaching and editorial roles.