Dr Joanna Efklides - Wednesday, 25 November 2026 at 7.30pm

Dr Joanna Efklides, Gastroenterologist

Multi-disciplinary treatment of functional gut disorders

Learning outcomes

• Identify functional gut disorders using Rome IV criteria and targeted investigations, and describe the diagnosis confidently to patients.
• Describe the roles of the multidisciplinary team and match patients to appropriate services based on their symptoms and initial assessment.
• Outline a stepped, evidence-based management approach, including lifestyle, dietary, pharmacological and referral options

Biography

I am a gastroenterologist with expertise in inflammatory bowel disease, functional gastrointestinal disorders, eosinophilic oesophagitis, and coeliac disease. I provide comprehensive consultative and endoscopic gastroenterology services, including diagnostic and therapeutic gastroscopy and colonoscopy, as well as intestinal ultrasound.

I hold a Master of Public Health and have received multiple academic and clinical awards recognising excellence in research, education, and clinical practice. I am committed to delivering holistic, patient-centred care and work closely with referring general practitioners and multidisciplinary colleagues to ensure timely communication and optimise patient outcomes.

I am also a Visiting Medical Specialist at Alfred Health (Bayside Health), where I completed my physician and specialty training. I undertook a combined fellowship in inflammatory bowel disease, functional gut disorders, and coeliac disease across Alfred Health, the Royal Melbourne Hospital, and the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research.