About Me

I am an obstetrician, gynaecologist and laparoscopic surgeon who is dedicated to women’s health and the delivery of metropolitan outcomes in regional areas. With a Bachelor of Applied Science majoring in Diagnostic Radiography, a Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery and dual Masters in Reproductive and Women’s Health Medicine from the University of Sydney, the University of Notre Dame and the University of New South Wales respectively, I have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to continued professional development with a view to optimising patient care.

I completed my specialist training in obstetrics & gynaecology at the Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, where I worked for almost a decade. During this time I was fortunate to be mentored by leading Australian experts in both high and low risk obstetrics, gynaecological surgery and women's medical imaging. Most importantly, 'the Royal' is where I met my wife (Jess) and where she birthed our beautiful daughter. In addition to my specialist training, I have completed separate fellowships in minimally invasive gynaecological surgery and women's medical imaging. I have a fellowship in advanced laparoscopy & hysteroscopic surgery from the Australasian Gynaecological Endoscopy & Surgery (AGES) Society achieved under the tutelage of Professor Jason Abbott. This experience has equipped me with expertise in the medical and surgical management of endometriosis and other gynaecological conditions within a patient-centred framework. Recognising the importance of high-quality imaging in women’s health, I have completed the Diploma of Diagnostic Ultrasound from the Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (ASUM) during my two year imaging fellowship at the Royal Hospital for Women.

Having been born and raised on a farm near Gunnedah, I have insight into the unique challenges that regional women face when seeking healthcare. I have a friendly and down-to-earth approach and work hard to ensure that my patients feel at ease. When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends and am thrilled to be living back in our region!

Qualifications

Bachelor of Applied Science, Diagnostic Radiography

University of Sydney, Australia

Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery

University of Notre Dame, Australia

Master of Reproductive Medicine

University of New South Wales, Australia

Master of Women's Health Medicine

University of New South Wales, Australia

Obstetrics & Gynaecology Specialist Fellowship

The Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists

AGES Accredited Training Program (AATP) Certificate

Australasian Gynaecological Endoscopic & Surgery Society (AGES)

Diploma of Diagnostic Ultrasound

Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine

Education & Research

The medical landscape is one of rapid transformation that demands a commitment to continued education. As a strong believer in "evidence over eminence", I have enhanced my understanding of medical literature by actively engaging at various levels of its production. I am a member of the Gynaecological Research & Clinical Evaluation (GRACE) Unit at the University of New South Wales where I have a conjoint appointment and continue to be actively involved in studies on endometriosis and other benign gynaecological conditions. Additionally, I assess research manuscripts being considered for publication in several peer review journals and have had the opportunity to be involved in research committees at a national and international level (detailed below):

Committees:

Australasian Gynaecological Endoscopy & Surgery Society (AGES):

Clinical Research Grants Committee

American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL)

International Guideline Committee Member - Patient Related Outcome Measures in Endometriosis Research

Peer Review:

Australian & New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (ANZJOG)

Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynaecology (JMIG)

British Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (BJOG)

Presentations:

"A feasibility study to examine the link between longitudinal environmental exposure and endometriosis phenotype"

Oral presentation - AGES XXXII Annual Scientific Meeting 2022

"Onobotulinum toxin for the management of chronic pelvic pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis"

Oral presentation - AGES Pelvic Floor Meeting 2022

"The responsiveness of adenomyosis to medical and surgical treatments"

Oral presentation - AGES XXV Annual Scientific Meeting 2015

"Rare case of post-procedural pyomyoma"

Oral presentation - AGES XXXIII Annual Scientific Meeting 2023 (second author, presented by Dr Shyamsunder)

"The wandering abdominal mass: a diagnostic conundrum managed with a single site laparoscopy"

Poster - AGES XXIX Annual Scientific meeting 2019 (second author)

Publications:

Knapman BL, Li FG, Deans R, Nesbitt-Hawes E, Maheux-Lacroix S, Abbott J 2024, ‘Botulinum toxin for management of pelvic floor tension myalgia and persistent pelvic pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis’, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Vol 142, No. 5, pp e7-e17

Knapman BL, Forgues SA, Abbott JA, Maheux-Lacroix S 2023, ‘Other treatments for CSP’, Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Vol 90,

DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2023.102367.

Knapman B, Abbott J, Vyas, MA 2021, ‘The advantages and disadvantages of uterine artery embolization in women with adenomyosis; what’s new?’, Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports, Vol 10, pp. 92-100.

Abbott J, Billow M, Gallant T, Hackett L, Kho R, Knapman B, Luna Russo M, Maheux-Lacroix S, Meneses Gonzalez A, Ng C, Orlando MS, Sít A, Xu X 2023, 'Patient-reported outcome measures used in randomised controlled trials following surgical intervention for endometriosis: A structured review from the AAGL Practice Guidelines Group, Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmig.2023.10.017

Nguyễn K, McCormack L, Deans R, Nesbitt-Hawes E, Knapman B, Li F, Lim C, Abbott JA 2023, 'A prospective study of bladder function following endometriosis surgery with up to 8 years follow-up', Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmig.2023.11.020

McCormack L, Song S, Budden A, Ma C, Nguyen K, Li F, Lim CY, Maheux-Lacroix S, Arnold A, Deans R, Won H, Knapman B, Nesbitt-Hawes E, Abbott J, ‘Immediate versus delayed urinary catheter removal following non-hysterectomy benign gynecological laparoscopy: a randomised trial’, British Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Vol. 130, pp. 1112-1119

McCormack L, Nesbitt-Hawes E, Deans R, Alonso A, Lim C, Li F, Knapman B, Abbott J 2022, ‘A review of gynaecological surgical practices for trainees and certified specialists in Australia by volume using MBS and AIHW databases’, Australian & New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Vol. 62, No. 4, pp. 547-580

Bolte M, Knapman B, Leibenson L, Ball J, Giles M 2020, ‘Reducing surgical site infections post-caesarean section in an Australian hospital, using a bundled care approach’, Infection, Disease & Health, http://doi.org/10.1016.j.idh.2020.01.006

Lockart I, Knapman B, Knanzaki R, Pokorny C 2017, ‘Management of common hepatobiliary disorders in pregnancy’, Medicine Today, Vol. 18, No. 9, pp. 35-44

Lockart I, Knapman B, Kanazaki, R, Pokorny C 2016, ‘Managing common luminal GI disorders during pregnancy’, Medicine Today, Vol. 17, No. 11, pp. 32-40