Dr Russell Mcdonnell

Get to know Dr Rus

Current Location:  South West
Favourite Food:  Tapas
Favourite Band:  David Bowie
Favourite Movie: Pulp Fiction

What were some pivotal moments during your education or training that shaped your current approach to medicine?
After about 10 years of general practice, I accumulated a cohort of patients in chronic pain, that had tried everything Western medicine had to offer but were still suffering. Treatments included paracetamol, anti-inflammatories, opioids, antidepressants, anti-epileptics, physiotherapy, osteopathy, Chiro, pain specialists, orthopaedic back surgeons, neurologists, neurosurgeons, steroid injections, rhizotomies, and surgeries. While venting to a UK-based doctor friend about my frustrations in trying to help these patients, she advised me that she had to study the neurophysiology of acupuncture as part of her training to be an Anaesthetist, and that was some good scientific evidence behind the practice of acupuncture.  She subsequently sent me the course textbook on Acupuncture, which I read from cover to cover. She immediately signed up to the Australia Medical Acupuncture College for a 1 year training course. This course tested my own prejudices and ignorance of non-western treatments and taught me to focus more on the patient experience, rather than the pure evidence base of treatments.

How do you stay updated with the latest advancements in your field?
As doctors, we have to complete 50 hours of formal learning modules (CPD) a year.  I’m lucky to work alongside the OG alternative medicine guru, Dr Matty Moore!!  The Medihuana webinars are extremely good and Dr Jim’s (Heyday) podcast “Hey Dr Jim” is also a great listen.

Can you discuss a particular area of interest within your specialty that you are passionate about and explain why it matters to you and your patients?
Passionate about helping people with chronic pain.  Chronic pain affects sleep, mental health, relationships, and financial security.  Improving pain can have life-changing knock-on effects for the better.

In what ways do you tailor your approach to meet the unique needs of each patient?
Listen, listen, listen!

Can you share an example of how you’ve gone above and beyond for a patient?
I gave a patient a car once. ha!

Can you describe how a new patient can start their journey with you? What steps should they expect?:
Number one is to relax. So many people are anxious about their first appointments. I give everyone the chance to tell me their medical story and then we have a few box-ticking questions to confirm eligibility for certain treatments. After that, we explore their goal and expectations and agree on a medicine. I remind everyone that the first consult is just a starting point, as we move forward together we can refine their treatment plan to achieve the best possible outcomes for the individual. There are hundreds of choices out there, and my job is to find the best match for each patient.

“Improving pain can have life-changing knock-on effects for the better”

- Dr Rus

Book in With Dr Rus

Internationally-trained GP, with work experience all over Australia. Seeing patients through Mode Healthcare Australia wide, and in person in Dunsborough WA.

Dr Russ’s most frequently asked questions.

  • Dr Russ is a specialist GP, and Approved Prescriber of multiple scheduled drugs. Our Doctors are open-minded and prescribe multiple medications for eligible patients, this includes medicinal cannabis therapies if deemed suitable during a consultation.

    To find out if this treatment is suitable for you, don't hesitate to get in touch with us, or book an initial appointment to discuss treatment goals and suitability with the Doctor directly.

    To learn more about eligibility requirements, safety and clinical information please read the TGA website here.

  • At Mode, we prioritise your safety and well-being. Rest assured that all medications prescribed by our clinicians have been approved for use in Australia and are commonly prescribed by GPs and local pharmacies.

    However, in accordance with Australian Therapeutic Goods regulations, we are unable to disclose the specific names of our treatments until you have completed a consultation with one of our Mode practitioners and have been approved for treatment.

    This process ensures that a qualified medical professional thoroughly discusses all available options with you, empowering you to make informed decisions regarding your medical treatments. Your health and satisfaction are of utmost importance to us, and we strive to provide the highest level of care and guidance throughout your journey towards optimal well-being.

  • In compliance with the regulations set forth by Australian Therapeutic Goods, we kindly ask that you complete a consultation with one of our Mode practitioners before we can disclose the specific names of our treatments.

    This precautionary measure is in place to prioritise your safety and ensure that you can discuss all available options with a qualified medical professional.

    All Mode practitioners specialise in multiple treatments new to Australia and can advise on the best pathway for your individual needs.

  • All patients who visit Mode are eligible for treatment. However, some specific treatments require certain eligibility to ensure safety and compliance with Australian Laws.

    Your Mode doctor will guide you through this process an options directly with you in a consultation.

    If you have any questions, please contact the team before you book to understand the pathways available to you.