Vasectomy is one of the most effective and under-utilised forms of contraception, yet access remains limited in many parts of Australia. In this latest episode of HealthCert’s GP Insights podcast, Dr Raj Selvarajan shares his personal journey into the field and why more doctors may want to consider adding this procedure to their skillset.
After training as a GP in the UK, Dr Selvarajan undertook structured vasectomy training, which included supervised procedures, competency milestones, and formal certification. This system gave him the confidence and technical skills to practise safely. In contrast, Australia has no standardised training pathway; most local practitioners have learnt overseas, in hospitals, or alongside experienced colleagues.
In the podcast, Dr Selvarajan reflects honestly on the challenges he faced during training, especially when performing the procedure under local anaesthesia, where patient comfort and precision are critical. He recalls moments of self-doubt early on, but also highlights the importance of persistence, preparation, and supportive mentorship. Confidence builds over time, and what begins as a steep learning curve becomes a rewarding and highly practical skill.
Dr Selvarajan points out the clear demand for vasectomy services across Australia. Many men do not undergo the procedure simply because their healthcare providers are not offering or discussing it. By training more GPs to provide vasectomy, men's access to safe and effective family planning can be significantly improved.
This insight ultimately led to the development of dedicated vasectomy workshops in collaboration with HealthCert Education. The program provides doctors with essential theoretical knowledge, hands-on learning, and the confidence to explore vasectomy as a practice area. For GPs, it offers not only a valuable service to patients but also a fulfilling and technically rewarding extension of their professional scope.
Hear about Dr Selvarajan's experiences (and why vasectomy is an important skill for GPs to consider) in the full podcast episode below.
Listen to the podcast
Prefer a visual format? Watch this podcast on the HealthCert Education YouTube channel.
Next steps in your learning journey
Want to upskill in the no-scalpel vasectomy method?
Start with HealthCert Education’s Advanced Workshop of Non-Scalpel Vasectomy to build your foundational skills. Then round-out your hands-on vasectomy training with a clinical placement at Dr Raj Selvarajan’s clinic.
🎓 About HealthCert's Advanced Workshop of Non-Scalpel Vasectomy
Dr Raj Selvarajan delivers HealthCert Education's one-day non-scalpel vasectomy workshop, which provides practical experience in the foundations of non-scalpel vasectomy procedures for GPs. The workshop is a smart, flexible, and career-enriching opportunity for GPs in Australia, with workshops available three times a year in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne. If you're looking to enhance your procedural scope or offer more complete care for male patients, this weekend session can help you make vasectomy a valuable part of your clinical offering. ➡️ Explore program now >
Or learn how to get trained in vasectomy as a GP in Australia
Dr Raj Selvarajan
Dr Raj Selvarajan is a Specialist General Practitioner and Course Director for the HealthCert Education Advanced Workshop of Non-Scalpel Vasectomy. He has been performing vasectomy procedures since 2007, after establishing the first no-scalpel vasectomy service in north-east England. He has since led clinics across the UK and now operates scalpel-free vasectomy clinics in Brisbane and Mackay.
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