Dr David Oehme | MBBS (Hons) PhD FRACS Director, One Brain and Spine Neurosurgeon and Spine Surgeon

Dr David Oehme is a Melbourne-based neurosurgeon and spine surgeon widely recognised for his expertise in advanced in minimally invasive spinal surgery, robotic spinal surgery, endoscopic spinal surgery and complex spinal conditions.

Specialisation and Skills

Dr Oehme has particular expertise in degenerative spinal conditions, minimally invasive spinal surgery, and the application of advanced surgical technologies. He employs robotic-assisted surgery, spinal endoscopy (uniportal and biportal approaches), and advanced neuro-navigation to enhance surgical precision, minimise tissue disruption, and accelerate patient recovery. His clinical practice spans the full spectrum of spinal conditions — including back pain, sciatica, disc herniation, spinal stenosis, cervical spine disorders, spinal tumours, disc replacement surgery and spinal fusion.

Education

Dr Oehme completed his MBBS with Honours at Monash University in 2004 and undertook neurosurgical training through the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons across leading Melbourne hospitals, including The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The Royal Children’s Hospital, St Vincent’s Hospital, Monash Medical Centre, and The Alfred Hospital. He was awarded his FRACS in Neurosurgery in 2015. He also holds a PhD from Monash University (2014), with his doctoral research focused on degenerative disc disease and stem cell-based therapies for spinal disc regeneration.

Fellowship and Research

Following his FRACS, Dr Oehme pursued advanced subspecialty training in minimally invasive, endoscopic, and robotic-assisted spinal surgery. He has trained in robotic and endoscopic spine surgery in New York (USA), Philadelphia (USA) South Korea and Taiwan. He is an active clinical researcher with an international publication record in spinal biology, regenerative medicine, and neurosurgical outcomes. His pioneering PhD research into mesenchymal precursor cell therapies for intervertebral disc regeneration has attracted international recognition, with publications in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine, Stem Cells International, and BioMed Research International, among others.

Clinical Philosophy and Approach to Care

Dr Oehme believes that the best surgical outcomes are achieved when patients are genuinely informed and actively involved in their care. He takes the time to ensure that every patient — and their family — fully understands their condition, their options, and the realistic expectations of treatment, whether surgical or non-operative.

His approach is built on three principles: honesty, communication, and trust. He will not recommend an operation unless he genuinely believes it is in a patient’s best interest, and he is equally comfortable advising that surgery is not required. This commitment to conservative, evidence-based decision-making has earned him a strong reputation among patients and referring clinicians alike.

Dr Oehme’s ‘minimally invasive attitude’ extends beyond the operating theatre: it reflects a broader commitment to reducing the burden of illness on his patients, empowering their recovery, and helping them return to healthy, active lives in the shortest possible time.