Dr Johan Smalberger

Clinical Director Wonthaggi, Executive Director, Radiologist

Specialties: Spine, Sport, and Musculoskeletal Imaging and Procedures 

A Passion for Excellence in Patient Care
Dr. Johan Smalberger is a RANZCR-certified radiologist with a sub-specialty interest in the spine and musculoskeletal (MSK) system – the body elements that underpin movement. Leveraging his extensive experience diagnosing and treating a wide range of MSK and spine conditions, Johan is dedicated to achieving excellence in patient care. His focus on staying current with the latest advancements ensures his patients receive the most accurate diagnoses and effective treatments, paving the way for optimal patient outcomes.

A Collaborative Approach with Clear Communication
Dr. Smalberger views precise diagnoses as a foundation for successful patient care. He prioritises clear communication throughout the process. Johan explains complex medical information in a straightforward way, actively listens to patient concerns, and encourages open discussions to ensure everyone is on the same page. His respectful and compassionate approach fosters a comfortable environment where patients can openly discuss their health and actively participate in their care plan.

Early Career Highlights and a Unique Perspective
Currently based at Imaging Associates in Melbourne, Dr. Johan brings a unique perspective to his work, informed by his early career experiences. He is actively involved with professional sports teams, including Carlton Football Club, Hawthorn Football Club, and Melbourne City Football Club (men’s, women’s, and youth teams). This passion extends beyond elite athletes, as he also enjoys collaborating with weekend warriors and non-athletes alike, helping them manage a wide range of injuries and conditions. This commitment to serving all levels of activity stems from his own experience as a former international track and field athlete for New Zealand, and a lifelong sport enthusiast.

Diligent, caring and approachable, Dr Smalberger’s goal is to make a positive point of difference in patient care.

Combining Expertise with Empathy
Dr. Johan’s background as a former athlete allows him to bring a unique level of empathy to his work as an MSK radiologist. Having personally navigated high-level performance, injury, rehabilitation, and a successful return to competition after surgery, he understands the challenges athletes face and is passionate about helping them get back to their best. This combination of expertise and empathy makes Dr. Smalberger an asset for patients of all backgrounds and activity levels, athletes and non-athletes alike.

Academic Accomplishments and Dedication to Education
Johan completed his medical and radiology training in Auckland, New Zealand. His dedication to lifelong learning is evident in his postgraduate diploma in surgical anatomy (Otago) and master’s degree in health science focused on radiology (Auckland). He honed his expertise further through a one-year fellowship in musculoskeletal, sport, and spine radiology at Imaging Associates, where he now practices full-time. Prior to his move to Melbourne with his family for this fellowship, Johan practiced radiology at Middlemore Hospital and the SRG Specialist Radiology and MRI group in Auckland.

Dr. Smalberger’s commitment to clear communication is evident in all aspects of his work. This extends beyond patient interactions, as he enjoys developing resources for patients and healthcare providers, ensuring everyone has a clear understanding of health conditions and treatment options.

Qualifications

• Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (FRANZCR)
• MSK fellowship, Imaging Associates, Melbourne, 2022
• Bachelor of Science (BSc), University of Auckland, New Zealand, 2006
• Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), University of Auckland, New Zealand, 2011
• Post Graduate Diploma Surgical Anatomy (PGDipSurgAnat), University of Otago, New Zealand, 2015
• Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Generic Surgical Science Examination (GSSE), 2015
• ECFMG certification, USA, 2016
• Master’s Degree in Health Science (MHSc Hons), University of Auckland, New Zealand, 2018

Professional Memberships

• Australasian Musculoskeletal Imaging Group (AMSIG)
• American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS)