A quack who pretends to be a doctor Avoid if you love your feet.

Submitted Dec. 4, 2023

In 2007 Dr Bours operated on my right foot for a bunion and hammer toe problem. I could not believe that after the surgery I had NO pain, just a mild tingling like pins and needles wearing off. The correction to my right foot alleviated similar symptoms in left foot also, so the left foot had evidently been compensating for the stress on the right foot. My aftercare was thorough and helpful. I saw Dr Bours again in April 2015 for a check on my orthotics. My foot mobility was assessed as good and I still have no pain in either foot. Thanks Paul, job well done. Since the operation I have moved to the Penrith area of Sydney and at least two practitioners at my local podiatry centre have received training from Paul. I also know he has undertaken charitable podiatric work in severely disadvantaged communities overseas, so he is a practitioner with a commitment to bettering the lives of others and contributing to the development of others in his field of expertise.

Submitted May 25, 2015

This surgeon provides a comprehensive and professional service to the people of sydney. His recent surgery completed on my complex patient has made a major difference to his functioning.
thank you
paul

Submitted May 6, 2015

An interstate Podiatrist recommended Dr Pours to me when moving to Sydney in 2000. He has been an outstanding professional who has sustained a caring and knowledgeable association with me throughout that 15 years. He has impressed me with his integrity and willingness to discuss a range of foot issues, including potential surgery during this extended period of professional consultation. I never hesitate to recommend him to my colleagues/friends/family.

Submitted April 28, 2015

I am very grateful that Dr. Paul Bours has been my Podiatric Surgeon for over twelve years. In all that time, he has never ceased to give me expert attention on a foot which has been difficult to heal.

Previously, I had an operation by a specialist orthopaedic foot surgeon, the surgery of which did give me some improvements for a couple of years, but it was a very difficult time for three months after the surgery. For several weeks, I could not put my foot to the ground as it was in heavy plaster, and this involved the use of wheel chairs and other aids for the disabled. Fortunately, my husband was able to assist me.

However, I believed that it is a rare surgeon who has 100% success.

After several years, I was in a great deal of pain and difficulty in walking, but could not face the thought of going through another ordeal, especially as my husband had died.

Paul, after years of studying and working with many doctors both here and in hospitals in the U.S.A., decided that he could give me some relief by his surgery. Using computer 'wizardly,' he was able to clearly show me and my son what he intended to achieve. The modern operation was carried out in Day Surgery with an anaesthetist, and I was able to walk on my foot, immediately. I live by and look after myself, and sometimes one of my grandchildren, but I do use a walking stick when I go out of my home,

I am 86 years old, and I am sure that I would not have been able to carry on without Paul's up to the minute surgery which he carried out on me, allowing immediate walking: the alternative would have been high risk surgery with months of convalescence, and back in a wheelchair.

I believe that the vicious, negative attention that he is attracting is not fair, and if he was a member of the traditional orthopaedic group, the discussion would not be happening.

Submitted April 22, 2015

I had a consultation with Paul in December 2013 regarding work which was required on both my left and right feet. I had researched into both invasive and non-invasive techniques and consulted another podiatrist (does not perform operations) who recommended Paul as the best choice for me. After meeting Paul, I decided that, yes, his option was the one for me. Paul explained all that would happen and also the care and after-op requirements to me. I also received detailed documentation to read and sign before the operation was booked.

My day surgery operation was held at the Darlinghurst Clinic in February 2014 and the whole day went very well; from the staff at the clinic through to my recovery from the operation and Paul’s update before I left.

I had follow-up meetings with Paul in March, April, August and September together with a few physio sessions in March and April. At all times, I found Paul and his team to be friendly, efficient and available. I have now had a follow-up meeting with the original podiatrist who has confirmed that the current situation with both my feet is ‘as would be expected’ just over a year after the operation. I am very happy with the result and can report that I wore high heels for the first time in March this year for our wedding anniversary dinner. Thank you Paul.

I certainly agree with other statements that no surgeon has a 100% success rate and it should be understood that not everyone follows their recovery/rehabilitation plans, which will impact on their progress. It is sad to see how Paul has been treated in both the press and social media and I would certainly see Paul again for future work on my feet and would also recommend him to other friends.

Submitted April 20, 2015

Its funny how people like to see other people fail. Paul has invested many years into training to help people and this is what he gets. Find me a surgeon that has a 100% success rate. Accountability is also an issue - i believe the patient that has filed one of the complaints had a history of medical issues and poor lifestyle choices and still chose to go ahead with the surgery.. You cannot put all the blame on the surgeon when a patients signs off on a procedure knowing full well they are at a higher risk than others. I also read she attended an ER for her foot compalints only to discharge herself 20 minutes after... but im sure that was Pauls fault as well no?... I am commending Dr Bours for all the great work he has done, that being the majority. It is unfortunate for the few that are suffering but i believe it is unfair to vilify Paul and destroy his reputation and integrity from one careless person who is clearly looking for a quick buck. Before judging the surgeon, do some research on the person making the complaints and im sure you will agree you sympathy was wasted. I still hold Paul in the highest regard and would be happy to refer patients to him for his expertise and specialty in lower limb surgical cases.

Submitted April 15, 2015

In October 2011 my right foot and ankle was operated on by Paul and then 6 weeks later at the end of November 2011 my left foot and ankle was operated on. Due to Paul's outstanding attention to detail and thorough examinations together with the excellent follow up and clear instructions as far as the required physiotherapy and exercise regime, I made a full and complete recovery. Paul was available at all times and when he didn't hear from me after three days, he called me to ensure that I was feeling well and following the recovery plan. I still see Paul as required as I will not allow anyone else to examine my feet. I continue to follow his advice as far as choice of shoes is concerned but I now have the freedom to wear fashionable shoes for special occasions.
Before I made the decision to accept Paul's method of rectifying my feet issues, I sought an appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon and then I decided that I preferred the far less invasive method offered by Paul.
We are all entitled to seek any treatment and provided we are well informed and understand the implications then we must also understand that any professional, particularly doctors, do not have crystal balls so therefore there can never be any guarantees.
I am particularly upset that Paul's outstanding professionalism has been challenged and I sincerely hope that Paul will be able to continue his work as for me his expertise, program of care and support has enhanced my life.
Paul, thank you for being there for me.

Submitted April 14, 2015

In 2002 I suffered a soft tissue injury to the toes of my left foot. Within the next few months the second toe started growing over the top of the middle toe. I was referred to a top orthopedics surgeon specializing in feet. The only treatment offered was an extremely invasive one involving pins, a rod and bunion shaving. My suggestion of taping the errant toe to the big toe was treated with distain. A variation of my suggestion I understand is now accepted therapy. So I had the operation and another three by this doctor in order to try to rectify problems caused by this sledge-hammer approach. I was in my 40's unable to wear anything but flat shoes and orthopedic ones. When another problem arose, the possibility of a callous on the underside of the toe becoming an ulcer, it meant more surgery.
That's when I saw Paul Bours. I had tried over the years to see other foot specialists but no-one wanted to take on the mistakes of fellow specialists. Paul was different! He assessed the situation and was encouraging for the outcome. This was the first time I had received a positive diagnosis. There was again an operation but minimally invasive and corrected the potential callous an also realigned the foot so that the weight of walking was now in the appropriate areas. The overall result is that I can now wear normal shoes and even high heels, though not too high Paul!
At all times when meeting with Paul he listened, was empathetic and encouraging. I am thankful every day for his expertise and would have no hesitation in recommending him to anyone with a foot problem. He is a podiatrist first and surgeon second so takes a holistic approach to correcting feet.
I am saddened to know that his reputation is being challenged because all doctors have patients who expect 100% restoration. This is not possible as my story attests but I am extremely satisfied, thanks Paul!

Submitted April 12, 2015

An absolute butcher. I went to him with foot pain, he was charming and persuasive. he convinced me I needed all of my toes broken to alleviate the nerve pain. He said It would be a three week down time. Post surgery I tried calling the 24 hour number I was given, there was no pickup. I was totally alone. Once he had my money he was rude and arrogant, the charm disappeared. I was in excruciating pain and have been left with lifelong problems. My toes are deformed and painful. I have even more pain and can't walk straight.

Submitted March 21, 2015