Preventative Health Checks in Sydney

GP who has worked in mainstream practice in regional Victoria and Cairns, Queensland for more than 20 years, now inspired by Lifestyle Medicine to engage in further studies and application of Lifestyle Medicine including in Aboriginal healthcare

I've been a GP for over 30 years and love getting to know patients and their families over many years. My approach to general practice is holistic, with an emphasis on healthy lifestyles for prevention and treatment of ill-health and for optimising health and wellbeing. I enjoy helping people take charge of their own health. Currently part of my work is in medical education, in the hope of ensuring future doctors are exposed to lifestyle medicine.

Dr. Sacha Cattani completed her MBBS from the University of Sydney. She became a Fellow of The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP) in 2013. Dr. Cattani's practice style is passionate, caring, interested, and patient-centred. She has special interests in lifestyle medicine, obesity management, and women's health.

Nathan Skewes is a physiotherapist specialising in fitness and injury rehabilitation. He completed a Doctor of Physiotherapy degree at the University of Melbourne. Nathan has worked as a rehabilitation coordinator for athletes from various sports.

Dr Ashwini Gana Baskaran is a highly experienced female GP and is the Principal Doctor of Sanctuary Wellness and Medical Centre. She has completed three fellowships, Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Fellowship of the Australian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine and Fellowship of the Australian Society of Lifestyle Medicine. She holds a Certificate in Advanced Dermoscopy and Histopathology and Primary Care Skin Cancer Therapeutics and Professional Certificate in Skin Cancer surgery. She has also completed her Professional Certificate of Aesthetic Medicine and Advanced certificate of Aesthetic Medicine. She is also a Certified Medical Acupuncturist from the Australian Medical Acupuncture College and offers acupuncture as part of Holistic care for her patients. She also provides Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy and Acceptance Commitment therapy for patients that may require Mental Health Support. Dr Ashwini Gana Baskaran enjoys the intellectual challenges of being a GP and understands that every patient is unique and important. She always strives to achieve the best health outcomes for her patients. She is a true believer in providing quality care with respect and compassion. Dr Ashwini Gana Baskaran is a member and examiner of RACGP( Royal Australian College of General Practice) and a member of Australian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (ACNEM) and Australian College of Lifestyle Medicine.

Dr. Sarah Dryburgh is a highly skilled osteopath with over a decade of experience. She specialises in long-term complicated musculoskeletal issues. Her treatment style includes hands-on manual therapy education and targeted exercise. Dr. Dryburgh has additional training in breathing techniques women‚'s health (including chronic pelvic pain and endometriosis) and the neurobiology of pain. She is passionate about holistic health and lifestyle medicine5.

Dr. Mark Foreman, a General Practitioner and Rural Generalist, has extensive experience in rural and remote Australia. His interests include chronic disease management, mental health, and Lifestyle Medicine. Dr. Foreman does not prescribe opiates or other drugs with abuse potential.

Lisa specialises in lifestyle medicine for mental health and wellbeing with a focus on habits, strategies and perspectives. With a background in psychotherapy, nutrition and lifestyle medicine Lisa is currently an author, content creator, university counsellor and project manager seeking to educate about proactive strategies for mental health.

Wendy is a healthcare professional with a rich tapestry of experience and expertise. She has dedicated her career to empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools to manage their health effectively. She has developed skills and expertise in diabetes care across diverse demographics, including adolescents, pregnant women, and individuals with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, obesity, weight management concerns, and preventive care strategies. Providing exceptional care to her patients, integrating her extensive knowledge of diabetes management with a holistic approach to healthcare. By embracing lifestyle interventions and emphasising self-care and self-management, with a commitment to providing comprehensive and personalised healthcare solutions.

For more than five years, Tammy has dedicated herself to clinical nutrition. Throughout this period, she pursued additional training in areas crucial for health, including gut health for those with IBS and IBD, interpreting pathology for preventative medicine and mental health, and managing hormonal weight issues. Her dedication to health and wellness extends beyond her professional role, evident in her involvement in mentoring, tutoring, and volunteer counseling, all aimed at supporting individuals and communities.

Dr. Annette Webb is an experienced paediatrician, clinical hypnotherapist, and psychotherapist. She completed her medical education at the University of Melbourne and specialises in paediatric gastroenterology. Dr. Webb is passionate about mind-body medicine and has conducted research on novel therapies such as gut-focused hypnotherapy for adolescents with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Dr. Sanjeevan Nagulendran is an experienced General Practitioner (GP) with a passion for patient-centred and holistic care. He specialises in work cover, diabetes management, and mental health. Dr. Nagulendran is surgically competent and enjoys performing various procedures, including skin cancer surgeries and Intrauterine Device (IUD) insertions. He is also an accredited shared care practitioner affiliated with several public hospitals providing maternity care within Melbourne. Dr. Nagulendran is fluent in English and Tamil1.

Colleen Condon is an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) and Accredited Sports Dietitian (AccSD). She specialises in Lifestyle Behaviour Change, Stress Anxiety and Resilience, and is based in Port Melbourne, Victoria. Dr. Condon assists people in achieving their health and fitness goals through evidence-based dietary advice. Outside of her work, she enjoys cooking, dancing, and spending time with family and friends 2.

Dr Manger is a General Practitioner with a focus on lifestyle medicine and mental health Senior Medical Officer in the Mental Health Services with Queensland Health Academic Lead and Senior Lecturer of the postgraduate suite (Master Graduate Diploma Graduate Certificate) in Lifestyle Medicine at James Cook University College of Medicine and Dentistry and GP Training Ambassador for Equally Well Australia President of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine (ASLM) Advisory Group member of the RACGP Shaping a Healthy Australia project host of The GP Show podcast and RACGP QLD GP of the Year 2021.

Ruth Troughton is a certified lifestyle medicine practitioner (ASLM) and an experienced physiotherapist, leader, innovator, supervisor, and educator. Ruth is a highly experienced NZ Registered Physiotherapist with over 20 years of diverse clinical experience. While skilled in general physiotherapy areas like spinal injuries, musculoskeletal conditions, and outpatient care, her passion lies in mental health physiotherapy. For more than half of her career, Ruth has focused on mental health contexts. Notably, she served for 6 years as a Clinical Leader Physiotherapist within Specialist Mental Health Services at CDHB. This leadership role demonstrates her dedication to this field and her expertise in applying physiotherapy principles to mental health treatment.

Hon Dr Joseph Randolph Bowers is a Senior Specialist Counsellor Psychotherapist with Lifestyle Medicine expertise. His qualifications include PhD Health Couns, D.D., Hon D.D., MEd Couns, GCHE, Dip Ericksonian Hypno, CPNLP, BA Distinction, HACA. Joseph received his PhD from the School of Health, UNE, and taught for twenty years in the university sector in Australia and Canada in health counselling, education, and indigenous studies. His interests include the interface between development, identity, lifestyle, spirituality, and culture with a clinical focus on the holistic application of human ecology and motivational psychotherapy with person centred and solution focused outcomes.

Clara graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Medical Science with Honours in 1998 and a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery in 2002. She has been working in General Practice since 2008. Clara has a Diploma in Child Health and a Certificate in Sexual Health and Family Planning. She attained her fellowship with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners in 2007. Clara became a Board Certified Lifestyle Medicine Physician through the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine and the International Board of Lifestyle Medicine in 2020. She is a fellow of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine and a Health Coaching Australia and New Zealand Association (HCANZA) accredited health and wellness coach. Clara enjoys the variety that General Practice has to offer, and considers it a privilege to have the opportunity to engage in long term partnerships with her patients. She is passionate about empowering her patients to optimise their health in a holistic way. Her special interests include proactive healthcare, lifestyle medicine, diabetes reversal, weight reduction management, and mental health.

Dr Michael Dobson graduated from Deakin University School of Medicine in 2016 and completed two years at Geelong Hospital before moving to the Mornington Peninsula in 2019. His areas of interest include aviation medicine, diving medicine, musculoskeletal medicine and preventive health. Dr Dobson is passionate about enhancing both lifespan and achieving optimal quality of life (i.e. healthspan) for patients with a strong focus on early prevention through lifestyle and other interventions using an individualised approach. Dr Dobson is a Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME) able to perform Aviation Medical Examinations and both Recreational and Occupational Diving Examinations.

Dr. Flavia Fayet-Moore is a Brazilian-born, Canadian-raised, Australian-made scientist, nutritionist, and researcher. She holds a PhD in nutrition from The University of Sydney and is the CEO of Nutrition Research Australia.

Dr. Heather Shribman is a General Practitioner with a strong focus on women's health, antenatal care, preventative medicine, and chronic disease management. She specialises in metabolic health, weight loss, and is a registered antenatal shared-care GP. With additional training in paediatrics, family planning, and sexual health, Dr. Heather brings a holistic approach to her practice and her decade of hospital experience, including emergency medicine and work in rural areas, informs her passion for early intervention and sustainable lifestyle changes to promote long-term well-being for her patients.

Originally from Malaysia, Dr Aishah won a scholarship to study medicine at the University of Adelaide, where upon graduation she developed a passion for preventative and general medicine, mental health, rural health, and Aboriginal health. These experiences have significantly influenced her practice today. She believes in connecting communities to improve the well-being of others. She advocates for lifestyle medicine embedded in holistic management. She embraces curiosity and lifelong learning.

Dr. Wooveen Kim is a GP with a holistic approach to medical practice. He emphasises preventive and lifestyle-based interventions that are evidence-based and practical. His expertise lies in general practice and supporting patients through midlife and menopause2.

Jille is a Registered Nurse completing her initial training at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, and then a Bachelor of Applied Science and Post Graduate Diploma in Health Science at Curtin University. Jille is also a Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) and holds further qualifications in nutritional and environmental medicine. Jille received Fellowship of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine in 2018 and Fellowship of the Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine in 2020. In private practice since 2011 as a Nurse Practitioner, her approach is collaborative and holistic with an emphasis on lifestyle medicine.

Petrea King, the CEO of the Quest for Life Foundation, is a well-known author, inspirational speaker, and teacher. She is qualified as a naturopath, herbalist, clinical hypnotherapist, yoga, and meditation teacher. Petrea and her team of facilitators, counsellors and psychotherapists at the Quest for Life Foundation have conducted residential programs and workshops for people living with various forms of trauma for over 40 years. Our programs cater for people with serious or life-threatening illnesses, depression, grief, loss, PTSD and anxiety. Petrea is a naturopath, yoga and meditation teacher and is the CEO of the Quest for Life Foundation

Margaret Shi is a lifestyle medicine GP who specialises in obesity management and medical weight loss. She is an expert with certification from the World Obesity Federation. Dr. Shi is committed to improving the health of Indigenous Australians. She is also associated with the Improvement Foundation and the Collaboratives Movement. Dr. Shi delivers quality medicine as part of a dedicated team.

Melissa arrived from the UK in 2009 with her husband to enjoy a working adventure in York WA. A few years later; she is the mother of 2 young children and thrilled to be living and working in the beautiful Perth Hills. Melissa specialises in Mental Health, Palliative care, Preventative medicine and Health care of older people.

Meet Dr. Pheng Low, a GP with over two decades of professional experience, who also serves as a behaviour coach, community connector, lifestyle hacker, and a notable keynote and TEDx speaker based in Melbourne, Australia. Pheng's own encounter with insulin-dependent gestational diabetes became a catalyst for significant personal transformation. Confronted with this challenge, she delved into the practices of yoga, meditation, and permaculture, catalysing remarkable improvements in her physical and mental health. The profound impact of these lifestyle adjustments not only astonished her, it led her to redefine her professional approach. Today, Pheng is a passionate proponent of a lifestyle-centric philosophy. She is committed to empowering individuals, corporations, and community groups, helping them discover a renewed sense of purpose and well-being. Specialising in guiding busy professionals to manage the demands of their fast-paced careers, Pheng places a strong emphasis on self-care. Through her expert guidance, many have successfully integrated timeless lifestyle principles into their lives, achieving better well-being, enhancing time management skills, and realising their utmost potential.

Dr. James Stewart is Australia‚'s leading natural medicine clinician. He helps people live happier and healthier lives without relying on standard Western medicine pharmaceuticals.

Meredyth Bell is a registered pharmacist with extensive experience in both retail and hospital pharmacy management. She is also a weight loss consultant and personal trainer. Meredyth is passionate about lifestyle medicine and preventive health. Her special interests include mental health, sleep disorders, and autoimmune diseases.

Dr. Liza has been a GP for 16 years with a focus on mental health and well-being. She provides compassionate guidance and creates a safe space for those seeking support. Dr. Liza's approach is holistic, addressing the person's needs and empowering them to improve their well-being using evidence-based strategies. She specialises in managing depression, anxiety, low self-worth, finding meaning in life, and self-development.

Monique is a AHPRA Registered Nurse. She is the Clinical Program Coordinator and a health coach for the EMERALD wellbeing program. In her position in EMERALD she works alongside people assisting with changes to their lifestyle in the early intervention program. Monique is involved in public presentations helping to improve general knowledge about mental health. Monique has worked in mental health since graduating as a Registered Nurse in 1997 at Ara in Christchurch, New Zealand. She has two Postgraduate Diplomas in Health Science endorsed in Mental Health and endorsed in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy from Otago University. Her clinical experience includes working with children and adolescents as well as adults in inpatient settings, working with adults with problematic anxiety in a specialist community service in New Zealand. Once moving to Australia, she has worked with adults with depression, anxiety, addiction and post-traumatic stress in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Prior to her current role, Monique worked in the clinical trials unit at the Thompson Institute.

Dr. Catriona Arnold-Nott grew up in Canberra and studied a combined degree in arts and medicine at the University of Sydney. Along with her husband Peter, she has spent most of her 30-year career working in Northern Australia. Dr. Arnold-Nott holds further qualifications in rural and remote general practice, sexual health, family planning, and public health medicine. She settled on a small farm outside of Millaa Millaa in 2009 and fulfilled her lifelong dream by setting up Malanda Medical Care. Dr. Arnold-Nott is passionate about whole-person well-being and maintains a fun and friendly workplace. Her other interests include dabbling in foreign languages, amateur acting, baking bread, making cheese, organic veggie farming, and bushwalking

Dr. Robin Chan is a General Practice Specialist and Rural Hospital Medicine Specialist. She is registered in New Zealand and has extensive experience working in rural and remote regions. Dr. Chan‚'s commitment to lifelong learning and adaptability has allowed her to provide comprehensive care in diverse settings. She believes that rural generalists should be flexible, adventurous, confident, and resourceful, comfortable outside their comfort zone 3.

Dr. Mohd Khairul Azizi Mohd Zaki is a Clinical Exercise-Occupational Physician in Malaysia. His interests include exercise intervention for cancer treatment, immunology, and pharmacology. He advocates for a holistic approach to Lifestyle Medicine for public and clinical populations.

Dr Mary Jessop is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. Since completing her training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in 2001, she has worked in both public and private practice, and inpatient and community settings. Dr Jessop has extensive experience in the management of mental health difficulties in children and adolescents. Her approach is family focused and recognizes the important role of parents in supporting young people who are experiencing difficulties.

Dr. Lou Sanderson is a General Practitioner based in Belmont, Victoria. She has extensive experience in general practice and is committed to providing exceptional service to her patients2.

Dr. Deepa Rao is a General Practitioner (GP) with extensive experience. She graduated from a top-ranked overseas medical school in 2004 and obtained an MD in Clinical Pathology with Distinction. Dr. Rao migrated to Australia in 2019 and has been working as a GP in Cardiff, NSW. Her interests include mental health and general practice. Dr. Rao is known for her pragmatic, supportive, and caring approach to patient care. In her spare time, she enjoys writing poems, oil painting, and choreography. She also has a special interest in foreign affairs

Dr. Tuan serves as the Chief Independent Physician at our centre, having joined our team in 1996 following his graduation from the University of Sydney in 1994. He holds fellowship status with The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Dr. Tuan is passionate about all facets of family medicine but exhibits particular expertise and enthusiasm for men's health, diabetes management, and sports medicine.

Dr. Sohaib Nasim is a general physician at CQ Medicentre. With over a decade of experience, he is known for his exceptional medical expertise and compassionate patient care. Dr. Nasim provides personalised healthcare services and specialises in various areas of general medicine4.

Dr. Chris Desmond is a Melbourne-based Gastroenterologist. His areas of expertise include colon cancer screening, inflammatory bowel disease, coeliac disease, small bowel capsule endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, food intolerances, irritable bowel, and functional GI disorders. Dr. Desmond combines public practice at Monash Health with a private Gastroenterology practice in Ashburton, Clayton, and Cabrini Medical Centres. He is also actively involved in teaching and research 3.

Dr. Shane Marles-Malone is associated with Southern Cross University. His research interests include diabetes education, nutrition, insulin resistance, and disease prevention. As a health science professional, he contributes to understanding and improving health outcomes.

Mrs. Ngareta N Rorich is an Occupational Therapist. She provides holistic care, focusing on well-being. Her expertise includes musculoskeletal issues, chronic pain, and elderly care. Mrs. Rorich also specialises in dermatology and mental health.

Dr. Camilla Elliott is a General Practitioner with qualifications from Imperial College London. She practises at Rust Avenue Medical Centre and has a special interest in general practice.

Dr Jonathan Gillies has been working as a GP in Melbourne, including work in public health, sports medicine, addiction medicine, university teaching and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing for the last 10 years. He completed MBBS at Monash University in 2012 and commenced GP training in 2016. He has completed a diploma in Women’s Health, diploma in Children’s Health, Master in Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and holds Fellowship of the RACGP.