GP Refresh Sydney
Keynote Speakers
Dr Bruce Willett
Ex. RACGP QLD Chairman
Dr Nicole Higgins
Ex RACGP President
Dr Bruce Willett
Ex. RACGP QLD Chairman
Dr Nicole Higgins
Ex RACGP President
Dr Bruce Willett has over three decades of experience in general practice, combining personalised patient care with transformative leadership across the Australian healthcare sector. He has been a general practitioner since 1989 and was a successful practice owner, having established his first practice in Thorneside with his wife Gertrude in 1992 and later building Victoria Point Surgery in Brisbane’s south into a thriving business.
Bruce’s leadership extends far beyond clinical practice through his distinguished service with The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). He served as RACGP Vice President from July 2020 until November 2023 and was Queensland Faculty Chair from October 2016 until November 2023. His advocacy work has been instrumental in shaping general practice policy, including leading successful negotiations for payroll tax exemptions in Queensland and guiding the transition of GP training programmes back to the RACGP.
As Chair of General Practice Supervisors Australia (GPSA), Bruce demonstrated his commitment to medical education and supporting the next generation of GPs. He has been an RACGP examiner since 1994 and continues as a GP supervisor, training registrars. His educational leadership include establishing the GPs@Parliament programme in Queensland, which has been replicated across Australia.
Bruce played a pivotal role in the RACGP’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, working closely with Queensland Health to develop policies and guidelines during the early stages of the crisis. His advocacy efforts have focused on addressing the underfunding of Medicare, maintaining fee-for-service as the mainstay of healthcare funding, and the role of general practice as the most cost-effective part of the healthcare system.
Recently, Bruce received the Rose-Hunt Award, the RACGP’s highest accolade, recognising his significant contributions to general practice advocacy and education. The award acknowledged his role in galvanising opposition to proposed payroll tax changes affecting general practice and his leadership through the transition of training back to the colleges and during challenging periods for the profession.
Hobbies include writing bios in the third person, beetle fighting, competitive duck herding, and making up hobbies to make himself sound more interesting than he really is.
Dr Nicole Higgins is the former President of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and a highly respected leader in Australian general practice. With a career spanning over two decades, she represents the depth and diversity of the profession combining her roles as a practising GP, business owner, medical educator, mentor, and advocate for sustainable primary care.
Based in Mackay, Queensland, Dr Higgins runs her own general practice while actively contributing to health system improvement and workforce development. She is passionate about strengthening general practice through education, leadership, and innovation. Having previously worked with Tropical Medical Training and the Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS), she has guided and mentored countless GP trainees, supporting the next generation of rural and regional doctors.
Dr Higgins also served as Chair of GP Supervisors Australia (GPSA) and has held directorships since the early days of the Divisions of General Practice through to the Primary Health Networks (PHNs). Her work has been recognised for entrepreneurship, innovation, and her dedication to improving healthcare delivery in both urban and remote settings.
A strong advocate for workforce sustainability and GP wellbeing, Dr Higgins has been at the forefront of initiatives that address practitioner burnout, rural workforce shortages, and the challenges of modern primary care. She frequently collaborates with industry bodies, training organisations, and government agencies to shape policies that support equitable healthcare access across Australia.
Beyond her professional commitments, Dr Higgins is known for her pragmatic leadership style and her ability to connect policy with real-world clinical experience. As a working parent, she brings authenticity and balance to her advocacy, highlighting the human side of medicine and the need for systemic support for healthcare professionals.
Through her clinical practice, teaching, and leadership, Dr Nicole Higgins continues to champion the vital role of GPs in Australia’s healthcare system — advocating for high-quality patient care, professional support, and the advancement of general practice as the cornerstone of community health.
Dr Justin Coleman is a GP-writer who looks sceptically at health interventions where the evidence suggests they might not actually be worthwhile. This is part of his broader interest in the public health concept of equity – fair access to primary health care for everyone.
Despite earnest intentions, he frequently breaks out into lighter reflections on GP practice, with its quirks and oddities – often discovering the oddest person in the room is him!
Justin works in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health on the Tiwi Islands, north of Darwin.
Medical editing:
Justin is co-editor of Australia’s largest-selling medical textbook, Murtagh’s General Practice (7th edition and forthcoming 8th edition) and also co-editor of Murtagh’s Practice Tips.
Justin was Editor of the Diabetes Management Journal from 2018-20 and remains on its Editorial Board. He runs editing and writing workshops for medical writers and medical workshops for doctors in his spare time.
He has edited over a million words for medical publication. He peer reviews for the BMJ, MJA and AFP medical journals, all of which have also published his research articles. He edits websites, including the National Heart Foundation and the Inala Indigenous Health Service.
Medical writing: Justin has been a freelance medical writer since 1996 and President of the Australasian Medical Writers Association (AMWA) from 2010-15. His freelance writing CV is found at AMWA.
He has published around 1500 articles in around 40 Australian and international newspapers, magazines and journals. He has authored six book chapters and four regular newspaper columns. He has won various awards for his medical writing and for his fictional short stories and a play.
Justin initiated and wrote the weekly GP Tips column in Medical Observer for its entire 13 years (1998-2011), wrote a twice weekly medical news column for GPs, still writes a monthly humorous column (six years so far). He writes and reviews GPlearning modules for the National Asthma Council Australia, and writes the Diabetes chapter in each update of the National guide to a preventive health assessment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
TV, radio: Justin has featured on a number of TV shows, including the ABC’s 7.30 report and Channel 7’s Tonight. An example of an extended interview is on Starts at 60. He does a regular weekly medical talkback radio gig with the Novos and has been interviewed on radio around a hundred times around his medical areas of expertise. As a younger man (pre-medicine) he acted on TV, including two very forgettable episodes of Neighbours!
Educator:
Qualifications: In addition to his medical degree (Uni of Melbourne, 1992) and, Justin has completed a Masters in Public Health (Uni of Qld, 2009, first class honors) and a Writing and Editing course (Uni of Qld 2009, first class honors). Justin is a senior lecturer at both University of Queensland and Griffith University, and was an inaugural member of the Qld Health Clinical Senate. He assesses UQ and Griffith medical students and also clinically assesses Overseas-Trained Doctors for the NT Medical Board.
Talks, presentations: Justin is invited to give perhaps 20 talks and presentations each year. He is interviewed by print and radio journalists a few times each month. So far, his record is featuring in four articles in the one edition of MJA Insight (2 March 2015). Talks in 2016 include; RDAV16, RDAQ16, GP16, Allied Health Leadership Forum, UQ School of Pharmacy, Logan Hospital Grand Round, RACMA, Choosing Wisely Australia, GPRA16 (Future of General Practice) and Therapeutic Goods Advertising seminar.
Ex. RACGP Vice-President
Advisory & Scientific Committee Member GP Refresh
Dr Bruce Willett has over three decades of experience in general practice, combining personalised patient care with transformative leadership across the Australian healthcare sector. He has been a general practitioner since 1989 and was a successful practice owner, having established his first practice in Thorneside with his wife Gertrude in 1992 and later building Victoria Point Surgery in Brisbane’s south into a thriving business.
Bruce’s leadership extends far beyond clinical practice through his distinguished service with The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). He served as RACGP Vice President from July 2020 until November 2023 and was Queensland Faculty Chair from October 2016 until November 2023. His advocacy work has been instrumental in shaping general practice policy, including leading successful negotiations for payroll tax exemptions in Queensland and guiding the transition of GP training programmes back to the RACGP.
As Chair of General Practice Supervisors Australia (GPSA), Bruce demonstrated his commitment to medical education and supporting the next generation of GPs. He has been an RACGP examiner since 1994 and continues as a GP supervisor, training registrars. His educational leadership include establishing the GPs@Parliament programme in Queensland, which has been replicated across Australia.
Bruce played a pivotal role in the RACGP’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, working closely with Queensland Health to develop policies and guidelines during the early stages of the crisis. His advocacy efforts have focused on addressing the underfunding of Medicare, maintaining fee-for-service as the mainstay of healthcare funding, and the role of general practice as the most cost-effective part of the healthcare system.
Recently, Bruce received the Rose-Hunt Award, the RACGP’s highest accolade, recognising his significant contributions to general practice advocacy and education. The award acknowledged his role in galvanising opposition to proposed payroll tax changes affecting general practice and his leadership through the transition of training back to the colleges and during challenging periods for the profession.
Hobbies include writing bios in the third person, beetle fighting, competitive duck herding, and making up hobbies to make himself sound more interesting than he really is.
Scientific Committee Member GP Refresh
Dr Catherine Eltringham is a GP on Wadawurrung country in Geelong, Victoria. Since fellowship in 2013, she has balanced clinical practice with various roles in education including University, and postgraduate settings. Most recently Catherine has taken the role of National Clinical Lead for Medical Educator Professional Development and is proud to be working on a curriculum for GP medical educators. Previously to this role she was facilitating Supervisor and Medical Educator Professional Development in Victoria and developing educational content for private GP CPD provider Medcast.
When not working as a GP Medical Educator, Catherine volunteers as a fire fighter for the local CFA.
Dr Ian Kamerman is an experienced General Practitioner based in Tamworth, New South Wales, with over 35 years of experience in rural medicine. He is a practice principal at Northwest Health and is committed to providing comprehensive, patient-centred healthcare to individuals and families across the region.
Dr Kamerman has a strong interest in supporting the sustainability of rural healthcare and is actively involved in the education and mentoring of medical students and junior doctors. Alongside his clinical work, he has contributed to a number ofleadership and advisory roles within the medical community, advocating for improved access to quality healthcare services in rural and regional Australia.
Dr Prakash Appanna is a Gold Coast GP with over 30 years of experience as a GP and who completed his medical training in South Africa before obtaining Fellowships from both the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
Dr Appanna also holds advanced training in Sports Medicine, Emergency Medicine and Skin Cancer Surgery. Dr Appanna has been dedicated to education having been a Registrar Teacher and Medical Student Teacher in both New Zealand and Australia.
In addition he has been a Fellowship Assessor for the RNZCGP and an Examiner for the RACGP. He has served on both the Auckland Faculty Board and the Queensland Faculty Board of the RNZCGP and RACGP respectively.
He helped set up the inaugural General Practice Owners National Conference and chaired the second conference. Dr Appanna founded the General Practice Owners Facebook group. He has also established General Practice Clinics in New Zealand and Australia.
Dr Kodsi is a cardiologist with subspecialty expertise in advanced cardiac imaging. He graduated with an MBBS degree from Bond University, receiving the Dean’s awards for academic excellence throughout his final three years.
He undertook Basic Physician Training at Westmead Hospital, where he achieved the highest possible score in the RACP Divisional Clinical Examination Long Cases. Dr Kodsi subsequently completed Cardiology Advanced Training at Westmead Hospital and was admitted as a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP) in 2024.
Following his specialist training, he completed a dedicated Advanced Cardiac Imaging Fellowship at Westmead Hospital, gaining advanced expertise in transthoracic echocardiography, transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE), stress echocardiography, and cardiac CT. Dr Kodsi holds Level B accreditation in CT coronary angiography through the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR), reflecting advanced training in cardiac CT imaging.
Dr Kodsi is experienced in all aspects of general cardiology, including echocardiography, exercise stress echocardiography and Holter monitors.
He has a particular interest in heart failure, valvular heart disease, and using detailed heart imaging to help diagnose conditions early and guide the best treatment plans. Dr Kodsi is committed to providing clear explanations, compassionate care, and evidence-based treatment for every patient.
Dr Christopher Chan is a consultant endocrinologist at Sunrise Endocrinology in Chatswood and a Visiting Medical Officer at the Mater Hospital. He graduated medical school with honours from the University of Sydney, and completed his Basic Physician Training at Concord Hospital and Advanced Training at Westmead and Macquarie University Hospitals. He is interested in metabolic and preventative healthcare and all areas of general endocrinology. Dr Chan is a passionate medical educator, and is an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Sydney and Senior Lecturer at the University of Notre Dame.
Dr. Amanda Hor graduated from the University of Manchester, UK, where she earned her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degrees before relocating to Sydney in 2010 following a tenure in the NHS, UK. Her journey in medicine continued with basic physician training at St Vincent’s Hospital and advanced training in Endocrinology at Blacktown, St George, and Westmead Hospitals. She is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.
She has an interest in all areas of Endocrinology, including lipoedema, obesity and weight management, polycystic ovarian syndrome, metabolic syndrome, diabetes (type 2, gestational, and monogenic), thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, and adrenal disorders.
Dr Monika Fazekas-Lavu is a Sydney-based Endocrinologist with extensive experience in the diagnosis and management of a broad range of endocrine conditions. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Distinction) in Biochemistry and Microbiology from the University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, and a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Sydney.
Dr Fazekas-Lavu completed her specialist training in Endocrinology at Prince of Wales and St Vincent’s Hospitals in Sydney. She is the Director of Sunrise Endocrinology, a multidisciplinary clinic in Chatswood, and serves as a Visiting Medical Officer at Mater Hospital and North Shore Private Hospital.
She has a particular interest in women’s health, including the management of lipoedema, weight-related conditions, perimenopause, gestational diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and bone health. Dr Fazekas-Lavu is committed to delivering evidence-based, personalised care tailored to each patient’s individual needs.
Dr. Sheiban is a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist dedicated to comprehensive luminal and liver care, providing compassionate and holistic treatment for his patients. A Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP), he completed his physician training at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital before undertaking advanced training across a diverse range of regional and metropolitan centers. Following this, he further elevated his specialised skill set through a dedicated fellowship at St Vincent’s Hospital, focusing on cutting-edge practices in inflammatory bowel disease and advanced intestinal ultrasound techniques.
His primary rooms are based in Ashfield in Sydney’s Inner West, with procedures performed at The Sydney Private Hospital and Strathfield Private Hospital. Dr. Sheiban also proudly maintains a monthly regional service in Wagga Wagga to serve distant communities.
Dr Hansoo Lee is an Australian-trained Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon
with expertise in the diagnosis and management of arterial and venous
disease. He has a particular interest in minimally invasive endovascular
treatments, providing contemporary options that can reduce recovery times
and avoid major surgery where appropriate.
Dr Lee holds appointments at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital, Sydney Adventist
Hospital and Norwest Private Hospital, caring for both public and private
patients. He is passionate about delivering collaborative care with general
practitioners and other specialists via timely assessment, practical
management recommendations and prompt communication. He is able to
expedite referrals within one week at patient’s or referrer’s request.
Following vascular surgery training in Australia, Dr Lee completed advanced
fellowships at the Mayo Clinic (USA) in complex aortic aneurysm management
and at Policlinico Abano Terme (Italy) in peripheral endovascular
reconstruction. He subsequently served as a Consultant Vascular Surgeon at
Cambridge University Hospitals (UK) before returning to Sydney.
Dr Lee’s clinical interests include combined advanced endovascular and open
surgical interventions to treat peripheral arterial disease and claudication,
varicose veins, carotid disease, aortic aneurysms, diabetic feet and chronic
ulcers, as well as dialysis access.
Dr. Sher is a specialist knee, shoulder and elbow surgeon.
As well as his medical degree (University of New South Wales, 1991) he has completed a Masters Degree in Biomedical Engineering. The research thesis for this degree was awarded the Evelyn Hamilton Memorial prize from the Australian Orthopaedic Association.
Dr Sher’s Orthopaedic training was completed on the Sydney Orthopaedic Training Scheme. He then travelled overseas undertaking surgical subspeciality fellowships and is the former Head of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Concord Repatriation General Hospital. He is the fellowship supervisor for the Prince of Wales and Concord Shoulder and Elbow Fellowship and continues to work in both the public and private sectors. He also travels regularly to third world countries to help teach the local surgeons through Orthopaedic Outreach.
He was the secretary and treasurer of the Shoulder and Elbow Society of Australia from 2019-2023
His passion for helping patients avoid unnecessary surgery has led to his involvement in establishing ground breaking metabolic, arthritis, weight loss and sports performance clinics.
Dr Brett Fritsch is a Sydney-based orthopaedic surgeon specialising exclusively in knee surgery, with appointments at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Mater Private Hospital. He has a high volume clinical practice combined with a strong research interest and is internationally recognised for his expertise in sports knee injuries, knee preservation surgery, osteotomy, ligament reconstruction and robotic-assisted knee replacement. He serves on the Boards of Directors of both the International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (ISAKOS) and the Asia-Pacific Knee, Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine Society (APKASS).
Dr Fritsch is a Director of the Sydney Orthopaedic Research Institute (SORI), where he leads research and innovation programs focused on improving outcomes for patients with knee disorders, and is the Orthopaedic Robotics Lead at the Institute of Academic Surgery at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. He has published more than 50 peer-reviewed scientific papers, is a reviewer for several leading Orthopaedic journals including the American Journal of Sports Medicine, Knee, and KSSTA, and is a regular invited speaker at major international orthopaedic conferences.
In addition to his clinical and academic work, Dr Fritsch is a co-founder of several healthcare innovation companies and has been involved in the development of emerging technologies in personalised surgery, artificial intelligence and robotic-assisted orthopaedics.
Dr Chang is an Australian educated and trained orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in foot and ankle surgery. She also has a subspecialty interest in hand and trauma surgery. After graduating from the University of Sydney School of Medicine in 2008, Dr Chang underwent rigorous training at various hospitals throughout NSW and ACT. She obtained her FRACS in orthopaedic surgery from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, and her FAOrthA from Australian Orthopaedic Association. Subsequently, she completed her foot and ankle subspecialty training as the honorary VMO at Royal North Shore Hospital.
Dr Chang is a dedicated orthopaedic surgeon who endeavours to provide superlative care for her patients. She strives to be up to date with the latest clinical evidence and surgical techniques to allow her to individualize and optimize care for her patients and to ensure the best patient outcomes.
Dr. Prashanth (Prash) Rao is known best for his expertise in endoscopic spine surgery, where he has excelled and contributed significantly through research and innovation.
With a patient-first approach, he has been at the forefront of developing minimally invasive techniques that offer shorter recovery times and less discomfort, improving the quality of life for his patients
Dr Jane Standen is a dual-qualified Consultant Anaesthetist and Specialist Pain Medicine Physician with extensive experience in the management of complex acute and chronic pain conditions.
A graduate of the University of Sydney, Dr Standen completed her specialist anaesthesia training at Prince of Wales Hospital before undertaking subspecialty training in pain medicine at the Michael J Cousins Pain Management and Research Centre at Royal North Shore Hospital.
She has a particular clinical interest in neuropathic pain, persistent post-surgical pain, neuromodulation, and the management of pain in older patients. Her approach is patient-centred, combining careful assessment, interventional pain therapies, medication rationalisation, and multidisciplinary care to improve function and quality of life.
Dr Standen is a member of the International Association for the Study of Pain and the Neuromodulation Society of Australia and New Zealand. She is a Consultant Pain Specialist at Royal North Shore Hospital and also holds appointments at Sydney Adventist Hospital, Norwest Private Hospital, and the Mater Hospital in North Sydney.
Degrees: MBBS, MD, FCPS (Medicine), FCPS (Cardiology), FRACP, FCSANZ, FESC, FACC
Dr. Shahid Hafeez is a senior consultant cardiologist with over a decade of experience in clinical cardiology. He has practised extensively in Australia at major teaching hospitals in Adelaide and Brisbane.
Qualifications:
FRACP in Cardiology, Adelaide
Echocardiography Fellowship, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane
Level B CTCA Specialist Accreditation
Dual Fellowships (FCPS) in Medicine and Cardiology, College of Physicians & Surgeons Pakistan
Areas of Specialty:
Coronary Artery Disease
Heart Failure
General Rhythm Disorders
Cardiac Imaging
Lipid Management
Preventive Cardiology
Hypertension
Dr. Hafeez specialises in clinical, diagnostic, and preventive cardiology.
Dr Ross Calopedos is an Australian-trained Specialist Urological Surgeon with a subspecialty focus on men’s health, penile surgery and the restoration of erectile function. He is committed to providing comprehensive, patient-focused care through in-person and telehealth consultations.
Dr Ross completed his specialist urological training across New South Wales, gaining extensive expertise in all aspects of urological health. Following this, he undertook two additional years of advanced subspecialty training, focusing on minimally invasive surgery and men’s health, further refining his expertise in cutting-edge treatments and patient care.
His passion for men’s health led him to work with global experts in penile surgery and erectile dysfunction cure, allowing him to bring the most innovative global techniques and invaluable insights to his patients in Australia.
Dr Bacsi trained in Sydney (Prince of Wales Hospital) and London (Royal Free Hospital), obtaining her fellowship in 2008. In 2005 she obtained a PhD in vestibular reflexes and balance control form UNSW. She spent 7 years working in the UK as a registrar and, later, as a neurology consultant at the QEII Hospital (Welwyn Garden City). Her subspeciality interests are headache, vertigo and dementia.
Dr Himanshu Garg is a Respiratory and Sleep Physician with over two decades of experience in respiratory and sleep medicine across Australia, India, and other international settings. He is the Director of Gold Coast Lung & Sleep Clinic and has a particular interest in obstructive sleep apnoea, insomnia, asthma, COPD, and the integration of sleep medicine into primary care.
Prior to establishing his specialist practice on the Gold Coast, Dr Garg worked as a Staff Physician at Royal Darwin Hospital and has held a range of clinical, academic, and leadership roles throughout his career. He is the Founder and Past President of the South East Asian Academy of Sleep Medicine and remains actively involved in education, research, and professional development initiatives in respiratory and sleep medicine.
Sanjay is a senior general and colorectal surgeon who works in the Sydney West Area Health Service. He completed his colorectal training through the Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSSANZ) in 2012 with his fellowship being completed in Perth and Oxford. He is also a cofounder of the charitable organisation, the Global Medical Foundation Australia, which was established in 2012.
Dr Ross Calopedos is an Australian-trained Specialist Urological Surgeon with a subspecialty focus on men’s health, penile surgery and the restoration of erectile function. He is committed to providing comprehensive, patient-focused care through in-person and telehealth consultations.
Dr Ross completed his specialist urological training across New South Wales, gaining extensive expertise in all aspects of urological health. Following this, he undertook two additional years of advanced subspecialty training, focusing on minimally invasive surgery and men’s health, further refining his expertise in cutting-edge treatments and patient care.
His passion for men’s health led him to work with global experts in penile surgery and erectile dysfunction cure, allowing him to bring the most innovative global techniques and invaluable insights to his patients in Australia.
Dr Angela James is a Specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, founder of Sydney Pelvic Clinic and National Chair of the Australian Physiotherapy Association’s Pelvic Health group.
She has over 20 years’ experience treating women and men with pelvic health conditions including pelvic pain, bladder and bowel dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, pelvic floor disorders, and pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation. Angela is passionate about evidence-based, multidisciplinary care and translating research into everyday clinical practice.
He is part of multiple interdisciplinary teams which provide a holistic and multi-modal approach to pain management. He offers interventional pain treatments as part of this multi-modal approach. He works alongside other treatment providers, including complementary medicine, to ensure best outcomes for the individual.
His clinical and research interests include non-inflammatory based musculoskeletal pain encompassing spinal pain, osteoarthritis, hypermobility syndromes, chronic widespread pain, pain in people with neurocognitive dysfunction, fibromyalgia, central sensitivity syndromes and pain in the elderly.
He currently works at multiple public and private hospitals including working as a VMO at St. Vincent’s Hospital Pain Clinic and Royal Rehab Hospital in Sydney. He consults and performs pain interventions at St. George Private Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital. He offers telehealth services to remote and regional Australia through Telecare.
Dr Anand is the clinical lead for the “Be Pain Smart Clinic” which supports people with pain and traumatic brain and spinal cord injury across NSW. He is an active member working on multiple projects with the Agency of Clinical Innovation NSW, the International Association for the Study of Pain and the Australian Pain Society. He completed a two-year research and clinical role at the Dementia Center supporting people living with pain and dementia through a nation-wide program (2017-2019).
He is a trained facilitator of mindfulness practices based on the breath and volunteers time for activities with the Art of Living foundation. Dr Anand undertook his undergraduate medical training in Bangalore, India and completed his specialist general medicine and rheumatology training in New Zealand with dual fellowship under the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP). He gained a wide clinical experience during his specialist training in various medical sub-specialities including general medicine, rheumatology, oncology, respiratory medicine, cardiology, gastroenterology, immunology, rehabilitation medicine and neurology which gave him a deep understanding of the complex interplay of medical issues.
He moved to Sydney to undertake a fellowship in Pain Medicine, rotating at St. Vincent’s Hospital and Royal Northshore Hospital and completed his fellowship under the Faculty of Pain Medicine, Australia New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (FFPMANZCA).
Dr. Caroline is an experienced specialist GP with advanced women’s health training , and a member of the Australasian Menopause Society . She has a special interest in the transition in a woman’s life to “Freedom” ( menopause).Caroline is passionate about her patients igniting understanding of the science of the human body and mind to overcome the challenges in their lives.
Holistic in approach with an emphasis on lifestyle and nutrition, Caroline’s mission is break down the barriers between patients and their most powerful ally in their wellbeing: their GP.
She is a Fellow of the RACGP.
BSc MBBS MS(Advanced Breast Surgery) FRACS
Breast and General Surgeon, The Royal Hospital for Women and Prince of Wales Public and Private Hospitals
Dr Sarah Forsyth is a Specialist Breast and General Surgeon at The Royal Hospital for Women and Prince of Wales Public and Private Hospitals. She also holds an appointment at BreastScreen NSW where she assesses and counsels’ women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. She is a member of the BreastSurgANZ Education Committee, a group committed to furthering education for peers and colleagues in their field.
Dr Forsyth was the first female general surgeon to be appointed to The Royal Hospital for Women and Prince of Wales Hospital. She trained at the esteemed Westmead Breast Cancer Institute where she developed skills in oncoplastic breast surgery. She also continues a busy general surgery practice and covers general surgery on call at Prince of Wales Hospital.
Dr Forsyth is passionate about women’s health and feels privileged to treat women in the local community she lives and raises her three young children in.
Dr Margarethe ‘Greta’ Sears is a specialist GP with a special interest in women’s health. She completed her medical degree at the Medical University of Vienna and is an RACGP Fellow. She holds the DRANZCOG diploma and the Certificate of Vulval Dermatology through the Australasian College of Dermatologists.
Greta practises in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire at Woolooware Family Medical Practice, Kirrawee Family Medical Practice and at Myma Health, Bondi Junction. She is an RACGP External Clinical Teaching Visitor and also provides private surgical assisting in obstetrics and gynaecology.
Her clinical interests span from perimenopause and menopause, pelvic pain, PMDD to vulval conditions.
Bernadette completed her medical degree at the University of NSW (MBBS BSc (Med)). She trained in Paediatrics at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead before being drawn to Clinical Genetics; the interface between genetic research and patient care. She has worked with the Clinical Genetics services at Sydney Children’s Hospital at Randwick, Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Liverpool Hospitals. She is a registered Clinical Geneticist with a special interest in genetic conditions affecting children and connective tissue disorders.
Bernadette is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and Fellow of the Human Genetics Society of Australasia. She previously Co-Chaired the Trainee committee for the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. She has provided several teaching sessions to trainee doctors, Paediatricians and Obstetricians in the functional benefits and caution of Genetic testing in their patients
Dr Naveen Somia is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon with a unique approach that combines personal attention and clinical expertise with warmth, compassion and care.
Dr Somia’s special interests include eyelid blepharoplasty surgery, eyelid skin cancers, liposuction for lipoedema, facelift rhytidectomy, necklift platysmaplasty, breast reduction mammaplasty and abdominoplasty surgery.
A clinical senior lecturer at the University of Sydney, Dr Somia completed his plastic surgery training in Sydney and Melbourne before undertaking additional training in cosmetic surgery of the eyelids, face and breast at Paces Plastic Surgery, affiliated with Emory University in Atlanta, USA.
He is past president of The Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons and a member of The Australian Society of Plastics Surgeons. He has offices in Bondi Junction (Westfield, Tower 2) and Bella Vista (Q Central building, opposite Norwest Private Hospital).
Dr Tanya Trinh FRANZCO, FWCRS, FEBO-CR is a Sydney-based ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained corneal, cataract and refractive surgeon with expertise in cataract surgery, pterygium surgery, laser vision correction and the management of corneal and ocular surface disease. Following ophthalmology training in Australia, she completed advanced international fellowship training in Cornea, External Diseases and Refractive Surgery at the University of Toronto, a world renowned fellowship, before being invited to Sydney to establish her specialist practice.
Dr Trinh is the Medical Director of Lumière Vision on Sydney’s Lower North Shore, where she provides comprehensive ophthalmic care with a focus on modern cataract and pterygium surgery, refractive procedures and restoration of visual quality. She is also a Cornea Consultant at Sydney Eye Hospital and Co-Director of the Australian Keratoprosthesis Unit, caring for patients with complex corneal disease and severe ocular surface disorders requiring highly specialised treatment.
With additional fellowship training in the internationally recognised P.E.R.F.E.C.T.™ for Pterygium technique (one of only five surgeons in the world), Dr Trinh has a particular interest in pterygium management and ocular surface reconstruction. She is also actively involved in refractive surgery and helping patients achieve greater spectacle independence through laser vision correction and advanced cataract surgery.
Beyond clinical practice, Dr Trinh is deeply committed to education, research and innovation. She serves as a Cornea Fellowship Supervisor at Sydney Eye Hospital and Clinical Senior Lecturer with the University of Sydney, contributing to the training of the next generation of ophthalmologists.
Dr Trinh has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications and has presented her work internationally on cataract surgery, corneal transplantation, keratoconus, ocular surface disease and pterygium surgery. She is a regular invited keynote speaker at Australian and international ophthalmic meetings and is recognised for her commitment to evidence-based, patient-centred care and advancing excellence in ophthalmology.
She is passionate about improving visual outcomes and empowering patients and healthcare professionals through education, collaboration and innovation.
Dr Vanaja Siva is an Australian and UK trained surgeon with over a decade of experience as a specialist surgeon in NSW Health and undertakes her private practice through the ENT Institute. She completed dual subspecialists’ fellowship training in Otology & Auditory Implants and Paediatric ENT surgery.
Dr Siva grew up in Sydney’s inner-west and obtained her medical degree with honours from the UNSW in 2005. She completed her ENT training in Sydney in 2013. She was awarded the Otology and Implants fellowship training at the Oxford Auditory Implants Centre-John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals, UK, a Fellowship programme accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh. This was also complemented by clinical secondment to the Otology and Skull Base Unit at the Cambridge University Hospitals, UK.
Upon return to Sydney, she has pursued her passion in Ear and Hearing restoration surgery (Cochlear implants and bone conduction devices) and Paediatric ENT – co-established the ENT Institute providing a comprehensive and integrated care model of care. She is the principal Otological surgeon at the Nepean Public Hospital, a teaching hospital for accredited ENT trainees and Sydney University Medical School. Inspired by her mentors in Sydney and the UK, she undertakes several responsibilities in surgical training, teaching and research programs at the Nepean Hospital and University of Sydney Clinical school/ UWS.
I am an Australian-trained adult and paediatric ENT surgeon with a subspecialty interest in Rhinology (nose and sinus disorders) and Skull Base conditions.
I grew up in Sydney and completed medical training at the University of Sydney. I furthered my education with a Master of Surgery in Otolaryngology. Subsequently, I completed formal training in Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery in New South Wales, and was awarded a Fellowship with the Australasian College of Surgeons. During my training, I rotated through highvolume tertiary and regional centres across Australia and gained experience in managing both adult and paediatric patients.
Post-training, I was accepted into a 12-month competitive international Fellowship at the Royal National Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital (University College of London Foundation Trust) with a focus in advanced Rhinology, Facial Plastics and Skull Base surgery.
I have a strong commitment to clinical research having published in numerous peerreviewed journals and presented work both nationally and internationally. I have a passion for medical and surgical education, and am actively engaged in mentoring medical students and junior trainees.
I provide surgical care at East Sydney Private Hospital, Chatswood Private Hospital, Nepean Private Hospital and Ryde Hospital (Northern Sydney Local Health District).
Dr Sritharan grew up in Sydney, and completed medical school at the University of New South Wales. In 2008 he moved into specialty training in ENT Head & Neck Surgery involving tertiary paediatric and adult positions around Australia and obtained his formal Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery.
Dr Sritharan subsequently travelled to the USA for further subspecialty fellowship training. This involved a 12 month competitive placement at TUFTS University, specialising in advanced sinus and sleep disorders in a program authorised by the American Rhinologic Association. He then spent a further period of advanced training at Harvard University, working at the world leading institutions Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary and the Massachusetts General Hospital, specialising in Head & Neck Cancer with a focus on thyroid disorders.
Dr Chelsea Ho is a rural GP registrar at Condamine Medical Centre in Warwick, Queensland. She has a long-standing interest in practical, compliant MBS billing and in leveraging ethical AI to enhance the doctor–patient therapeutic relationship, improve workflow efficiency, and reduce clinicians’ cognitive burden. Chelsea is also involved with MBSPro, an Australian GP-focused AI platform that combines clinical documentation tools with MBS billing support, contributing across several areas including the development of its CPD Home branch. At GP Refresh Sydney, she will be speaking on training AI scribes, using AI to support appropriate billing, and key updates to the MBS.
Dr. Dominik Schaffner is a German-Australian medical practitioner, fully accredited in both Germany and Australia, with extensive expertise in regenerative medicine, longevity medicine, and orthopaedic surgery. His clinical and research background spans Germany, the European Union, South Africa, Australia, and the Asia-Pacific region, with a substantial focus on cartilage regeneration, as well as interests in PRP, stem cells, exosomes, and biologics.
A former professional sailor who represented the Federal Republic of Germany in the 49er class, he possesses deep knowledge of athletic performance and human optimisation. His main focus in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region is Medicine 3.0, advancing regenerative and longevity medicine.
Dr. Schaffner has held academic appointments with both the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and the Technical University of Munich, and has been actively involved in medical student training and lecturing in orthopaedics and regenerative medicine. He is also a keynote speaker at international regenerative medicine, longevity, and orthopaedic conferences, sharing insights on the future of human health and performance.
He currently also serves as an International Fellow & Locum Staff Specialist in Australia, and holds locum positions in the UAE and EU as an orthopaedic and musculoskeletal trauma surgeon.
He practices regenerative and longevity medicine, integrating cutting-edge therapies to optimise health, performance, and recovery.
Dr Sumanth Nagabushan trained in both General Paediatrics and Paediatric Oncology within the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network. He currently works as a paediatric oncologist at the Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital.
Prior to his move to Australia, he was a paediatrician in Oxford, UK following training in general and community paediatrics, neonatology, paediatric cardiology, and neurology in the London and Oxford speciality rotational programs of the National Health Service, United Kingdom. His primary medical qualification was from India.
His 20-year post graduate medical experience enables looking after babies and children with a range of common and complex clinical childhood problems, in a safe, evidence-based and family-centred manner.
He is passionate about education and is a Conjoint Lecturer in the University of New South Wales and an accredited RACP Clinical Supervisor for trainees. Sumanth’s research interests are childhood cancer and precision medicine for brain tumours.
Dr Kawaljit Singh is a consultant geriatrician with over 12 years of experience in aged care. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and registered with AHPRA as a Specialist Medical Practitioner. His practice is spread from Campbelltown to Newcastle, and he provides care to multiple aged care facilities. His areas of expertise include dementia care, behaviour management in dementia, polypharmacy reviews, fall prevention, and reducing psychotropic use in aged care. Dr Singh is also a co-founder of dementia behaviour management AI app Jiya. He also has an advanced diploma in clinical hypnotherapy and cognitive behaviour therapy.
Dr. Murali Komala is a Consultant Nephrologist at the Nepean and Norwest Hospitals. He has a keen interest in research and has a PhD from Sydney University with his work focusing on the role of SGLT2 inhibitors and DPP4 inhibitors in reducing progression of diabetic nephropathy. He is involved in clinical research and has published multiple articles in peer-reviewed journals. He is actively involved in academic work at Sydney University and has a keen interest in teaching medical students, physician trainees and renal advanced trainees and runs the teaching programme at Nepean Hospital.
Dr Daniel TD O’Neill is a neurologist and fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. He undertook physician training at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, with further speciality training in neurology at St Vincents and Westmead Hospitals. His undergraduate studies were at the ANU and Flinders University. He regularly presents at international conferences and has publications in international journals.
Dr Tanushree Rao is a gynaecologist and robotic surgeon with a special interest in endometriosis, fibroids, abnormal uterine bleeding, and complex benign gynaecological surgery. She is a robotic surgery proctor, educator, and speaker who is actively involved in training surgeons and advancing robotic surgery in Australia.
Committed to excellence in women’s healthcare, Dr Rao combines surgical innovation with evidence-based, patient-centred care, empowering women to make informed decisions about their treatment.
Dr Shallu Khurana Dermatologist MBBS MD FACD Citywest Dermatology Burwood NSW Blacktown Dermatology Blacktown NSW
Dr David Chandrakumar graduated with his medical degree and Masters in Medicine from the University of New South Wales in 2014, being awarded distinction in both degrees and the Ian Webster medal in recognition of his performance.
He then completed his internship and residency in Westmead Hospital, followed by basic physician training at Nepean Hospital. Dr Chandrakumar went on to complete his speciality training in Cardiology at Blacktown Hospital in 2021.
Dr Chandrakumar is trained in all aspects of general cardiology, but has a special interest in non-invasive imaging, including CT coronary angiography, heart failure and cardiac autonomic disorders. He holds admitting rights at Norwest Private Hospital.
He has had extensive involvement in research since medical school, with his projects being presented in Cardiology and Sports Medicine conferences in Australia, North America and Europe. Dr Chandrakumar has also had extensive involvement in the training of medical students and junior medical staff.
Dr. Kate Bryan is a dedicated and highly skilled General Paediatrician, bringing over fifteen years of extensive clinical experience from various healthcare settings across Australia to the Kidmed team in the Blue Mountains. Her career encompasses a broad range of paediatric care, including inpatient and outpatient services, sub-specialty, and acute care, alongside notable expertise in General Paediatrics and Child Protection.
Dr. Bryan’s commitment to paediatric healthcare is further demonstrated through her active involvement in teaching, where she has shaped the minds of University students, Trainees, and served as an Advanced Paediatric Life Support (APLS) instructor. Most recently, Dr. Bryan worked as a Staff Specialist Paediatrician at John Hunter Children’s Hospital. Her roles as an Outreach Consultant Paediatrician and her private practice experience at The Newcastle Paediatric Clinic have enhanced her skills in delivering exceptional care to children from all walks of life.
Dr. Bryan’s academic achievements include a Fellowship with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP) and ongoing studies for a Master’s in Public Health. Dr. Bryan and her family are looking forward to immersing themselves in the Blue Mountains community.
Warm, engaging, and hardworking, Dr. Bryan is poised to make a significant impact on the lives of children and families in the Blue Mountains community through her role at Kidmed medical centre.
Dr Arman Babajanyan is a specialist paediatrician and Practice Principal of Kidmed Medical Centre, providing paediatric care from infancy through adolescence. His clinical interests include general paediatrics, infant health and feeding, tongue-tie management, paediatric cardiology and allergy.
Dr Babajanyan is Head of Department of Paediatrics at Blue Mountains District ANZAC Memorial Hospital and a VMO Paediatrician at Nepean Hospital. He is also a Senior Adjunct Clinical Lecturer at the University of Notre Dame and a supervisor for paediatric trainees through the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.
He holds advanced qualifications in paediatrics, paediatric cardiology, epidemiology and biostatistics, including a PhD in Medicine and a Master of Public Health from Boston University. His work spans community, hospital and rural paediatrics, including long-standing outreach service delivery for children in regional and Aboriginal communities.
Dr Elkadi initially completed a Bachelor of Pharmacy at theUniversity of Sydney before undertaking his medical degree at the University of Notre Dame, Sydney.
He completed his internship at St Vincent’s Hospital, Darlinghurst,and subsequently undertook specialist paediatric training through The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, one of Australia’s leading tertiary paediatric hospitals.During training, Dr Elkadi worked across neonatal intensive care
(NICU), inpatient paediatrics, emergency departments and outpatient clinics throughout New South Wales, gaining broad experience managing both acute and chronic childhood conditions.
Dr Elkadi currently works across private practice in the Blue Mountains and as a VMO at Katoomba Hospital.
Dr Joseph Chiha serves as Staff Specialist Cardiologist and Director of Cardiology Training at Bankstown Hospital, while maintaining consultation practices in Bankstown and Norwest.
Dr Joseph Chiha is a general cardiologist with advanced subspecialty training and accreditation in interventional cardiology, specialising in diagnostic angiography and coronary stenting procedures. Committed to delivering the highest standard of cardiovascular care, Dr Chiha integrates the latest medical evidence with a holistic, patient-centred treatment philosophy.
Dr Sumreen Nawaz is a dual-trained Consultant Cardiologist and General Medicine Physician with expertise in preventive cardiology, cardiac risk assessment and the management of ischaemic heart disease. She provides comprehensive, culturally sensitive care and consults at Complete Health Australia, Rouse Hill.
Dr Kumar completed his dermatology fellowship, leading to FACD in 2001, after undergoing training at Liverpool, St Vincent’s, Prince of Wales as well as Concord Hospitals. This was preceded by a research year at the Skin and Cancer Foundation at Darlinghurst, under Professor Steven Kossard.
Prior to this he trained and qualified as a dermatologist in India leading to an MD. For his academic excellence, Dr Kumar was selected for the National Science Talent Award, awarded to the top 100 science students in India.
He has published numerous dermatology articles in Australian and international journals and given presentations at multiple dermatology conferences.
Outside of practising general dermatology, Dr Kumar’s hobbies include traveling and tennis.
Dr Kumar consults privately at Sutherland Shire Dermatology and Nepean Dermatology.
Taylor is a consultant Rheumatologist who specialises in treating inflammatory, autoimmune and musculoskeletal disease. She has experience working with diverse populations, especially young women, across NSW, QLD and the NT. As a result she is aware of how critical balancing immunosuppression and infection risk is to ensure positive quality of life and treatment outcomes. She also understands how important pain control is to maintain an active lifestyle, as outside of work she enjoys running, playing sports and is passionate about the creative arts with a history of dancing ballet.
Taylor completed Rheumatology training at Prince of Wales and Royal Prince Alfred Hospitals. She holds a master’s degree in public health and is a PhD candidate with the University of NSW. As part of her ongoing research into health systems and patient centred care, she is an active contributor to the scientific community through conference presentations for which she has won several awards. She has also held university and hospital teaching roles and is currently a conjoint associate lecturer at the University of Western Sydney.
Editor Murtagh’s GP Book 9th Ed.
Chair of the Scientific Committee GP Refresh
Dr Justin Coleman is a GP at Inala Indigenous Health in Brisbane and a Senior Medical Educator. He started writing medical articles 30 years ago and is now one of Australia’s pre-eminent medical educators.
He has published around 1500 medical articles, ranging from newspaper columns to academic research in the BMJ. He co-edits Murtagh’s General Practice, and was editor of the Diabetes Management Journal and long-term President of the Australasian Medical Writers Association.
Dr Coleman has been a senior lecturer at four Universities. Every year, he creates and runs more than 100 educational workshops, webinars and podcasts for GPs. His bottom line is that everything he produces must be evidence-based, independent of all marketing influences, and must be both interesting and useful for the GP audience.
Ex. RACGP President
Advisory & Scientific Committee Member GP Refresh
Dr Nicole Higgins is the former President of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and a highly respected leader in Australian general practice. With a career spanning over two decades, she represents the depth and diversity of the profession — combining her roles as a practising GP, business owner, medical educator, mentor, and advocate for sustainable primary care.
Based in Mackay, Queensland, Dr Higgins runs her own general practice while actively contributing to health system improvement and workforce development. She is passionate about strengthening general practice through education, leadership, and innovation. Having previously worked with Tropical Medical Training and the Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS), she has guided and mentored countless GP trainees, supporting the next generation of rural and regional doctors.
Dr Higgins also served as Chair of GP Supervisors Australia (GPSA) and has held directorships since the early days of the Divisions of General Practice through to the Primary Health Networks (PHNs). Her work has been recognised for entrepreneurship, innovation, and her dedication to improving healthcare delivery in both urban and remote settings.
A strong advocate for workforce sustainability and GP wellbeing, Dr Higgins has been at the forefront of initiatives that address practitioner burnout, rural workforce shortages, and the challenges of modern primary care. She frequently collaborates with industry bodies, training organisations, and government agencies to shape policies that support equitable healthcare access across Australia.
Beyond her professional commitments, Dr Higgins is known for her pragmatic leadership style and her ability to connect policy with real-world clinical experience. As a working parent, she brings authenticity and balance to her advocacy, highlighting the human side of medicine and the need for systemic support for healthcare professionals.
Through her clinical practice, teaching, and leadership, Dr Nicole Higgins continues to champion the vital role of GPs in Australia’s healthcare system — advocating for high-quality patient care, professional support, and the advancement of general practice as the cornerstone of community health.
Scientific Committee Member GP Refresh
Dr Catherine Eltringham is a GP on Wadawurrung country in Geelong, Victoria. Since fellowship in 2013, she has balanced clinical practice with various roles in education including University, and postgraduate settings. Most recently Catherine has taken the role of National Clinical Lead for Medical Educator Professional Development and is proud to be working on a curriculum for GP medical educators. Previously to this role she was facilitating Supervisor and Medical Educator Professional Development in Victoria and developing educational content for private GP CPD provider Medcast.
When not working as a GP Medical Educator, Catherine volunteers as a fire fighter for the local CFA.
General Medical Practitioner
Advisory & Scientific Committee Member GP Refresh
Dr Ian Kamerman is an experienced General Practitioner based in Tamworth, New South Wales, with over 35 years of experience in rural medicine. He is a practice principal at Northwest Health and is committed to providing comprehensive, patient-centred healthcare to individuals and families across the region.
Dr Kamerman has a strong interest in supporting the sustainability of rural healthcare and is actively involved in the education and mentoring of medical students and junior doctors. Alongside his clinical work, he has contributed to a number ofleadership and advisory roles within the medical community, advocating for improved access to quality healthcare services in rural and regional Australia.
