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  Dr Kirsten Patterson

  MBBS FRACGP B Sc Grad Dip Ed

  Prior to entering medical studies in 2004, Kirsten worked in the Tweed as a secondary Science & Maths teacher for…

  Prior to entering medical studies in 2004, Kirsten worked in the Tweed as a secondary Science & Maths teacher for a total of 7 years, including a period of 2 years travelling and teaching in Europe, Asia and Africa. She completed a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from the University of Queensland, Brisbane in 2008. Kirsten has worked at both the Logan and Gold Coast Hospitals, and has worked in General Practice since 2010 in Murwillumbah, Ocean Shores and Banora Point.

  Kirsten has a real devotion to continuing her education and furthering her expertise in General Practice, and is undertaking further studies in her key interest area of women’s health. She is also specifically interested in paediatric and adolescent health, skin cancer medicine and geriatric medicine. Kirsten has a special interest and training in travel medicine. As a former teacher, Kirsten is also committed to the mentorship and education of the next generation of doctors and is heavily involved in supervision and training of medical students and general practice trainees.

  Kirsten truly thrives on the variety of general practice, and enjoys looking after the health of individuals and families of all ages.

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  Dr Adrian Smith

  MBBS, FRACGP, B Int Bus, GDip Econ

  Adrian completed his medical degree at University of Queensland (UQ) in 2007 and subsequently worked in the Princess Alexandra Hospital…

  Adrian completed his medical degree at University of Queensland (UQ) in 2007 and subsequently worked in the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, and later completed general practice training on the NSW north coast, gaining fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners in 2012.

  He has a particular interest in skin cancer diagnosis and management, and has undertaken additional training in skin cancer surgery through UQ/Healthcert. Adrian utilises dermoscopy for skin checks, and has access to a well equipped treatment room at Casuarina Health and Medical for minor surgery and other procedures.

  Adrian enjoys all aspects of general practice and helping patients of all ages from new-borns to the elderly. In addition to skin cancer management, he has particular interest in men’s health, child/adolescent health, travel medicine, mental health and assisting military veterans. He is passionate about preventative medicine and helping patients maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

  Prior to studying medicine Adrian had a broad exposure to other industries among other things working in banking and finance here and overseas, and saw military service in the Army (Infantry, Ready Reserve 1992-1996).

  Adrian works at Casuarina Health and Medical on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Saturday mornings (alternating). Having worked at Kingscliff Beach Medical centre since 2012, he continues to have a strong involvement in that practice and works there on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays.

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  Dr Zoe Adam

  MBBS, DRANZCOG, FRACGP

  Zoe has lived and worked on the NSW North Coast from 2016. Despite being new to the area she has…

  Zoe has lived and worked on the NSW North Coast from 2016. Despite being new to the area she has quickly formed local connections and has developed a love for the coast and it’s people. She has interests in a broad range of medical areas and feels very privileged to be a general practitioner who can witness the full spectrum of life from infancy to older age.
  She completed her medical training at the University of Queensland in 1998. She has worked in a number of practices around Australia and has completed her diploma of obstetrics and gynaecology. She has lived and worked in Tasmania, Far North Queensland, Brisbane and Pottsville and has experience with the full range of general practice from remote indigenous health to busy inner city medicine. She has travelled extensively including having a year round Australia in a small caravan with young children in tow. She is passionate about the role of general practice in a community and works hard to have a ‘patient centred’ approach to her medicine.

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  Dr Elizabeth Keran

  MBBS, FRACGP

  Liz has lived and worked in northern NSW since 2013. She completed her medical degree through Griffith University in 2010…

  Liz has lived and worked in northern NSW since 2013. She completed her medical degree through Griffith University in 2010 and has subsequently obtained a fellowship with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners in 2016. Prior to studying medicine, Liz worked as a registered nurse in rural NSW hospitals so has a strong interest in working in collaboration with other health providers to provide patient-centred care. She has undertaken additional training in reproductive medicine and women’s health but enjoys all aspects of general practice.

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  Dr Sarah Cunningham

  Dr Sarah Cunningham FRACGP. MB.Ch.B.DCH.D.Obs. Post Grad Cert in Health Science( Womens Health). Internationally Board Certified Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner and Member of ASLM. Cert in Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine

  Dr Sarah is a highly experienced GP who ran her own  successful 5 doctor Practice in Brisbane for over 25…

  Dr Sarah is a highly experienced GP who ran her own  successful 5 doctor Practice in Brisbane for over 25 years.   She is passionate about helping her patients to lead healthy active lives with the least possible medications. She has done extensive reading and study in the field of Lifestyle Medicine so is able to recommend evidence based advice to improve health outcomes. She deals with the full range of family medicine at any age with an emphasis on prevention.

   She is a passionate environmentalist and a member of Doctors for the Environment. She has moved to Northern NSW to live a healthy sustainable lifestyle with her extended family on 20 acres.
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  Dr James Bowles

  MBBS

  Dr James Bowles became a member of the Casuarina Health and Medical Team in February 2019. He studied a Bachelor…

  Dr James Bowles became a member of the Casuarina Health and Medical Team in February 2019.

  He studied a Bachelor of Journalism and Sports Studies at the University of Queensland and subsequently completed his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery at Deakin University in Victoria. He gained experience working in a variety of specialties – including extended rotations in acute medicine and the adult and paediatric emergency departments – during his residency at the Gold Coast University and Robina Hospitals. He has also undertaken rural rotations in Nanango and Murwillumbah. He aims to provide high quality, empathetic and evidence-based care to his patients.

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  Dr Ashleigh Black

  BMedSci, MBBS, Dip Child Health, FRACGP

  Having grown up in the Illawarra, Dr Ashleigh Black completed her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at the…

  Having grown up in the Illawarra, Dr Ashleigh Black completed her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor
  of Surgery at the University of Wollongong in 2011. She has extensive experience practising medicine in
  regional and remote Australia, and has worked abroad in paediatric medicine in Nepal.

  Dr Ashleigh Black relocated to the Northern River’s in 2010, and has since been an active part of the
  local medical community. She completed her Diploma of Children’s Health in 2013, and her Certificate in
  Primary Care Skin Cancer Medicine in 2016.

  With an emphasis on current best practice, Ashleigh provides personalised guidance towards achieving
  better health. Her areas of interest include child and adolescent health, women’s health including antenatal
  care, sexual health, and acute and chronic disease management.

  Out of the office, Ashleigh enjoys exploring local national parks and beaches with her young family.

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  Dr Nicholas Papadopoulos

  MBBS

  Nicholas completed his medical studies at the University of New South Wales in 2015 and subsequently worked at St George…

  Nicholas completed his medical studies at the University of New South Wales in 2015 and subsequently worked at St George Hospital in Sydney.

  He enjoys working in all aspects of General Practice with specific interests in paediatrics, reproductive, sports and musculoskeletal medicine, having undertaken an additional year in orthopaedics in one of Sydney’s largest trauma hospitals.

  Having grown up on the North Coast, Nicholas has now returned with his young family to continue his work in General Practice. He is passionate about providing quality health care and has excellent knowledge of the local community, facilities and services available to help his patients.

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  Narelle Hammond

  Bachelor of Podiatry and Bachelor of Nursing

  Bachelor of Podiatry and Bachelor of Nursing Narelle graduated from Podiatry at LaTrobe University, Melbourne in 2007. Prior to this…

  Bachelor of Podiatry and Bachelor of Nursing

  Narelle graduated from Podiatry at LaTrobe University, Melbourne in 2007. Prior to this she completed a Bachelor of Nursing at Flinders University, Adelaide, followed by a post Graduate Diploma in advanced Clinical Nursing at The University of Melbourne. After a 15-year career in Intensive Care Nursing at Royal Melbourne Hospital, Narelle began to practice as a podiatrist. Prior to settling on the Gold Coast, Narelle practised in public podiatry (Community Health) as well as private practice in both Melbourne and Sydney.
  Narelle continues to maintain her Nursing membership and practice but predominantly works as a podiatrist in her own private practice.
  Narelle has a very high standard of podiatric care for all of her patients. She has a special interest in sports podiatry, nail surgery, diabetic foot care and orthotic fitting.
   
   
  Undergraduate Qualifications
  Bachelor of Podiatry, La Trobe University 2007. Bachelor of Nursing, Flinders University, Adelaide, 1996.
   
  Postgraduate Training
  Post Graduate Diploma in Advanced Clinical Nursing, Melbourne University 2000.
   
  Professional Memberships
  Professional Member of Diabetes Qld Registered Podiatrist with AHPRA Registered Nurse with AHPRA Member of Australian Podiatry Association (Qld)
   
  Special Interests
  Biomechanics of the Lower Limb Diabetic and High Risk Patients Nail Surgery Wound Care

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  Ryan Richardson

  B. Physiotherapy, B. Exercise Science

  After graduating from Griffith University in 2009, Ryan started his career at a busy private practice on the Gold Coast,…

  After graduating from Griffith University in 2009, Ryan started his career at a busy private practice on the Gold Coast, where he consolidated his assessment and treatment skills working alongside highly experienced physiotherapists. Here he undertook introductory and advanced dry needling training, along with clinical pilates training. Not only did this allow him to develop into a proficient physiotherapist clinically, it allowed him to develop a holistic approach that is vital in the management of patients, enabling them to reach their goals sooner.

  His areas of interest include:

  • Back and neck pain
  • Shoulder injuries
  • Knee and Ankle injuries
  • Running technique and Overuse injuries
  • Falls Prevention and Balance Re-Training
  • Dry needling
  • Clinical Pilates
  • Exercise prescription

  He has recently returned from 2 years working in the United Kingdom as a physiotherapist, where he developed new skills, and worked alongside internationally experienced clinicians. Since returning, he has started his own physiotherapy service “Back In Tune Physiotherapy” covering northern NSW and the Gold Coast.

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  Jane Daniel

  Paediatric Speech Pathologist

  Jane is a Certified Practicing Paediatric Speech Pathologist who graduated from the University of Sydney in 1998 with a Bachelor of…

  Jane is a Certified Practicing Paediatric Speech Pathologist who graduated from the University of Sydney in 1998 with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology). She has a worked as Paediatric Speech Pathologist for the last 15 years in Australia and overseas.

  Her extensive experience includes working as a Speech Pathologist/Senior Speech Pathologist for Education Queensland where she worked consultatively and collaboratively with members of the educational team to optimise learning outcomes for students in metropolitan, regional and rural and remote areas of Queensland (in State Schools and Early Special Education Facilities).

  In more recent years she has:

  • Worked as part of the Allied Health Team for the Queensland Paediatric Cardiac Service (Prince Charles/ Mater Hospital, Brisbane) to promote developmental outcomes for inpatients and outpatients and their families;
  • Worked as a Clinical Educator for Griffith University supporting the professional learning of Speech Pathology students (Masters Program) within Childcare environments;
  • Worked with Speech Pathology Colleagues to develop and deliver “Read and Grow Plus” training materials/ in- services and “Read and Grow” in -services (Communities for Children), designed to provide first wave, community education for parents, Educators and Non-Government Organisations on functional strategies for embedding oral language strategies in to story time;
  • Returned to her passion of Early Intervention and has worked for the local Health Service since 2014 in Community Health Centres with children aged 0-5 years and their families. Jane will continue in this role.

  She is truly passionate about early intervention and thrives on the opportunity to work collaboratively with parents and caregivers to help their children achieve their best outcomes. She has three young children of her own and has experienced personally, the imperative role that early intervention provides

  in preparing children for later social and academic success. Jane has extensive, research based knowledge on all aspects of early communication and will be primarily providing Speech Pathology services to children aged 0-5 years where there are concerns in one or more of the following areas:

  Receptive language (how little kids understand language).

  For example:

  • Difficulties following directions of increasing length and complexity;
  • Difficulty understanding basic concepts;
  • Difficulty understanding different sentence structures;

  Expressive language (how little kids using words to express their ideas). For example:

  • Children not saying any words;
  • Only use single words to express ideas;
  • Only using simple phrases with limited grammatical structures;
  • Difficulties using talking skills in a social context;
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  Dr Renee Cachia

  Pyschologist PhD

  Dr Renee Cachia is a compassionate and experienced psychologist, specialising in childhood and adolescent development, and parent-child interaction. Renee obtained…

  Dr Renee Cachia is a compassionate and experienced psychologist, specialising in childhood and adolescent development, and parent-child interaction. Renee obtained her Masters and Doctor of Philosophy on an academic scholarship at Monash University in Melbourne, is an endorsed educational and developmental psychologist, and is a board-approved accredited clinical supervisor. In addition to clinical practice, Renee is also a keen researcher and writer, having published a number of academic journal articles which she has presented internationally.

  Renee has experience working in a range of settings, including in private practice, at schools, and in a range of home and clinic-based early intervention settings. She has a passion for helping parents to better understand their child’s development and maintains a collaborative, respectful and trusted relationship with parents. Renee enjoys holding non-judgemental space in group programs for sharing experiences and peer-support during social skills programs, school readiness, parent support, mindfulness-based stress reduction and clinical supervision groups for psychologists. 

  Although Renee can assess and diagnose a range of neurodevelopmental disorders, she advocates that children, adolescents and their parents do not need to seek formal assessment or diagnosis to seek psychological support. She encourages parents to follow their intuition when they feel that their child or themselves need to seek support for adjustment issues, stress, anxiety, self-esteem, depression, adolescent risk or safety concerns, behaviour problems and anger-management and a range of social-emotional difficulties.

  Renee has had intensive clinical experience working with children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. She is able to screen infants for ASD and accurately diagnoses ASD in children from 18 – 24 months, and believes in the importance of highly empathic, professional and psychoeducational service for families during this critical yet stressful time. She has experience supervising therapists and writing evidenced-based intervention programs for children with ASD, developmental delay and co-morbid neurodevelopmental conditions, including ADHD, learning difficulties and genetic disorders. 

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