About | Vitalis Family Medical Practice

Dr. Thomas Lu

MBBS MSc (Med) FRACGP

General practitioner & Addiction Medicine Specialist

Dr Thomas Lu graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from the University of Adelaide in 2016.

Thomas is a highly skilled and dedicated General Practitioner who offers compassionate, holistic care for patients of all ages. He hopes to build solid, long-lasting relationships with patients and guide them towards optimal health outcomes. With advanced training in addiction medicine, he is well-versed in managing a wide range of health issues, from routine general practice to complex cases involving chronic disease, mental distress, chronic pain, skin cancer medicine, geriatric medicine and addictions. He has previously worked extensively in geriatrics and emergency medicine at Sutherland and St George Hospitals.

Thomas holds a Master of Science (Medicine) from the University of New South Wales, where he focused on improving access to healthcare services. He has numerous peer- reviewed publications and national and international conference presentations. He has also recently testified as a medical expert for the NSW Senate inquiry into medicinal cannabis.

Outside of work, Thomas is committed to providing outreach medical services to the rural and remote regions of Papua New Guinea through YWAM Medical Ships. He is happily married and regularly serves at his church. He also enjoys going to the gym, participating in basketball, and playing table tennis.

Thomas can consult in English and Mandarin.

Dr. Conor McCaffrey

MB BCh BaO FRACGP

General Practitioner

Dr McCaffrey was born in Toronto, Canada, following which his family returned home to Ireland. Undertaking his education in the United Kingdom, he qualified with Bachelors of Medicine & Surgery from Queens University, Belfast in 2004. After Post Graduate Training in Cardiology, Care of the Elderly, Respiratory, General Medicine, Paediatrics, Emergency Medicine and General Practice, he qualified as a General Practitioner (MRCGP UK) in 2010. He has been living and working in Sydney since March 2013. He is currently undertaking a Postgraduate Certificate in Dermatology from the Royal Australian College of GP’s.

Clinical Areas of Interest: Dermatology, Minor Surgery & Sports Medicine.

Personal Interests: Outside of work, he likes to keep (reasonably) fit by cycling, playing tennis and walking his dog, Rosie.

Dr. Anish Ahmed

MBBS BSc FRACGP ACCAM

General Practitioner

Dr Anish Ahmed is a UK trained General Practitioner with over 20 years of clinical experience, enjoying comprehensive General Practice care. Dr Ahmed believes the true reward in General Practice lies in the unique opportunity it affords patients for continuity of care over many years.

Dr Ahmed achieved UK membership with the Royal College of General Practitioners in June 2005. Since then, he has worked in a variety of General Practices throughout the United Kingdom, including areas of high clinical need. This has provided valuable exposure to patients presenting with cancer, diabetes, respiratory illness, smoking, alcohol and drugs related complaints, teenage pregnancies and a wide range of mental health conditions. In May 2009, he became a GP Principal of a friendly family practice in North East London, with the aspiration of caring for and giving back to the local community he grew up in.

In 2012, his career pathway took on a new challenge. He relocated his family to Australia and embarked on a career in General Practice in Sydney. He has attained fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

Clinical Areas of Interest: Chronic Disease Management, Preventative Health and Child Health.

In addition to his clinical interests, Dr. Ahmed holds accreditation as a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner. In this role, he is entrusted with conducting thorough medical examinations, ensuring the well-being and safety of both aviation industry personnel and the general public.

Furthermore, Dr. Ahmed holds the role of an Authorized Health Professional Examiner, specialising in the conducting comprehensive rail safety health assessments for individuals employed within the rail industry.

Personal Interests: Away from work Dr Ahmed enjoys spending quality time with his family and is dad to 3 children. He loves travelling the world and is a passionate “foodie”. He has a particular interest in languages and hopes to one day be able to study a foreign language.

Dr. Torquil Duncan Brown

Bsc MBChB FRACGP

General Practitioner

Dr. Torquil Duncan Brown holds both a BSc and MBChB degree, qualifying as a doctor in 1999. Since then, he has gone on to gain extensive experience in and out of hospital medicine both in the UK and here in Australia. He is a third generation GP in his family, which has given him great insight into quality health care and given him a passion for thorough family medicine. He has worked as a senior doctor and medical educator in a large teaching practice in the UK, where he was the practice lead for paediatrics, men’s health and renal medicine. Prior to this, he was a rural GP in Northern NSW in 2007, and joined the Vitalis family from working in North Eastern Victoria in 2016. He is an advocate for quality healthcare being available to all. He is passionate about general practice and the opportunity it affords for holistic cradle-to-grave care, as well as the opportunity to maintain long-lasting therapeutic relationships with his patients.

Clinical interests: Renal medicine, Paediatrics, Men’s health, Chronic Disease Management.

Personal interests: Outside of medicine, Dr Duncan-Brown enjoys skiing, cycling and travelling the world with his young family.

Dr. Brian Flynn

MBChB MRCP DipGUM MRCGP

General Practitioner

Dr Brian Flynn is a U.K trained doctor, with over 18 years of clinical experience, having qualified from the University of Leicester, England in 2001.

Prior to becoming a General Practitioner, Brian gained extensive experience in various hospital based medical specialities for over 13 years. In 2006 Brian obtained a Clinical Fellow position working in Infectious diseases, where he developed an interest in Sexual health. He then moved to Scotland to undertake training in Sexual health to Consultant level over the next 5 years. It was during this period of training, he came over to Sydney to work in the Sydney Sexual health hospital for a year, which is where he fell in love with Australia! Brian returned back to the UK to complete his sexual health training, qualifying as a Consultant in 2013.

Due to his medical background and ongoing interest in general medicine, not satisfied with being trained in one speciality, Brian also wished to be a GP! During GP training he particularly enjoyed his paediatric, Obs & Gynae and mental health attachments and gained his membership to the Royal college of General Practitioners in 2016. Given his unique dual qualifications in two specialities, he has since worked in various city based and rural GP practices in the south of England, whilst continuing to provide regular sexual health sessions at local hospitals.

Brian loves being a GP as he can not only apply his breadth of experience to the clinical aspects of looking after patients from all walks of life, but the ability to get to know a patient well results in tailored management plans and an ongoing positive relationship to support their good health well into the future.

After his year of living in Sydney in 2010, Brian has always wished to return to live and work in Australia, and is delighted that this has finally happened in 2019.

Clinical areas of interest: Sexual Health, Men’s health, LGBTQIA+ friendly.

Personal interests: Outside of work Brian enjoys running and regularly plays squash. He also loves a good pub quiz! He is a keen traveller and is looking forward to exploring Australia more! He would say he is a ‘foodie’ but admits he is a terrible cook – but is trying to get better!

Dr. Nicole Samuel

B.Sci (Hons), MBBS, DCH, FPAA Certificate, FRACGP

General Practitioner

Dr. Nicole Samuel graduated from the University of Wollongong in 2015 and worked in Northern NSW and the Gold Coast for a number of years before returning to Sydney. She is a fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

Nicole enjoys treating patients of all ages and in all areas of general practice, including pregnancy care, child and adolescent health, women’s health, preventive medicine and management of chronic disease.

She has undertaken additional training and has a Diploma of Child Health and FPAA Certificate in Sexual and Reproductive Health. She has a special interest in women’s health and contraception, and also currently works at Family Planning NSW.

She is qualified in Implanon insertions and removals, as well as IUD (Mirena, Kyleena and Copper) insertions and removals. Nicole is also accredited for GP Shared Antenatal Care at Sutherland and St George Hospital.

Clinical Areas of Interest: Women’s Health, Antenatal Care, Child and Adolescent Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health (S100 HIV and Hepatitis B prescriber, MS 2-Step prescriber).

Personal Interests: Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her young family, reading and exploring the outdoors.

Dr. Gemma Carey

BSc MBChB FRACGP

General Practitioner

Dr Gemma Carey was born in London and initially completed a BSc in Medical Biochemistry before studying to become a doctor. Gemma graduated with a Bachelors of Medicine & Surgery (with Honours) from University of Leicester in 2013.

Gemma completed two years of internship in London before moving to Sydney in 2016. After initially embarking on a career in Emergency Medicine, Gemma completed 18 months of training in Emergency Care, ICU and anaesthetics at Westmead Hospital. However she was eventually drawn to GP medicine and completed her two year GP training as a rural trainee (FRACGP) in 2022.

Clinical areas of Interest: Gemma has a specialist interest in Mental Health and Adolescent Health. During her GP training Gemma completed a 3 month placement at Headspace in Bondi Junction to gain further knowledge and skills in this area. Gemma had also completed HETI’s certificate of Psychiatry Medicine for GPs. Gemma is planning to complete her Implanon insertion training as well as Cognitive Behavioural Skills for GPs. Gemma also has a passion for teaching GP registrars and medical students.

Personal Interests: Gemma enjoys spending time with friends and family, travelling the world and spending time outdoors.

Dr. Simon Howell

BSc MChiro BHealthSc MBBS (Hons) GradCert MedEd ClinDip PallMed FRACGP

General Practitioner

Dr. Simon Howell is a private billing GP with over 20 years of experience in medicine. A graduate of the University of Sydney, he is hospital-trained across multiple specialties. His clinical interests encompass all areas of General Practice, including Chronic Care; respiratory issues such as coughs, colds, and other infectious diseases; Health Optimization; Mental Health; Palliative Care; Sexual Health; and Weight Management. Please note that Dr. Howell does not see patients for WorkCover appointments.

Dr. Murtaza Jamnagerwalla

BSc(Med) MBBS (UNSW) FRACS CSSANZ

Colorectal Surgeon

Dr Jamnagerwalla is a specialist laparoscopic colorectal surgeon and also performs all acute general surgical operations and elective general surgical operations including hernia and gallbladder surgery. He is also accredited to perform both gastroscopies and colonoscopies.

He completed his undergraduate medical degree at the University of New South Wales and then undertook general surgical fellowship through the St George Hospital network with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons before commencing his post fellowship speciality training in colorectal surgery through the Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand.

During his training he spent one year in the United Kingdom at the world-renowned St Marks Hospital in London, a tertiary centre specialising in complex colorectal referrals from the UK and abroad. Returning home, he has now established practice and residence in the Sutherland Shire, where he was raised and schooled. He is a VMO General and Colorectal Surgeon at Sutherland Hospital and Kareena Private Hospital. His wait list for Sutherland Hospital for public patients and Kareena Private Hospital for private patients is very short so he is able to see patients promptly and have them booked in for surgery if need be.

A/Prof Sam Adie

BSc(Med) MBBS(Hons) MSpMed MPH PhD FRACS(Ortho) FAOA

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Sam Adie graduated with Honours from the University of New South Wales in 2005. He completed his orthopaedic training in Sydney in 2015 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Australian Orthopaedic Association. Sam then completed further clinical and academic fellowship training at three eminent centres:

Hip and knee primary and revision joint replacement and trauma at the University of Toronto / St. Michael’s Hospital (Canada)
Complex orthopaedic trauma at the University of Oxford / John Radcliffe Hospital (United Kingdom), where he also worked in the Oxford Clinical Trials Unit
Orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery fellowship at Prince of Wales Hospital

He returned to Sydney in 2017 to join colleagues at the SOTRS practice, with appointments at both public and private hospitals in the St. George and Sutherland area. In recognition of his achievements, Sam was selected as the Asia Pacific Orthopaedic Association Young Ambassador, representing Australia in 2018.

Sam has a clinical interest in:

Hip and knee joint replacement surgery, including computer navigated joint replacement
Foot and ankle surgery, including minimally invasive surgery where appropriate
Complex orthopaedic trauma surgery and deformity correction

Sam also has a strong academic interest and is Senior Lecturer (Conjoint) at the University of New South Wales. During his demanding clinical training in orthopaedics, Sam also underwent further training in research methods and clinical epidemiology. He completed a Masters in Sports Medicine in 2009, a Masters in Public Health in 2010, and then completed a PhD in 2014. His thesis was titled “iQuEST: Investigating the Quality and Epidemiology of Surgical Trials”, and was awarded scholarships from the National Health and Medical Research Council, as well as the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons for this work. He has published over 35 research papers in peer reviewed journals on issues related to his interest- joint replacement, surgical outcomes, and clinical trial methodology. He has received $1.5 million in grant funding, and is an investigator on a series of clinical trials in orthopaedics- all aimed at improving the effectiveness of routine patient care. He is also leading a number of systematic reviews related to clinical trial methodology. He is currently supervising research for Masters and PhD students. He is also passionate about teaching junior doctors and trainees, and is a faculty member of “CLEAR”, a mandatory evidence-based medicine course run by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons for postgraduate surgical trainees.

Dr. Harvey Kok

MBBS, FRACP

Paediatric Respiratory and Sleep Physician

Specialising in Paediatric Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Dr. Harvey Kok brings a wealth of expertise to our medical practice. With a strong academic background, he holds an MBBS degree and is a member of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

Dr. Kok’s extensive training includes completion of his sleep medicine program at Sydney Children’s Hospital, along with his respiratory training at The John Hunter Children’s Hospital. His areas of focus encompass a wide range of conditions, such as children’s asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic cough, interstitial lung diseases, childhood sleep disorders (including obstructive and central sleep apneas), snoring in children, narcolepsy, and parasomnias.

With an unwavering dedication to enhancing the well-being of children afflicted with respiratory and sleep disorders, Dr. Kok has received accolades for his exceptional teaching abilities and mentorship of medical students during his fellowship years.

Continually expanding his knowledge and expertise, Dr. Kok is currently pursuing a master’s degree in cystic fibrosis with the esteemed University of Newcastle.

At our medical practice, you can trust Dr. Harvey Kok to provide compassionate care and exceptional medical services in the field of Paediatric Respiratory and Sleep Medicine.

Dr. Muneeb Syed

MBBS, FRACGP

General Practitioner

Dr. Muneeb Syed is a private billing GP who bulk-bills children aged 10 and under and existing patients with a valid concession card. Patients aged 10–17 and new patients with a valid concession card will receive a discount. He graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences in 2009 and obtained his Australian Medical Council (AMC) Certificate in 2014.

Dr. Syed is a proficient doctor with a keen interest in all areas of general practice. He provides individualized treatment plans with a meticulous, detail-oriented approach. Dr. Muneeb Ahmed Syed is multilingual, speaking Hindi and Urdu in addition to English.

Dr. Georgia

MD, BMedSci, CertWomen’s Health, DipO&G

General Practitioner

Georgia graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2022 with a Doctor of Medicine and also holds a Bachelor of Medical Science. She completed the majority of her hospital training at Royal North Shore Hospital, with further experience at Westmead Hospital, Northern Beaches Hospital, and in rural emergency medicine at Port Macquarie Base Hospital.

She has worked across a wide range of specialties, including emergency medicine, oncology, and obstetrics and gynaecology. Georgia has a strong passion for holistic, patient-centred care—with particular interest in Aboriginal health, women’s health, sexual health, and antenatal care. She has completed a Certificate of Women’s Health and the Diploma of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Georgia is an MS2Step prescriber and provides Implanon and IUD insertions and removals.

Clinical Areas of Interest: Women’s Health, Sexual Health, Antenatal Care, Aboriginal Health
Personal Interests: When she’s off-duty, Georgia loves the beach, swimming, and reformer Pilates.

Nicola Tulissio

APD CEDC-D

Accredited Dietitian and Eating Disorder Clinician

Nicola Tulissio is an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) and a Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician (CEDC-D). She completed a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours 1) (Dean’s Scholar), with her thesis focusing on Chronic Kidney Disease. As a specialist in Medical Nutrition Therapy, Nicola is passionate about advancing research and aspires to pursue her research doctorate soon.

Nicola is known for her caring and empathetic nature, ensuring her patients feel supported and understood throughout their health journey. She specialises in eating disorders and disordered eating, guiding her patients with a non-diet, weight-inclusive approach. Nicola also has a special interest in oncology, women’s health, paediatrics, and chronic disease management.

Nicola believes in fostering a collaborative partnership with her patients, creating a supportive space where they feel heard, respected, and empowered to make meaningful changes. Her philosophy centres on holistic and person-centred care.

Outside of her practice, Nicola enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, and beach walks, embracing balance in her personal and professional life.

Elisabeth Akhurst

Practice Nurse

Lis has worked in many areas of Nursing and has made practice nursing her home for the last few years.

As a dedicated practice nurse, Lis is known for her compassionate and individualized approach to healthcare. She is deeply committed to guiding patients and their families through each stage of their healthcare journey, ensuring they receive the support and care they need.

Lis also works in partnership with Deadly Choices and the Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network to improve local Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander health and the 715 health assessments.

In her downtime Lis loves hiking, surfing and general relaxing. If only her office was the Royal National Park.

Anna Cox

Practice Nurse

Anna Cox, originally from the UK has lived and worked in the local area for 20 years. She has had a long and varied nursing career and has spent 18 years in General practice enjoying caring for the community.

She has a special interest and clinical expertise in women’s health issues. She is able to offer contraceptive advice, insertion and removal of Implanon, CST and STI screening.

She is a Registered Immuniser and enjoys all aspects of Immunisation including Travel Medicine.

When she’s not at work she loves all aspects of swimming including regular squad swimming and long ocean swims. She is also a Voluntary Patrol Lifeguard at Cronulla beach during the summer season.

Cat O’regan

Practice Nurse

Cat O’regan has worked for over 15 years in ICU and only recently moved to general practice nursing and has
undertaken her immunisation course.

Her favourite aspects of practice nursing are the ability to
provide personalised care and education to all ages in the community, the opportunity to listen to
people's stories, and the satisfaction that comes from being a small part in helping individuals
through their health journey.

Outside of work, Cat enjoys spending time with her Husband, three young children, family, and
friends. She loves all things food from cooking meals for friends, baking her kids' birthday cakes, and
trying new restaurants and cafes

Dr. Thomas Lu

MBBS MSc (Med) FRACGP

General practitioner & Addiction Medicine Specialist

Dr Thomas Lu graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from the University of Adelaide in 2016.

Thomas is a highly skilled and dedicated General Practitioner who offers compassionate, holistic care for patients of all ages. He hopes to build solid, long-lasting relationships with patients and guide them towards optimal health outcomes. With advanced training in addiction medicine, he is well-versed in managing a wide range of health issues, from routine general practice to complex cases involving chronic disease, mental distress, chronic pain, skin cancer medicine, geriatric medicine and addictions. He has previously worked extensively in geriatrics and emergency medicine at Sutherland and St George Hospitals.

Thomas holds a Master of Science (Medicine) from the University of New South Wales, where he focused on improving access to healthcare services. He has numerous peer- reviewed publications and national and international conference presentations. He has also recently testified as a medical expert for the NSW Senate inquiry into medicinal cannabis.

Outside of work, Thomas is committed to providing outreach medical services to the rural and remote regions of Papua New Guinea through YWAM Medical Ships. He is happily married and regularly serves at his church. He also enjoys going to the gym, participating in basketball, and playing table tennis.

Thomas can consult in English and Mandarin.

Dr. Conor McCaffrey

MB BCh BaO FRACGP

General Practitioner

Dr McCaffrey was born in Toronto, Canada, following which his family returned home to Ireland. Undertaking his education in the United Kingdom, he qualified with Bachelors of Medicine & Surgery from Queens University, Belfast in 2004. After Post Graduate Training in Cardiology, Care of the Elderly, Respiratory, General Medicine, Paediatrics, Emergency Medicine and General Practice, he qualified as a General Practitioner (MRCGP UK) in 2010. He has been living and working in Sydney since March 2013. He is currently undertaking a Postgraduate Certificate in Dermatology from the Royal Australian College of GP’s.

Clinical Areas of Interest: Dermatology, Minor Surgery & Sports Medicine.

Personal Interests: Outside of work, he likes to keep (reasonably) fit by cycling, playing tennis and walking his dog, Rosie.

Dr. Anish Ahmed

MBBS BSc FRACGP ACCAM

General Practitioner

Dr Anish Ahmed is a UK trained General Practitioner with over 20 years of clinical experience, enjoying comprehensive General Practice care. Dr Ahmed believes the true reward in General Practice lies in the unique opportunity it affords patients for continuity of care over many years.

Dr Ahmed achieved UK membership with the Royal College of General Practitioners in June 2005. Since then, he has worked in a variety of General Practices throughout the United Kingdom, including areas of high clinical need. This has provided valuable exposure to patients presenting with cancer, diabetes, respiratory illness, smoking, alcohol and drugs related complaints, teenage pregnancies and a wide range of mental health conditions. In May 2009, he became a GP Principal of a friendly family practice in North East London, with the aspiration of caring for and giving back to the local community he grew up in.

In 2012, his career pathway took on a new challenge. He relocated his family to Australia and embarked on a career in General Practice in Sydney. He has attained fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

Clinical Areas of Interest: Chronic Disease Management, Preventative Health and Child Health.

In addition to his clinical interests, Dr. Ahmed holds accreditation as a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner. In this role, he is entrusted with conducting thorough medical examinations, ensuring the well-being and safety of both aviation industry personnel and the general public.

Furthermore, Dr. Ahmed holds the role of an Authorized Health Professional Examiner, specialising in the conducting comprehensive rail safety health assessments for individuals employed within the rail industry.

Personal Interests: Away from work Dr Ahmed enjoys spending quality time with his family and is dad to 3 children. He loves travelling the world and is a passionate “foodie”. He has a particular interest in languages and hopes to one day be able to study a foreign language.

Dr. Torquil Duncan Brown

Bsc MBChB FRACGP

General Practitioner

Dr. Torquil Duncan Brown holds both a BSc and MBChB degree, qualifying as a doctor in 1999. Since then, he has gone on to gain extensive experience in and out of hospital medicine both in the UK and here in Australia. He is a third generation GP in his family, which has given him great insight into quality health care and given him a passion for thorough family medicine. He has worked as a senior doctor and medical educator in a large teaching practice in the UK, where he was the practice lead for paediatrics, men’s health and renal medicine. Prior to this, he was a rural GP in Northern NSW in 2007, and joined the Vitalis family from working in North Eastern Victoria in 2016. He is an advocate for quality healthcare being available to all. He is passionate about general practice and the opportunity it affords for holistic cradle-to-grave care, as well as the opportunity to maintain long-lasting therapeutic relationships with his patients.

Clinical interests: Renal medicine, Paediatrics, Men’s health, Chronic Disease Management.

Personal interests: Outside of medicine, Dr Duncan-Brown enjoys skiing, cycling and travelling the world with his young family.

Dr. Brian Flynn

MBChB MRCP DipGUM MRCGP

General Practitioner

Dr Brian Flynn is a U.K trained doctor, with over 18 years of clinical experience, having qualified from the University of Leicester, England in 2001.

Prior to becoming a General Practitioner, Brian gained extensive experience in various hospital based medical specialities for over 13 years. In 2006 Brian obtained a Clinical Fellow position working in Infectious diseases, where he developed an interest in Sexual health. He then moved to Scotland to undertake training in Sexual health to Consultant level over the next 5 years. It was during this period of training, he came over to Sydney to work in the Sydney Sexual health hospital for a year, which is where he fell in love with Australia! Brian returned back to the UK to complete his sexual health training, qualifying as a Consultant in 2013.

Due to his medical background and ongoing interest in general medicine, not satisfied with being trained in one speciality, Brian also wished to be a GP! During GP training he particularly enjoyed his paediatric, Obs & Gynae and mental health attachments and gained his membership to the Royal college of General Practitioners in 2016. Given his unique dual qualifications in two specialities, he has since worked in various city based and rural GP practices in the south of England, whilst continuing to provide regular sexual health sessions at local hospitals.

Brian loves being a GP as he can not only apply his breadth of experience to the clinical aspects of looking after patients from all walks of life, but the ability to get to know a patient well results in tailored management plans and an ongoing positive relationship to support their good health well into the future.

After his year of living in Sydney in 2010, Brian has always wished to return to live and work in Australia, and is delighted that this has finally happened in 2019.

Clinical areas of interest: Sexual Health, Men’s health, LGBTQIA+ friendly.

Personal interests: Outside of work Brian enjoys running and regularly plays squash. He also loves a good pub quiz! He is a keen traveller and is looking forward to exploring Australia more! He would say he is a ‘foodie’ but admits he is a terrible cook – but is trying to get better!

Dr. Nicole Samuel

B.Sci (Hons), MBBS, DCH, FPAA Certificate, FRACGP

General Practitioner

Dr. Nicole Samuel graduated from the University of Wollongong in 2015 and worked in Northern NSW and the Gold Coast for a number of years before returning to Sydney. She is a fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

Nicole enjoys treating patients of all ages and in all areas of general practice, including pregnancy care, child and adolescent health, women’s health, preventive medicine and management of chronic disease.

She has undertaken additional training and has a Diploma of Child Health and FPAA Certificate in Sexual and Reproductive Health. She has a special interest in women’s health and contraception, and also currently works at Family Planning NSW.

She is qualified in Implanon insertions and removals, as well as IUD (Mirena, Kyleena and Copper) insertions and removals. Nicole is also accredited for GP Shared Antenatal Care at Sutherland and St George Hospital.

Clinical Areas of Interest: Women’s Health, Antenatal Care, Child and Adolescent Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health (S100 HIV and Hepatitis B prescriber, MS 2-Step prescriber).

Personal Interests: Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her young family, reading and exploring the outdoors.

Dr. Gemma Carey

BSc MBChB FRACGP

General Practitioner

Dr Gemma Carey was born in London and initially completed a BSc in Medical Biochemistry before studying to become a doctor. Gemma graduated with a Bachelors of Medicine & Surgery (with Honours) from University of Leicester in 2013.

Gemma completed two years of internship in London before moving to Sydney in 2016. After initially embarking on a career in Emergency Medicine, Gemma completed 18 months of training in Emergency Care, ICU and anaesthetics at Westmead Hospital. However she was eventually drawn to GP medicine and completed her two year GP training as a rural trainee (FRACGP) in 2022.

Clinical areas of Interest: Gemma has a specialist interest in Mental Health and Adolescent Health. During her GP training Gemma completed a 3 month placement at Headspace in Bondi Junction to gain further knowledge and skills in this area. Gemma had also completed HETI’s certificate of Psychiatry Medicine for GPs. Gemma is planning to complete her Implanon insertion training as well as Cognitive Behavioural Skills for GPs. Gemma also has a passion for teaching GP registrars and medical students.

Personal Interests: Gemma enjoys spending time with friends and family, travelling the world and spending time outdoors.

Dr. Simon Howell

BSc MChiro BHealthSc MBBS (Hons) GradCert MedEd ClinDip PallMed FRACGP

General Practitioner

Dr. Simon Howell is a private billing GP with over 20 years of experience in medicine. A graduate of the University of Sydney, he is hospital-trained across multiple specialties. His clinical interests encompass all areas of General Practice, including Chronic Care; respiratory issues such as coughs, colds, and other infectious diseases; Health Optimization; Mental Health; Palliative Care; Sexual Health; and Weight Management. Please note that Dr. Howell does not see patients for WorkCover appointments.

Dr. Murtaza Jamnagerwalla

BSc(Med) MBBS (UNSW) FRACS CSSANZ

Colorectal Surgeon

Dr Jamnagerwalla is a specialist laparoscopic colorectal surgeon and also performs all acute general surgical operations and elective general surgical operations including hernia and gallbladder surgery. He is also accredited to perform both gastroscopies and colonoscopies.

He completed his undergraduate medical degree at the University of New South Wales and then undertook general surgical fellowship through the St George Hospital network with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons before commencing his post fellowship speciality training in colorectal surgery through the Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand.

During his training he spent one year in the United Kingdom at the world-renowned St Marks Hospital in London, a tertiary centre specialising in complex colorectal referrals from the UK and abroad. Returning home, he has now established practice and residence in the Sutherland Shire, where he was raised and schooled. He is a VMO General and Colorectal Surgeon at Sutherland Hospital and Kareena Private Hospital. His wait list for Sutherland Hospital for public patients and Kareena Private Hospital for private patients is very short so he is able to see patients promptly and have them booked in for surgery if need be.

A/Prof Sam Adie

BSc(Med) MBBS(Hons) MSpMed MPH PhD FRACS(Ortho) FAOA

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Sam Adie graduated with Honours from the University of New South Wales in 2005. He completed his orthopaedic training in Sydney in 2015 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Australian Orthopaedic Association. Sam then completed further clinical and academic fellowship training at three eminent centres:

Hip and knee primary and revision joint replacement and trauma at the University of Toronto / St. Michael’s Hospital (Canada)
Complex orthopaedic trauma at the University of Oxford / John Radcliffe Hospital (United Kingdom), where he also worked in the Oxford Clinical Trials Unit
Orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery fellowship at Prince of Wales Hospital

He returned to Sydney in 2017 to join colleagues at the SOTRS practice, with appointments at both public and private hospitals in the St. George and Sutherland area. In recognition of his achievements, Sam was selected as the Asia Pacific Orthopaedic Association Young Ambassador, representing Australia in 2018.

Sam has a clinical interest in:

Hip and knee joint replacement surgery, including computer navigated joint replacement
Foot and ankle surgery, including minimally invasive surgery where appropriate
Complex orthopaedic trauma surgery and deformity correction

Sam also has a strong academic interest and is Senior Lecturer (Conjoint) at the University of New South Wales. During his demanding clinical training in orthopaedics, Sam also underwent further training in research methods and clinical epidemiology. He completed a Masters in Sports Medicine in 2009, a Masters in Public Health in 2010, and then completed a PhD in 2014. His thesis was titled “iQuEST: Investigating the Quality and Epidemiology of Surgical Trials”, and was awarded scholarships from the National Health and Medical Research Council, as well as the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons for this work. He has published over 35 research papers in peer reviewed journals on issues related to his interest- joint replacement, surgical outcomes, and clinical trial methodology. He has received $1.5 million in grant funding, and is an investigator on a series of clinical trials in orthopaedics- all aimed at improving the effectiveness of routine patient care. He is also leading a number of systematic reviews related to clinical trial methodology. He is currently supervising research for Masters and PhD students. He is also passionate about teaching junior doctors and trainees, and is a faculty member of “CLEAR”, a mandatory evidence-based medicine course run by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons for postgraduate surgical trainees.

Dr. Harvey Kok

MBBS, FRACP

Paediatric Respiratory and Sleep Physician

Specialising in Paediatric Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Dr. Harvey Kok brings a wealth of expertise to our medical practice. With a strong academic background, he holds an MBBS degree and is a member of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

Dr. Kok’s extensive training includes completion of his sleep medicine program at Sydney Children’s Hospital, along with his respiratory training at The John Hunter Children’s Hospital. His areas of focus encompass a wide range of conditions, such as children’s asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic cough, interstitial lung diseases, childhood sleep disorders (including obstructive and central sleep apneas), snoring in children, narcolepsy, and parasomnias.

With an unwavering dedication to enhancing the well-being of children afflicted with respiratory and sleep disorders, Dr. Kok has received accolades for his exceptional teaching abilities and mentorship of medical students during his fellowship years.

Continually expanding his knowledge and expertise, Dr. Kok is currently pursuing a master’s degree in cystic fibrosis with the esteemed University of Newcastle.

At our medical practice, you can trust Dr. Harvey Kok to provide compassionate care and exceptional medical services in the field of Paediatric Respiratory and Sleep Medicine.

Dr. Muneeb Syed

MBBS, FRACGP

General Practitioner

Dr. Muneeb Syed is a private billing GP who bulk-bills children aged 10 and under and existing patients with a valid concession card. Patients aged 10–17 and new patients with a valid concession card will receive a discount. He graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences in 2009 and obtained his Australian Medical Council (AMC) Certificate in 2014.

Dr. Syed is a proficient doctor with a keen interest in all areas of general practice. He provides individualized treatment plans with a meticulous, detail-oriented approach. Dr. Muneeb Ahmed Syed is multilingual, speaking Hindi and Urdu in addition to English.

Dr. Georgia

MD, BMedSci, CertWomen’s Health, DipO&G

General Practitioner

Georgia graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2022 with a Doctor of Medicine and also holds a Bachelor of Medical Science. She completed the majority of her hospital training at Royal North Shore Hospital, with further experience at Westmead Hospital, Northern Beaches Hospital, and in rural emergency medicine at Port Macquarie Base Hospital.

She has worked across a wide range of specialties, including emergency medicine, oncology, and obstetrics and gynaecology. Georgia has a strong passion for holistic, patient-centred care—with particular interest in Aboriginal health, women’s health, sexual health, and antenatal care. She has completed a Certificate of Women’s Health and the Diploma of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Georgia is an MS2Step prescriber and provides Implanon and IUD insertions and removals.

Clinical Areas of Interest: Women’s Health, Sexual Health, Antenatal Care, Aboriginal Health
Personal Interests: When she’s off-duty, Georgia loves the beach, swimming, and reformer Pilates.

Elisabeth Akhurst

Practice Nurse

Lis has worked in many areas of Nursing and has made practice nursing her home for the last few years.

As a dedicated practice nurse, Lis is known for her compassionate and individualized approach to healthcare. She is deeply committed to guiding patients and their families through each stage of their healthcare journey, ensuring they receive the support and care they need.

Lis also works in partnership with Deadly Choices and the Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network to improve local Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander health and the 715 health assessments.

In her downtime Lis loves hiking, surfing and general relaxing. If only her office was the Royal National Park.

Anna Cox

Practice Nurse

Anna Cox, originally from the UK has lived and worked in the local area for 20 years. She has had a long and varied nursing career and has spent 18 years in General practice enjoying caring for the community.

She has a special interest and clinical expertise in women’s health issues. She is able to offer contraceptive advice, insertion and removal of Implanon, CST and STI screening.

She is a Registered Immuniser and enjoys all aspects of Immunisation including Travel Medicine.

When she’s not at work she loves all aspects of swimming including regular squad swimming and long ocean swims. She is also a Voluntary Patrol Lifeguard at Cronulla beach during the summer season.

Elisabeth Akhurst

Practice Nurse

Lis has worked in many areas of Nursing and has made practice nursing her home for the last few years.

As a dedicated practice nurse, Lis is known for her compassionate and individualized approach to healthcare. She is deeply committed to guiding patients and their families through each stage of their healthcare journey, ensuring they receive the support and care they need.

Lis also works in partnership with Deadly Choices and the Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network to improve local Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander health and the 715 health assessments.

In her downtime Lis loves hiking, surfing and general relaxing. If only her office was the Royal National Park.

Anna Cox

Practice Nurse

Anna Cox, originally from the UK has lived and worked in the local area for 20 years. She has had a long and varied nursing career and has spent 18 years in General practice enjoying caring for the community.

She has a special interest and clinical expertise in women’s health issues. She is able to offer contraceptive advice, insertion and removal of Implanon, CST and STI screening.

She is a Registered Immuniser and enjoys all aspects of Immunisation including Travel Medicine.

When she’s not at work she loves all aspects of swimming including regular squad swimming and long ocean swims. She is also a Voluntary Patrol Lifeguard at Cronulla beach during the summer season.

About Vitalis Family Medical Practice

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About Vitalis