GMG - Gardens Medical Group

Bernadette is a registered Psychologist and full member of the Australian Psychological Society.

Bernadette is an approved NSW Workcover provider, Medicare Provider, peri-natal counsellor and a trained Mediator with experience in workplace and community disputes. She provides assessment and treatment of depression, anxiety, regulating emotions, trauma, grief, positive health behaviours and workplace issues including mediation. She also has a special interest in the treatment of chronic pain management.

Bernadette’s treatment approaches are evidence based including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Psycho-education, Mindfulness, Relaxation and Meditation. Bernadette works with adolescents and adults.

Bernadette also provides testing services in Cognitive, Educational Assessments & Reports. Please note that Medicare does not provide rebates for testing services. A separate fee schedule is available.

Bernadette holds an Executive Masters of Public Administration from the University of Melbourne; Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) (Honours) from Charles Sturt University; Graduate Diploma of Psychology from Charles Sturt University and Bachelor of Arts from James Cook University.

Please phone 6058 6175 for an appointment or email Level4@thegardensmedical.com.au

Glenn Chuck works with children and adolescents through to young adults. He has 13 years experience working with youth across varied settings, including state and private primary and secondary schools, public health (CAMHS) and private practice.

Glenn is confident working with the full range of youth mental health concerns including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, behavioural difficulties, learning difficulties, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders and Eating Disorders. Although extensive 1:1 counselling is undertaken, parents are included and informed at every step, whilst respecting client confidentiality when requested.

Glenn is skilled in achieving quick and genuine rapport with youth and parents. His approach is down to earth with a focus on provision of clear and practical strategies and approaches to improve outcomes. Utilisation of I-Pad’s and information technology is incorporated in therapy to increase engagement.

Please phone 02 6058 6175 to make an appointment or contact Glenn on his email gchuck@thegardensmedical.com.au

Helen Pynta completed her Bachelor of Social Work at La Trobe University in 1997. She has a Graduate Diploma in Gerontology. Helen obtained a Masters in Clinical Family Therapy from La Trobe University in 2009 and is a Mental Health Accredited Social Worker.

Helen is an experienced psychotherapist with over 15 years experience in counselling and has vast experience in a variety of different mental health settings including hospitals, community health and private practice.

Helen specialises in CBT but uses a number of different therapeutic techniques addressing a wide range of conditions including greif and loss, depression and anxiety disorders.

Helen's areas of expertise include couples, families, EAP, chronic illness, disability and carers, greif/ loss, depression, anxiety, older adults and dementia.

Please phone 02 6058 6175 to make an appointment or email Level4@thegardensmedical.com.au

 Myotherapist and former Geological Technician

Country NSW born, Jenny was awarded a traineeship at the end of secondary school for Science (Geology & Chemistry) and became the Commonwealth of Australia’s first female Geological Technician. In 1977, Jenny received the Zonta Club Award (for outstanding performance by a woman undertaking studies dominated by men). Two years later she completed the Diploma in Gemmology. It was a fantastic time of discoveries in many diverse Australian environments.

Jenny moved with her husband and children to Melbourne in the late 1990’s. After settling, Jenny switched her career to Myotherapy (Remedial Massage) as it gave her good flexibility and important family time.

Jenny established her own business: Bayside Muscle Care and quickly gained a steady clientele from the Melbourne Bayside suburbs. Jenny has integrated a special interest in assisting people who suffer from aches and pains either from work habits, injuries and accidents or from sporting activities.

In 2014, Jenny based her work within the framework of True Health Solutions (formally Bayside Community Chiropractor), where she is available by appointment in conjunction with home visits.

Jenny has worked closely as the Myotherapist for the VicMetro under 16 Mens’ Basketball and Dandenong Ranges Basketball Teams and the last 10 years, the Victorian Karate Team. When available, she volunteers as Myotherapist to the Australian Karate Federation Team for National and International events. She is also a supporter to the Hampton Central Cricket Club.

Myotherapy is the care of a muscle imbalance within the body (and treats soft tissue, the facia, ligaments and muscles to prevent pain and reduced joint movement.)

Please phone 6058 6109 to make an appointment or email gsuites@thegardensmedical.com.au

Dr Michael Thomas along with Midwife Belinda Andrews and Wendy Bakic run the Pregnancy Clinic every Tuesday at The Gardens Suites Level 4. 

Belinda Andrews

Belinda Andrews has over 14 years experience at Albury Wodonga Health Maternity. She is employed as an Midwifery Educator and works across birth suite, special care nursery and the antenatal/postnatal floor. Qualifications held by Belinda include Registered Nurse, Registered Midwife, Antenatal Educator, Accredited pap smear provider and an Endorsed Midwife. Being an endorsed midwife means that Belinda is able to write pathology, ultrasound forms, prescribe medications within her state formularly and also referral of patients to Obstetricians and Paeditricians. She is able to care for you whilst you are pregnant and for the first 6 weeks in your postnatal period. Belinda is a mother of 2 and has a passion for quality midwifery care and providing women with choice for their antenatal/postnatal journey.

Wendy Bakic

Wendy Bakic is a registered nurse, a registered midwife, a nurse immuniser and an Endorsed midwife. Being an Endorsed midwife allows Wendy to provide medicare funded care, order tests and ultrasounds relating to pregnancy, birth and the newborn period.  It also allows her to prescribe certain medications and refer women and babies to obstetricians and paediatricians as needed.

Pregnancy Education Classes

Education classes run every Tuesday. The classes are a 90minute individual assessment and education class for women to discuss pregnancy, delivery and postnatal issues.  This is a great oppurtunity to ask those questions and develop your birth plan. Any pregnant woman beyond 20 weeks gestation is eligible for these classes. These classes are billed directly to Medicare, with no out of pocket costs.

Midwife Clinic

A private midwife clinic with our Midwifes Belinda Andrews and Wendy Bakic is available (for pregnant women who are assessed as low-risk) for your visits throughout your pregnancy, without needing to involve a Doctor (except for a few "milestone" visits, or if complications develop). 

All appointments can be made by calling 02 6058 6109 or email gsuites@thegardensmedical.com.au

 Alexandra completed her dietetic studies in 2018 at La Trobe University, graduating with a Bachelor of Applied Science and Master of Dietetic Practice.

Alexandra has experience working with clients in a range of nutrition fields including Aged Care, Sports Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics.

In her role with Gardens Medical Group, Alexandra works with clients to achieve nutritional adequacy, support good health and manage a range of conditions including diabetes, high cholesterol, nutritional deficiencies such as low iron, gastrointestinal conditions and more.

Alexandra tailors nutrition plans to the individual needs and preferences of clients and enjoys developing practical strategies and healthy habits with clients to optimise their nutrition status.

Alexandra is available for appointments Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Marita is a Credentialled Diebetes Educator and Clinical Nurse Specialist and holds a Master in Human Nutrition. She has experience in seeing people with diabetes in the community and in the hospital setting. She sees people with type 2 diabetes, type 1 diabetes, pre- diabeties and gestational diabeties. Her aim is to support people living with diabetes in their individual diabetes self- management and answer any questions that they may have in relation to living well with diabetes.

Bulk billing applies when referrals are made through a GP care plan.

Dr Graeme Davey graduated from Sydney University and did his residency at Hornsby Hospital. He joined the GP training scheme at Hornsby and spent time in general practice in Castle Hill and Yass and then the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Broken Hill. Graeme then spent 6 months at Penrith Hospital studying Obstetrics and successfully completed his Diploma of Obstetrics. He then left Australia for 2 years, working in New Zealand and UK doing GP locums (accompanied by his wife and 2 sons aged 1 month and 2 years) returning to Australia in 1978, when he joined Dr Ross Hayter at the Dean Street Medical Group. With the arrival of further doctors the practice outgrew the rooms and so the Gardens was “born” and we moved surgery in May 2008.
 
Graeme’s main interest is providing all facets of a family general practice as well as minor surgical procedures.

“My interests outside of medicine over the years are family and grandchildren. I have enjoyed skiing, cycling, tennis, squash, swimming, local wineries and more recently golf.”

Dr Adrian Kay graduated from the University of NSW. He worked at the Royal Prince Alfred, Albury Base Hospital And Penrith where he gained his diploma of Obstetrics.

He moved to Albury in 1982 to join The Dean Street Medical Group. He is a founding director of The Gardens Medical Group.

Adrian enjoys the diversity of general practice.

“My interests include fishing, footy, water skiing, gardening and especially time with the family.”

Dr Victor Karaffa was born in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania in the USA and migrated to Australia as a child. He attended high school in Adelaide and did his medical training at Flinders University of South Australia. Dr Karaffa’s post graduate hospital experience was at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and at Albury Base and Mercy Hospitals, including a diploma of obstetrics from the Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. After doing locums for about 15 months, Dr Karaffa joined the then Dean Street Medical Group, taking over from the retiring partner, Dr Ross Hayter. After running out of space at the Dean Street rooms, we built and moved into the Gardens Medical Centre allowing expansion of the services provided to our patients.

Dr Victor Karaffa is currently on extended leave.

“I enjoy the full mix of clinical problems that patients present in General Practice. From obstetric shared care and paediatrics to palliative care and geriatrics, they all have their individual challenges and rewards. When not working in the field of medicine, I enjoy amateur music making performing (singing in the Murray Conservatorium Choir and playing viola in the Murray Conservatorium Orchestra). Luckily my wife Sue and son William both show an interest in and aptitude for music which allows us to share this common interest.”

 Dr David Phelps joined our Practice in February 2020.

 Dr Iranga Jayasundara joined our Practice in May 2020.

 Dr Michael Seymour joined our Practice in March 2020.

 Dr Natasha McLellan joined our Practice in February 2012.

 Dr Kanapathipillai joined our Practice in November 2019.

 Dr Nishani Kulatunga joined our Practice in June 2020.

 Dr Olivia Tham joined our Practice in March 2020.

 Dr Priya Rana started at our Practice in February 2018.

 Dr Salma Yasmin joined the Practice in February 2019.

Dr Woo Tan joined our Practice in  February 2014.

Bachelor of Science ( Medicine) , MBBS ( UNSW) , FRACGP

Dr Woo Tan completed his medical degree at UNSW in 2005. He spent 7 years at various hospital such as St. George Hospital , John Hunter hospital , Sutherland hospital etc. prior to his GP specialist training. He moved to Albury in 2012. His main areas of interest /passion are chronic disease management such as heart disease, hypertension, respiratory disease and geriatric, paediatric , diabetes , minor surgery such as skin cancer/ lump and bump excision and work cover related consultations. He is a qualified examiner for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Dr. Woo Tan also has extensive knowledge in cosmetic medicine such as cosmetic injections, thread lifting and use of laser. He is a medical director of a local Cosmetic Clinic named Seventh Layer Aesthetic Clinic at Albury. Dr. Tan likes spending time with his family, enjoys travelling and loves sports such as tennis, golf and badminton. Lastly, he is a foodie as well.
 

 Dr Bai Xiao joined our Practice in February 2013.

Dr Bai Xiao is a fellow of Royal Australia College of General Practice (RACGP). Prior to joining GMG, she has worked in public hospitals all over Australia for 6 years, where she gained extensive experience in medical and surgical conditions. She is an accredited skin cancer doctor by Skin Cancer College Australasia (SCCA), specialised in skin cancer check and management of melanoma, base cell carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma, as well as unwanted benign lesions especially on face and neck, such as benign nevus, vein, and remove by radiofrequency method. She also manages hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and alopecia (hair loss).  Dr Bai runs a Skin Cancer Clinic held on Wed at Thurgoona and Fri at Albury. GP appointments available at both Thurgoona and Albury.

 Dr Christian Fandrich joined our Practice in December 2015.

 Dr Don Jin joined our Practice in February 2017.

Dr Ferencz "Joszef" Baranyay joined our Practice in February 2015. 

Dr Baranyay is a registered Q-Fever Vaccinator. Please call the surgery on 02 6021 3555 and ask for Kylie or Shannon to book an appointment for your Q-Fever vaccination.

Dr Baranyay is a registered GP with Bupa for Visa Medicals.

Dr Libby Garoni joined our Practice in May 2012.

Dr Lucinda Thomas joined our Practice in January 2017.

Dr Lucinda Thomas was raised in the Southern Highlands of NSW, Dr Lucinda Thomas graduated from the University of Wollongong. She trained in The Wollongong Hospital and the surrounding Illawarra over the following 5 years and completed her Diploma of Child Health while working in Paediatrics. As well as working in other areas, she also worked in Women's and Maternal health providing antenatal care in the hospital and in General Practice. Commencing her general practice training in the Illawarra, Lucinda moved with her family to Albury/Wodonga to join us at Gardens Medical Group in January 2017. She has settled in for the long term, enjoying the country lifestyle and exploring the beautiful surrounds on her motorcycle. She enjoys medicine in the country and caring for a wide range of people. She also enjoys teaching and has been appointed as an instructor in emergency skills with the College of Rural and Remote Medicine.

 

“I love working in General Practice in regional New South Wales and Victoria.”

Qualifications: MBBS, FRACGP, ACCAM, Cert.Occ.Med

Dr Peerzada joined our Practice in October 2016.

Dr Peerzada is a registered GP with Bupa for Visa Medicals.

 Dr Michele Quigley joined our Practice in September 2017.

Dr Quigley is an experienced vocationally registered GP who qualified from the UK in 1987 and migrated to Australia in 1994.

She holds UK diplomas in Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology and so enjoys looking after pregnant Mums and children alike. Other special interests are mens health and occupational medicine.

At home she is married with two adolescent boys and loves family life, gardening, renovating and cooking.

Dr Nikita Xiao joined our Practice in February 2014.

Dr Peter Love joined our Practice in May 2013.

Dr Peter Love is a registered Q Fever Vaccinator. Please call the surgery on 6021 3555 and ask for Kylie or Shannon to book for your Q Fever Vaccination.

Dr Peter Love also runs the Travel Medicine Clinic on Level 6, Monday and Friday, 2pm - 4pm. Please call 6021 3555 to book an appointment or click the "book online" tab above and book under the Travel Medicine Clinic.

Qualifications: MBBS MPH+TM AFFTM(ACTM) FACRRM
Graduated: in 1983 from Sydney University .
Since this time Dr Love has been Trained in
1- Medical administration ;
2- Emergency Medicine (dealing with adult and paediatric emergencies) ;

3- Undergraduate teaching ( medical students ) and a conjoint Senior lecturer UNSW Rural Clinical School      Albury and Senior Tutor Austin Clinical school, University of Melbourne :
4- Postgraduate Medical Teaching : Director of Clinical training(DCT ABH) and Board member of the then Postgraduate Committee of NSW
5- Rehabilitation Medicine (Spinal, Brain injuries, amputee, chronic functional loss and Aged Care Medicine, palliative Care and Pain Management )
6- Tropical and Travel medicine
a/ Completed and awarded a Masters degree in Tropical Medicine and also Public Health(MPH &TM) through James Cook University Nth Qld
b/ Admitted as a member Of The Australasian College of Tropical Medicine(MACTM)
c/ Awarded in ceremony Associate Fellow ,Faculty of Travel Medicine of ACTM (AFFTM(ACTM) in 1999
d/ Member of International Association of travel medicine (ISTM) and AsiaPacific travel health Society
e/ Yellow fever endorsed practitioner both NSW and Victoria
7- Australasian College Of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM)
a/ Awarded Fellowship of ACRRM
b/ previous Victorian Director of ACRRM
c/ Past committee member and Director of PDP ACRRM
and finally
8- Rural Specialist GP and accredited Registrar trainee for ACRRM
 

Dr Rosie Saxton joined our Practice in July 2008.

 Dr Rummana Siddiqui joined our Practice in February 2015.

Dr Patrick Farrell has been a General Practitioner in Albury since after taking over the practice of [Late] Dr R King Stevenson at Olive St Clinic, 1987. Prior to general practice he had a 10 year hospital career featuring Emergency Medicine and Medical Administration, including 3 years as Deputy Medical Superintendent Albury Base Hospital.
Past President of Albury Base Visiting Medical Officers and Border Medical Associations. Past Board member of Border Division of General Practice.
Professional interests other than general practice include orthopaedic surgical assistant AWPH and Insight Clinic medical support at AWPH, VMO Albury Mercy.
Dr Farrell joined The Gardens Medical Group in 2008 after 10 years solo general practice and is enjoying the advantages of a modern multiservice medical practice.

Dr Ian Cook undertook study in Organic chemistry with BSC (Hons) and PhD at University of Western Australia with post doctoral studies in the synethic chemistry of biogically active compounds, before completing his medical studies. Upon graduation he served for 3 years with the Australian Army, 1 year at Kapooka, Wagga Wagga and 2 years in Lae, PNG. 

On return to Australia he worked in his own practice and then for the Federal Health Department, until starting a busy solo practice in Taree.

During his time in Taree he completed a Masters of Family Medicine (Monash University) and was appointed a Conjoint Senior Lecturer at Newcastle University.  He graduated with a Medical Doctorate in evidence based medicine in 2009 and has just this year been promoted to Conjoint Associate Professor of NSW, Conjoint Senior Lecturer at Newcastle University.

“"Doctor Cook has made wide interests in general medicine and also follows Australian Rules Football being the club doctor for a number of teams over the years. Dr Cook is working full time in this area because of his grandchildren who live in Finlay."”

Dr Paul Evans joined our Practice in February 2011.

Dr Paul Evans is also the principle clinician of the Gardens Skin Cancer Clinic on Level 6. Please follow the link below to the Gardens Skin Cancer Clinic website.

http://gardensskinclinic.com/

Dr Michael Thomas joined our Practice in May 2011. Dr Thomas is a CASA Accredited Doctor and GP Obstetrician.

Dr Micheal Giltrap joined our Practice in July 2011.

Dr Rebecca McGowan joined our practice in July 2011.

Dr McGowan was born in Albury, studied Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery at Monash University Melbourne and is now living on the family farm with her husband and children.

Qualified in General Practice, Graduate Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Graduate Diploma in Forensic Medicine.

Dr McGowan loves General Practice, “cradle to the grave” family medicine and in particular, the chance to look after several generations in the one family.

Dr McGowan is also the Medical Director for a national Men’s Health Program “Prick and a Pint”.

“My interests outside work include farming, gardening, skiing and travelling. ”

Dr Stephen Zhao joined our Practice in February 2012.

Dr Mohammed Quazi joined our Practice in November 2012. Fellowed from RACGP.