Dr Umair Masood
Partner
Umair has been practising and living in the Macedon Ranges for many years now. Umair has his fellowship in General Practice. He was the founding Partner at Neal Street Medical Clinic in 2015.
Umair deals with simple and complex cases in General Practice. He has enjoyed looking after families in the region over the years and hopes to continue doing that. He particularly enjoys the continuity of care that general practice offers.
He spent many years training in Plastic Surgery and Orthopaedic Surgery. He provides cosmetic services at the clinic and has a keen interest in cosmetic injectables. Umair also enjoys dealing with musculoskeletal injuries and fracture management.
Umair has a special interest in skin cancer diagnosis and management and is involved in managing most of this locally at our clinic. He also offers mole mapping for a comprehensive skin check..
He is a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME) and does aviation medicals for pilots.
Umair is also a GP Supervisor for training GP Registrars in our local region. He supervises medical students at the clinic from Monash University.
Umair also works as a Lecturer at Monash University and is a Board member at Bendigo Hospital.
Umair loves playing cricket and golf. He also partakes in scuba diving.
He enjoys watching Richmond play at the G and also loves all things cricket!
Umair works at the Gisborne & Woodned clinic.
Dr Felicity Reeve
Partner
Felicity completed her medical degree at the University of Melbourne and started working as a GP at Neal Street Medical Clinic in 2016. She became a partner of the practice in 2017.
Felicity is a qualified GP counsellor and uses cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and supportive counselling techniques to help adult patients with depression, anxiety and adjustment disorders from major life stressors. She can provide Medicare-reimbursed counselling for patients through a mental health care plan.
Felicity is also a certified Lifestyle Medicine Physician and is passionate about helping people better understand and improve their health through health coaching and using lifestyle change as medicine.
She works collaboratively with patients to optimise their nutrition, physical activity, sleep, social connectedness and stress management to treat and prevent chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and mental health disorders.
Felicity lives locally and loves spending time with her husband and 3 young children. In her free moments she can usually be found in her garden, and she enjoys being involved in her local church.
Felicity provides counselling and lifestyle medicine consultations at the Woodend clinic.
Dr Nikhil Puppala
Partner
Nikhil grew up in Melbourne and completed his undergraduate degree at Monash University. He finished his GP registrar training at Neal Street Medical Clinic and has continued to work here. In April 2023, he became a partner at Neal Street Medical Clinic. He has travelled around the world but calls Victoria his home and has settled down in the Macedon Ranges.
Nikhil has a keen interest in men’s and children’s health, rural medicine, and occupational medicine. He is looking forward to undertaking further education in aviation medicine in order to become a Designated Aviation Medicine Examiner (DAME).
Nikhil enjoys comprehensive care within General Practice. He is also involved in teaching GP Registrars and medical students at our clinic and enjoys medical education.
In his spare time, he enjoys travelling, hiking and photography. You can see some of his photography in his consulting room! Nikhil lives in the local area with his partner.
Nikhil works at the Gisborne Clinic.
Dr Daliah Mirchandani
Partner
Daliah grew up in New Zealand. She did her medical training at Monash University and has a post graduate Diploma in Child Health. She worked as as a junior doctor at Bendigo Health and Swan Hill District Health, before joining Neal Street Medical Clinic to complete her GP registrar training.
She finished her GP registrar training at Neal Street Medical Clinic and has continued to work here. In April 2023, she became a partner at Neal Street Medical Clinic.
Daliah is a GP supervisor and is involved in training GP registrars in our region. She also supervises medical students at our clinic.
She enjoys all aspects of General Practice but has a special interest in children’s health, women’s health and mental health. Daliah enjoys taking time to really get to know her patients well.
She lives in the local area and likes everything about the Macedon Ranges except the weather!
Daliah works at the Gisborne clinic.
Dr Audrey Goh
Partner
Audrey completed her undergraduate medical degree and a medical science degree at Monash University. After working in hospitals for several years, she decided to pursue a career in General Practice. Audrey completed her GP Registrar training at Neal Street Medical Clinic and has continued to work at the practice.
In April 2023, she became a partner at Neal Street Medical Clinic.
Audrey has always maintained a healthy involvement in research. She continues to be a principal investigator in a randomised controlled trial on Montelukast as an adjunct treatment for children with eczema. This project is being done with the Royal Children’s Hospital, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and Monash University.
Audrey has a special interest in mental health and dermatology, especially in skin cancer management. Audrey is also involved in training medical students at our clinic.
In her spare time Audrey enjoys graphic design and has been involved in various roles where she has been able to make use of this skill.
Audrey works at the Woodend clinic.
Dr Tiffany Yapp
Partner
Tiffany did a Masters in Clinical Embryology prior to undertaking her medical degree at Monash University. She worked in rural Victoria, including Echuca and Bendigo, before deciding to pursue a career in General Practice.
Tiffany joined Neal Street Medical Clinic to do her GP Registrar training and continued to work at the clinic. In April 2023, she became a partner at our clinic.
She has an interest in women’s and children’s health. Tiffany is involved in training medical students at our clinic. She enjoys caring for families and believes in a holistic approach to her patient cate. Tiffany enjoys maintaining long term patient care.
Tiffany works at the Woodend clinic
Dr Carl Lee
Partner
Carl completed his medical training at the University of Melbourne. During this time, he also completed a certificate in personal training and to this day he is very passionate about exercise.
Carl initially trained through Eastern Health before undertaking his GP training at Neal Street Medical Clinic.
In April 2023, Carl became a partner at the clinic.
He enjoys all aspects of general practice, especially sports medicine, skin cancer, preventative care, and paediatrics. Carl brings a holistic approach to his medical practice. He is very interested in how lifestyle affects chronic diseases.
Carl offers mole mapping on Monday afternoons in Gisborne.
In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, including their new born daughter. He is an unfortunate Saints supporter.
Carl works at the Gisborne & Woodend clinic.
Dr Winnie Sim
Winnie completed her medical degree at the University of Melbourne. Prior to medicine, she did a PhD in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease and was also involved in postdoctoral research work on the gut microbiota.
Winnie did her medical training through the St Vincent’s Clinical School, and has worked at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Royal Women’s Hospital and Sunshine Hospital. Winnie did her Registrar training at Neal Street Medical Clinic.
She is passionate about general practice and has a keen interest in Women’s Health, Paediatrics, and all aspects of preventative medicine.
She has completed the Certificate of Women’s Health and Sydney Child Health Program (previously known as Diploma in Child Health), and enjoys providing pre-pregnancy counselling, antenatal and postnatal care as well as newborn checks. She offers a Mirena service to the women in our region.
During her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her young children and immersing herself in different cultures through food, learning languages and travel.
Winnie works at the Gisborne clinic.
Dr Senadheera Ran
Ran is the most experienced doctor at our clinic. He has practiced in Sri Lanka, England and also in Australia.
He even ran his own private GP clinic in Sri Lanka.
He moved his clinical practice to Gisborne from Ballarat. Ran has been involved at Neal Street Medical Clinic since its inception.
Ran has experience in hospital and community based medical services over many years.
Ran enjoys providing comprehensive medical care to his patients. He has particular interest in men’s health, musculoskeletal injuries, chronic disease management, skin cancers and minor procedures.
Ran has always been an enthusiastic doctor and brings immense clinical experience to Neal Street Medical Clinic. Ran has three grown up children and loves gardening!
Ran works at the Gisborne clinic.
Dr Alaa Al-Obaidi
Alaa is a caring and enthusiastic doctor and is a valuable member of our team. She obtained valuable experience in various medical roles whilst working overseas and in Australia. She has worked in NSW and Ballarat before joining Neal Street Medical Clinic.
Alaa is passionate about holistic patient care and empowering patients with the knowledge to achieve their well-being. She enjoys all aspects of General Practice and has a keen interest in women's health, sexual health, preventative medicine, mental health, and dermatological conditions.
In her spare time, Alaa enjoys travel and trying different cuisines. Outside work, Alaa enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and lovely two kids.
Alaa works at the Woodend clinic.
Dr Catherine Law - on leave
Catherine is an enthusiastic GP and a valuable part of our team.
She did her undergraduate medical training at Monash University. She has also had various hospital roles in Queensland and Victoria prior to doing her General Practice training. She has completed her Fellowship in General Practice.
She also has added qualifications in sexual and reproductive health, dermoscopy and emergency medicine
Catherine enjoys all aspects of General Practice. She has a special interest in women’s health, child Health, skin cancer medicine and minor procedures. Catherine also offers a Mirena service to the women in our region.
Catherine’s husband is a chef and they have recently welcomed a baby into their family. Outside of medicine, Catherine enjoys running, painting and tending to her collection of indoor plants.
Catherine works at the Gisborne clinic.
Dr Samir (Sam) Munaim
Sam has broad medical experience, and has worked as a GP in Melbourne since 2011. He lives in the Macedon Ranges and loves the natural beauty of the area.
His main interests are WorkCover/TAC consultations, chronic disease management, diabetes, mental health and musculoskeletal conditions.
Sam enjoys walking as a hobby. He also loves soccer and is a mad Arsenal fan!
Sam works at the Gisborne clinic.
Dr Emma Read
Emma completed her medical degree at Flinders University in Adelaide in 2006. Since then she has worked in emergency medicine and general practice in Tasmania and Victoria.
Emma’s medical interests include all aspects of family medicine, particularly paediatrics, aged care/geriatrics, polypharmacy, care in the home, falls management, Parkinson’s, dementia and palliative care.
Emma moved to the Macedon Ranges in 2008. She has three children who keep her busy.
In her spare time, she enjoys playing music, gardening and trying to keep fit!
Emma works as an Aged Care GP. She does not do consults at the clinic but can be found in the local nursing homes looking after patients. If you or your relative need an experienced aged care GP, please ring the clinic and let us know.
Dr Abdul (Abdu) Saadoon
Abdulrahman (Abdu) did his medical training and worked overseas for many years before starting work in Australia in numerous hospital roles before he found his passion in General Practice. He has worked in NSW and Ballarat before joining our team at Neal Street Medical Clinic.
Abdu enjoys all aspects of General Practice. He has an interest in men's health, child health, mental health, chronic disease management, and dermatological conditions. He is also experienced at doing minor procedures.
In his spare time, he enjoys travel and spending quality time with his family.
Abdu works at the Woodend clinic.
Dr Xin Jin
Dr Xin Jin, who prefers to be called Jinx, completed her medical degree at the University of Melbourne in 2010. She has had many years of experience and training in Victorian tertiary hospitals, especially surgical specialties.
Jinx has a special interest in neurological conditions, especially spine related diseases. She has more than 10 years of experience working together with neurosurgeons in diagnosis and management of spinal conditions.
Outside of work, Jinx likes hiking, cycling, and photography. She enjoys traveling and see different cultures.
Dr Manda Hoghooghi
Manda completed her MD (Doctorate of Medicine) degree in 2004 and worked as a general practitioner for many years.
She worked in General Practice in rural Victoria (Wallan) for 5 years before joining Neal Street Medical Clinic.
She has special interest in cardiovascular diseases, chronic disease management, mental health, preventive health and women’s health.
Manda enjoys spending time with her patients to get to know them and tailor their care accordingly. She particularly enjoys dealing with mental health.
Outside work, she enjoys poetry, literature, music, bush walking and travel experiences.
Manda works at the Gisborne clinic.
Dr Melanie Lamden
Melanie has been working as a GP for many years. She used to work in the Macedon Ranges as a GP. She has immense experience in Aged Care and this is her passion.
Melanie looks after our Aged Care patients. She does not see patients at the clinic itself.
Melanie has a love for animals and is also a busy mother!
Dr Jennifer Chivinge - on leave
Jennifer completed her medical degree at Imperial College London, England. After spending a few years working in the UK, she moved to Australia. She went onto work in Melbourne and regional Victorian hospitals.
Jennifer is completing her training as a GP Registrar at Neal Street Medical Clinic. She sees a variety of patients but has particular interests in women’s, children’s and preventative health. Jennifer cares about positive outcomes, and is passionate about educating and empowering patients throughout their healthcare journeys.
Jennifer brings a diverse range of experience in the health sector working in the UK and Australia across a number of specialties. This includes time working as an adult and paediatric emergency medicine registrar during the pandemic. Jennifer also worked in Obstetrics & Gynaecology and is undertaking additional training in her special interest of women's health.
In her spare time Jennifer enjoys staying active, reading and travelling.
Dr Parvinder Sethi
Parvinder finished his GP training in the UK in 2013. In 2016, he completed the 7Ds Geriatric and Psychogeriatric postgraduate Course at Aston Medical School in Birmingham.
Parvinder has had many roles in hospital and community medicine. His real love is Aged Care this is what he concentrates his career on these days. He loves working in Australia and has decided to pursue his passion for looking after elderly patients.
He does assessment and management of patients with dementia, and his excited about joining the Aged Care GP team. He believes strongly in the Aged Care GP model of care that provides dedicated GPs to residential aged care facilities and sees this as a critical model in ensuring residents receive the highly quality GP care they deserve.
Dr Simon Watson
Simon graduated from the University of Notre Dame Australia in 2019. He went on to work at the Northern Hospital, gaining valuable experience in Paediatrics, Obstetrics, General Medicine and Emergency.
Simon has an interest in chronic disease management and prevention, as well as children’s health. He also has a strong interest in veterans’ health and wellbeing, having himself been an Australian Defence Force member and healthcare professional with overseas operational deployment experience.
Most recently, Simon has practiced in both Romsey and Lancefield, where he has enjoyed caring for a community with a wide range of medical needs.
Simon lives with his wife and two children. He enjoys his daily coffee and the ever-evolving landscape of his backyard garden. Throughout the year, with particular focus on the cooler months, Simon deeply enjoys keeping a close eye on the fortunes of the mighty Richmond Tigers.
Dr Melissa Ho
Melissa completed her medical degree at Deakin University in Geelong in 2021. Following graduation, she moved to Bairnsdale for her internship, where she gained valuable experience across a range of specialties. It was during this time that she discovered her passion for general practice, particularly the variety of clinical presentations and the focus on preventive care.
Over the past two years, Melissa has been working at Ballarat Base Hospital as a resident in Emergency Medicine, Paediatrics, and Internal Medicine. These rotations have enriched her clinical skills and broadened her medical knowledge, solidifying her commitment to holistic patient care.
Melissa has a keen interest in preventive and geriatric medicine. She has a growing enthusiasm for musculoskeletal medicine, inspired by her own experience recovering from a knee injury sustained while bouldering.
Outside of work, Melissa enjoys watercolour painting and spending quality time with her two beloved dogs, Marlo and Sylvie.
Dr Saba Fatima
Saba is a caring and passionate doctor who has worked at Eastern health for number of years before starting her GP training in Castlemaine and the Macedon Ranges. She also has a number of years of experience abroad where she studied and practiced medicine before moving to Australia in 2016. Most recently she was practicing in Romsey until her move to Neal Street Medical Clinic.
Saba is a firm believer in the importance of health promotion through public education and has a keen interest in Women’s health, Mental health, Dermatology and Chronic Diseases. Her aim is to maintain the health and quality of life for her patients.
In her spare time, she enjoys travelling, playing badminton and spending time with her daughter.
Saba works at the Gisborne clinic
Dr Matthew Stendell
Matt completed his medical degree at the University of Melbourne in 2019. He is a local of the Macedon Ranges, finishing his VCE studies at Braemar College in 2010.
Matt completed his internship at Echuca Regional Health in 2020 and worked in a wide range of roles at Monash Health from 2021 to 2023. Through these rotations he came to appreciate the variety that medicine has to offer. As a result, Matt has returned to The Macedon Ranges to pursue a career in General Practice.
In his spare time Matt enjoys his morning coffee and he can be often found in a cafe somewhere. He follows the cricket and the English Premier League (which his team, Ipswich Town has not participated in for over 20 years).
Dr Bass Abi Haila
Bass completed his undergraduate studies in Laboratory Medicine majoring in Microbiology and Haematology in 2003. He spent some time working (and travelling) in Haemato-oncology and Virology laboratories in the UK and Belgium before going on to study Medicine at Griffith University in Queensland, graduating in 2010.
He continued his medical training at various hospitals throughout Victoria; taking advantage of his undergraduate studies to work towards specialising in Infectious Disease, before deciding to transition into General Practice.
Bass loves the varied and exciting challenges in General Practice, as well as being able to work closely with patients and their families. He continues to have a passion for infectious disease, travel medicine and immunisation, as well as men’s health, sexual health, chronic disease management and minor surgical procedures. Bass is also interested in Cosmetic Medicine and has completed his advanced injectables and laser training. In his spare time, he enjoys landscape and astro-photography, all-things tech, cooking and spending time with family and friends. He still also comes down with the occasional travel bug.
Bass works at the Gisborne and Woodend clinics.
Dr Emma McGonigal
Emma completed her medical degree at the University of Glasgow, Scotland before moving to Australia. She worked in the UK as a junior doctor for several years and then spent time working in various areas including Emergency medicine and Paediatrics in Queensland. Emma completed her General practice training in North Queensland.
Emma enjoys teaching medical students and has worked as a University lecturer alongside her clinical work. She enjoys all aspects of general practice but has a special interest in paediatrics.
Hashan Fernando
Podiatrist
Hashan completed his Masters of Podiatric Practice and Bachelor of Applied Science in 2018. He also completed a Master of Public Health in 2021. In conjunction with his studies, Hashan is currently completing his Endorsement for Scheduled S4 Medicines.
Hashan enjoys all aspects of podiatry with a special interest in sports biomechanics and rehabilitation.
Furthermore, Hashan has experience assisting Podiatric surgeons across Victoria and has a key focus on Pre & Post-surgical management and rehabilitation.
Outside of work Hashan is a big cricket fan!
Hashan works at our Woodend clinic.
Himani Raval
Physiotherapist
Himani completed her Masters of Physiotherapy at La Trobe University, Bendigo in 2019. Himani's academic and professional career so far has given her the opportunity to work in a variety of healthcare settings which includes hospitals, community health services, aged care settings and private practices.
Himani is passionate about treating musculoskeletal injuries with a keen interest in educating clients on how to prevent injuries for long term benefits. Her holistic and client-focused approach to active rehabilitation ensures clients feel empowered and confident in achieving lasting outcomes. She also carries extensive experience in treatment of cardiorespiratory and neurological conditions.
Himani loves to interact with people and carries a happy-go-lucky attitude towards life. She spends her leisure time doing fitness exercises which include aerobic dancing and mat pilates. She enjoys sketching, painting, watching movies and spending time with family and friends. Himani also loves cooking but would never mind being served a ready meal by her loved ones. Well, who doesn't!
Claire Rankin
Psychologist - Adult & Child
Claire is a registered psychologist with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Monash University. Claire is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
Claire has experience working with adults, infants, children, and families with a range of emotional, social, developmental, and behavioural difficulties. She has worked with both paediatric and adult clients in acute hospital settings and private practice.
She utilises a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches to meet the individual needs of her clients, with a particular interest in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), motivational interviewing, and mindfulness techniques. Claire has undertaken training as a Triple P facilitator and is currently undertaking training in perinatal and infant mental health with the Centre for Perinatal Psychology.
Claire creates a supportive and warm environment for patients to share their thoughts and feelings. Claire is compassionate, empathetic and works collaboratively with her patients to develop treatment plans that are tailored to their specific needs and goals.
Leki Sisifa
Physiotherapist
Leki has 17+ years of sports and clinical experience. He has developed a keen interest in sports physiotherapy, particularly in the biomechanics of the lower limb (hip-knee-ankle-foot complex), sports rehabilitation and strength and conditioning principles.
A sports physiotherapist for over 10 years, Leki has been a travelling physiotherapist for many local, state, professional and international teams in Rugby Union.
Leki is also part of an initiative by WorkSafe Victoria and the Transport and Accident Commission (TAC) called 'Early Intervention Physiotherapy Framework’. This specialised physiotherapy service aims to achieve better health and work outcomes for injured workers and motorists.
His experience with occupational physiotherapy can assist injured workers to get back to work in a safe and timely manner.
With a growing interest in chronic disease management, Leki believes in the Functional Medicine principle of treating the underlying cause of a problem rather than just the symptoms, promoting lifelong health and happiness. He is a G:LAD certified practitioner for OA joint pain conditions.
Leki enjoys spending time with his wife Belinda and their 4 young kids. He is a passionate but long-suffering Wallabies supporter!
Cherry Ibea
Physiotherapist
Cherry graduated from Mariano Marcos State University in the Philippines with a Bachelor in Science (Physical Therapy).
With over 7 years of experience in the field, she has honed her skills in providing comprehensive and individualised care to clients with a wide range of conditions.
Her experience in both musculoskeletal, sports-related and geriatric conditions has given her a unique perspective and the ability to approach each case with a well-rounded understanding of every client’s needs.
She has a deep understanding of the mechanics of the human body and how it responds to physical activity. Cherry uses this knowledge to create personalised treatment plans to help her clients get back to their best as quickly as possible.
Cherry believes in taking a holistic approach to treatment, considering not only the physical aspects of each presentation but also the psychological and emotional impacts.
Her goal is always to empower her clients to take an active role in their own recovery and to help them achieve the best possible outcomes for their lives.
Karim Fawzi
Diabetes Educator
Karim has been working as a pharmacist for over 30 years, graduating with honours in 1991 and completing the Master of Pharmaceutical Sciences in 1999 at the University of Baghdad. He is also a Diabetes Educator.
Karim has practiced across 4 different countries, developing great communication skills with patients of many different demographics, using motivational interviewing with patients to achieve the most suitable outcome.
Karim speaks both Arabic (all dialects)and English
Specialties and area of expertise in Diabetes Education:
· Identification of medication and lifestyle related problems in Diabetes
· Tailoring therapy according to patient’s needs and beliefs
· Consideration of Middle Eastern diet’s and other cultures diet’s effect on diabetes management
· Home Medication Review for all patients
Rana
Business Manager
Rana is a long time resident of the Macedon ranges. She has been a valuable member of both the reception and administration teams at Neal Street Medical Clinic for many years prior to taking on her role as the Business Manager. She has a wealth of experience and bring her wonderful personality tot he job. She enjoys a good conversation.
Rana has grown up children who also live in the local area and she enjoys making the most of her free time with her family.
Rana works closely with Noelene, Michelle and Di as part of our management team.
Noelene
Administration Manager
Noels manages our administration team.
Noels has worked in medical reception for many years in the local area.
She enjoys her role and keeps our reception running like clock work! Noels has always got a smile on her face even at the busiest of times.
She enjoys yoga, reading, gardening and being a grandmother.
Noelene forms an important part of our management team along with Rana and Michelle.
Di
Nursing Manager
Di is one of our most experienced nurses. She has worked in many roles in her career. She has also worked in general practice previously. She enjoys looking after families. She has a passion for diabetes and is also getting credentialled for diabetic educator roles. She has a particular interest in chronic disease management.
She has two grown up children. She also has an interest in attempting to grow plants!
Michelle
Reception Manager
Michelle is our team leader at reception. She has worked at Neal Street Medical Clinic for many years now and lives locally with her husband and children.
Outside of work, she enjoys music, reading, walking and cycling.
Michelle works closely with Rana and Noelene as part of our management team.