Our Doctors
Dr Effat FARAG – (Procedural General Practitioner)
Professional statement
Dr Effat Farag is a Procedural General Practitioner with 30+ years experience. His special interest is minor surgical procedures including: Circumcisions of children & adults, Vasectomies, Pilonidal Sinuses & Abscess, Removal of Skin Cancers and subcutaneous lumps like cysts and Lipomas
Special Interests
- Surgical procedures
- Child & Adult Circumcision
Mr Paul SITZLER – (Colorectal Surgeon)
Major Surgery: Paul performs most major and minor colorectal surgery with the exception of gracilis neo-sphincter surgery at present. Major colon and rectal resections performed for cancer, inflammatory bowel, diverticulitis and other conditions are often performed in hospitals with intensive care unit back-up such as the Epworth, and Box Hill Hospitals. He also performs general abdominal surgical operations such as hernia surgery, cholecystectomy, and other gastro-intestinal surgeries.
Special Interests
- Consultation and sigmoidoscopy
- Treatment of Haemorrhoids
- Minor Operations
- Endoscopy
- Anorectal investigation unit
- Major Surgery
Dr Brindi RASARATNAM – (Gastroenterologist / Endoscopist)
Dr Brindi Rasaratnam is a fully accredited Gastroenterologist and Endoscopist. Having completed his Medical degree with Honours at Monash University, Melbourne, he proceeded to Internship and Residency at The Alfred Hospital, Commercial Road Prahran. He then subsequently completed his Physicians training exam and receiving FRACP recognition. Subsequent Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy training continued at The Alfred Hospital where he continues to work as a senior visiting consultant, to date.
Dr. Mark ATTALLA – (Cosmetic Surgery Practitioner)
Dr. Mark Attalla is a dedicated Cosmetic Surgeon with years of experience in cosmetic surgery. He is continuing interest in cutting edge technologies. Dr Attalla has completed his MBBSa from Alexandria University of Egypt in 1987 then completed his general surgery training in a teaching hospital in Egypt. After completing his Master Degree in General Surgery, he then made the decision to move to Australia where he had his intensive training in various types of cosmetic surgery procedures guided by best cosmetic surgeons from Australia and overseas.
Special Interests
- Stem Cells (Fat Transplant)
- Slim Lipo / Liposuction
- Blepharoplasty
- Abdominoplasty
- Mini – Abdominoplasty
- Breast Augmentation
- Gynaecomastia
- Thread Lift
- Cosmetic Mole Removal
Dr Edward TSOI – Gastroenterologist/Hepatologist)
Having completed his medical degree from Monash University in 2006, Dr Edward Tsoi undertook his postgraduate specialty training in Gastroenterology and General Medicine at Monash Health, Austin Health and Northern Health in Victoria. He then completed his Master of Public Health from University of Newcastle in 2015 and was awarded a Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians later that year. Dr Tsoi is now working at Northern Health while continuing his research though his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD.) and subspecialty training in advanced endoscopy at the University of Melbourne and St Vincent’s Hospital. He has a special interest in Barrett’s oesophagus, endoscopic ultrasound, endoscopic mucosal resections,evaluation of small bowel luminal disease through double balloon enteroscopy and capsule endoscopy.
Dr Tsoi manages problems in all areas of gastroenterology including liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and bowel cancer screening. He is involved in ongoing teaching of medical students and has published widely in international journals and presented at numerous national and international meetings. Dr Tsoi bulk bills for his clinic consults. He also speaks fluent Mandarin and Cantonese and is available for consultation and endoscopies at Chelsea Heights Day Surgery & Endoscopy Centre.
DR QURAT-UL-AIN (ANNY) RIZVI – Gastroenterologist
M.B.B.S., BMedSci, FRACP
Dr Anny Rizvi is part of the team at the Melbourne Digestive Centre. Dr Rizvi underwent training in Gastroenterology and hepatology at the Lyell McEwin hospital, Royal Adelaide hospital and The Queen Elizabeth hospital, Adelaide. She did a dedicated year of inflammatory bowel disease fellowship at the Eastern Health Melbourne. She has been actively involved in the teaching, research and presented in numerous national meetings.
Other than Inflammatory bowel disease, her other special interests within gastroenterology include bowel cancer screening, Gastroesophageal reflux disease, Functional gut disease and food intolerances, resistant h pylori infections and liver abnormalities.
Dr Rizvi is fluent in English, Urdu, Punjabi and Hindi.
Dr Soleiman Kashkooli – Gastroenterology, General Medicine, Hepatology
MD, FRACP
Dr Kashkooli received his internal medicine training at Eastern Health in Melbourne, and completed his gastroenterology and hepatology training at Concord Hospital in Sydney. Then he undertook a fellowship in inflammatory bowel disease in an excellent IBD centre in Toronto, Canada where he was also involved with the management of colorectal anastomotic strictures using endoscopic Balloon Dilation.
His specific interests in Gastroenterology are Inflammatory Bowel disease, Colon cancer screening, diagnostic and therapeutic Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy. Dr Kashkooli manages diffrent aspects of Gastroenterology & Hepatology including oesophageal disease, GORD, Stomach ulcer, abnormal liver tests, NAFLD, Hepatitis B and C, GORD, Coeliac disease, IBS, and Functional Gastrointestinal disorders.
Dr Kashkooli would be pleased to discuss the clinical cases with the referring medical practitioner. He is happy to see patients across the broad spectrum of gastroenterological disorders and is able to see urgent referrals, either for consult or directly for gastroscopy/colonoscopy.
Dr Kashkooli speaks Farsi (Persian) and Turkish.
Dr John Ding – Gastroenterologist
John Ding is a Melbourne based gastroenterologist. Having completed his post-graduate research at one of the world’s leading centres in IBD care, St Mark’s Hospital, London, he now divides his time between private practice and a senior medical specialist appointment at St Vincent’s Hospital where he is a part of the gastroenterology and inflammatory bowel disease units.
Currently the holder of a prestigious international grant awarded by the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation (ECCO), John’s extensive work in the field of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) has led to his appointment onto the ECCO committee as the first non-European member, and is regularly invited to speak at international and national conferences. He is also the founding member of the Young Australian Crohn’s and Colitis Network. His PhD research investigating the personalization of medical therapy for patients with IBD using microbiome and metabolic profiling has led to numerous publications and been cited internationally.
John has an interest in luminal gastroenterology (IBD and irritable bowel syndrome) and engages and leads on research projects in these areas through International consortium (GETAID), St Vincent’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne. He additionally holds the position of head of the IBD Clinical trials Unit at St Vincent’s Hospital and lead for the National Bowel Cancer Program. His other interests include bowel cancer screening, coeliac disease, irritable bowel syndrome and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease among others.
John offers endoscopy services at St Vincent’s Private Hospital and Jolimont Endoscopy, where open access endoscopy is also available as well as weekly endoscopy lists at St Vincent’s Public Hospital and Werribee Mercy Hospital. John works from a patient-centered approach and enjoys working collaboratively with GPs and other health professionals to ensure cohesive treatment. He can also converse in Mandarin.
Dr Puneet Mahindra – Gastroenterologist / Hepatologist
Special Interests
Barret’s Oesophagus, Irritable Bowel syndrome (IBS), bowel cancer prevention and screening, Crohns and ulcerative colitis, liver disease including Viral Hepatitis, Video Capsule Endoscopy (PillCam)
Skills
• Endoscopy – Gastroscopies, Colonoscopies in routine and emergency setting. These include PEG insertions, oesophageal stenting, dilatations, complex polypectomies, OTSC and variceal banding.
• Management of all acute gastroenterological emergencies through ED and ward referrals
• Weekly Liver, IBD and General Gastroenterology clinics.
• Part of H& M team in St Vincent’s Hospital for management of acute bleeders
• ERCP,EUS and oesophageal manometry
Training
Dr Puneet Mahindra did his initial training at University Hospital Aintree (Liverpool, UK) and University Hospital Coventry (UK). He then finished his fellowship in Gastroenterology at BoxHill Hospital and the Royal Melbourne Hospital (FRACP).
He continues his medical research on oesophageal disorders (Barretts, Reflux) and interventional endoscopy at St Vincent’s Hospital and University of Melbourne.
Personal Profile
I am ambitious, diligent and reliable with good communication skills. I have always shared a good camaraderie with the other staff and the society I live. I am confident whilst making decisions. I am motivated, ever ready to learn anything new and adapt well to changes. I am always at the forefront to achieve my aims.
Dr Manjeet Sandhu – Gastroenterologist
Dr Manjeet Sandhu graduated from Melbourne University with honours in 2009 . She did her specialist training at St Vincent’s Hospital and Monash Health. Manjeet obtained her FRACP in 2016. She then undertook a PhD in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, evaluating new therapeutic targets.
Manjeet is patient focussed and committed to delivering high quality care. She currently has a public appointment at Monash Medical Centre and Casey Hospital.
Her interest includes inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer screening and prevention, irritable bowel syndrome, coeliac disease and liver diseases
Mr Gaurang Shah – COLORECTAL & GENERAL SURGEON, MBBS, MS (General Surgery), FRACS
Mr Gaurang Shah offers a variety of minimally invasive and minor day surgeries at Chelsea Heights Day Surgery Centre. He is certified by GESA to perform diagnostic and therapeutic gastroscopy and colonoscopy.
Gaurang graduated from the prestigious M.S.University of Vadodara, India in 2000 and the completed his General Surgical training in 2006. He was awarded Gold Medal for ranking first in General Surgery in the university.
Upon moving to Melbourne, Australia for further training he worked at the Austin Health, Heidelberg for three years and Ballarat Health for two years. He then completed his FRACS in General Surgery from Alfred Health, Melbourne.
After completion of FRACS, Gaurang worked at Townsville University Hospital in North Queensland for further training. He enjoys teaching medical interns and registrars via an honorary appointment at the University of Melbourne, Shepparton.
Gaurang speaks English, Gujarati and Hindi
Surgeries performed at Chelsea Heights Day Surgery include:
• Gastroscopy & colonoscopy procedures
• Anorectal conditions for hemorrhoids, fissure, fistula and prolapse
• Skin and subcutaneous lesions excision, Carpal Tunnel Release and Ingrowing toenails
• Vasectomy and Hydrocele surgery
Dr Michael Xu – Cosmetic Surgery Practitioner ( FACCSM (Surg) )
Dr Michael Xu is a dual trained, highly skilled Cosmetic Surgery Practitioner with extensive experience in cosmetic surgery and aesthetic medicine. He has obtained both the Certificate of Plastic Surgery training & specialist surgical practitioner in China and Surgical Fellowship of Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery and Medicine (FACCSM (Surg)) in Australia. He has performed thousands of cosmetic & skin surgery procedures over the past 30 years. His main interest is cosmetic surgery, Asian aesthetic surgery, minimally invasive cosmetic procedures and skin cancer surgery.
Dr Xu has been a specialist surgical practitioner in China since 1989. He has broad expertise in Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery, especially in the areas of Breast Implant Surgery, Eyelid Surgery, Nose implant surgery, Scar Revisions & Flap Surgeries.
Dr Xu is an ACCSM Board Certified Cosmetic Surgery Practitioner in Australia. Since coming to Australia in 2000, Dr Xu has further trained and worked with many cosmetic and plastic surgical practitioners both in public and private sectors, including one year of full time work on complex skin cancer surgery in the Skin & Melanoma Unit at Peter Mac Callum Cancer Institute in Melbourne, and two years of advanced training in all aspects of Cosmetic Surgery with the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery (ACCS) in Australia. Dr Xu has successfully completed both the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery Exam and ACCS Clinical Examination, and obtained his surgical fellowship of ACCS (FACCSM (Surg)). Dr Xu has been working in Skin Cancer & Cosmetic Surgery for more than 10 years in Australia.
Dr Xu’s training and experience has provided him with a unique set of skills and understanding to provide an outcome that is not only tailored to his client’s needs, but also one which complements their ethnicity and personal anatomical differences.
Dr Xu’s current cosmetic practice includes: Breast Augmentation & Lift, Lipo suction & Fat Transfer, Male & Female Breast Reduction, Face/Neck Lift, Brown Lift, Upper & Lower Eyelid procedures, Ear Surgery, Labiaplasty, Scar Revision Surgery. Dr Xu also perform minimally invasive facial contouring procedures such as Thread lift, filler and anti wrinkle injections etc.
Dr Xu actively participates in regular meetings and conferences to keep up to date with rapidly advancing cosmetic surgical techniques internationally.
Dr Xu holds the following relevant qualifications and memberships:
• Bachelor of Medicine, China 1982
• Certificate of Plastic Surgery training, China 1987
• Certificate of Specialist surgical practitioner, China 1989
• Surgical Fellow of The Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery and Medicine (FACCSM (Surg))
• International member: Korean College of Cosmetic Surgery
AHPRA Registration Type and Number
General & Specialist registered medical practitioner, specialist general practitioner No: MED0001210815
Dr Thomas Worland – Gastroenterologist/Hepatologist
Tom is a Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist who completed specialist training at Monash and Austin health before undertaking a further year of sub-specialty training in liver transplantation.
He has a special interest in liver related disease however is skilled in the management of all gastroenterology issues including coeliac disease, iron deficiency, reflux disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Tom is happy to be contacted directly for advice and sees all patients within 2 weeks for initial consultation or FibroScan.
Special interests
Chronic liver disease, Fatty liver disease, Viral hepatitis, Functional gut disorder/Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Coeliac, Reflux disease, Inflammatory bowel disease, and Endoscopic procedures
Qualifications: b.pharm (hons) , MBBS , FRACP
Gender: M
https://mulgraveprivate.com.au/specialists/dr-thomas-worland
Dr Shireen Tabatabai – MBBS(Hons),FRACP
Shireen Tabatabai graduated from Monash University with honors in 2000. Shireen completed her internship, physician training and Gastroenterology training at Monash Medical Centre. She was awarded the fellowship of the Royal Australian College of Physicians in 2008.
She is currently a consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist at Monash Medical Centre. Shireen is also involved in clinical trials in liver disease.
Shireen works in private practice at Clayton and Moorabbin and performs Endoscopy in Clayton and Bayside Endoscopy Moorabbin.
She has admitting rights at Jessie McPherson Clayton and Cabrini Malvern.
Shireen Tabatabai’s clinical experience includes patients with liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome and performing upper and lower GI endoscopy (gastroscopy and colonoscopy). She has a special interest in diseases of the liver.
https://www.monashgastro.com.au/dr-shireen-tabatabai
Dr Janita Shah
Dr Janita Shah obtained her Doctor of Clinical Dentistry in Paediatric Dentistry from the University of Melbourne. She has 10 years of combined experience in general and paediatric dentistry in public and private practice. She is known for her gentle, bubbly, and friendly nature which makes her great with children and parents.
As a specialist paediatric dentist, Janita is passionate about all aspects of paediatric dentistry with considerable experience in caring for children with special needs and anxious behaviours, comprehensive management of developmental conditions, dental trauma, and early childhood caries. Her research on enamel hypomineralisation “chalky teeth” in primary teeth has been published internationally.
In addition to private practice, Janita also works as a specialist paediatric dentist at the Royal Dental Hospital and has a teaching role at the University of Melbourne. She is a member of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons, Australian and New Zealand Society of Paediatric Dentistry, the Australasian Academy of Paediatric Dentistry, and the Australian Dental Association.
In her spare time, Janita enjoys spending time with her young daughter, travel and swimming.
Dr Sara Shayegan
Dr Sara Shayegan obtained her Doctorate of Clinical Dentistry in Paediatric Dentistry from the University of Melbourne. She has a calm, gentle and friendly nature that makes her great with children. Sara has a diverse 17 years professional experience in volunteer projects, rural and metropolitan private and government practices.
In addition to her private practice role, Sara is a consultant at The Royal Children’s Hospital in the department of dentistry and dermatology where she oversees dental care of children with Epidermolysis Bullosa. She enjoys all aspects of paediatric dentistry with a special interest in management of dental trauma and treating medically compromised children.
Outside of work Sara enjoys keeping physically active, dancing and playing the piano.
Dr James Lucas
Dr James Lucas is one of the leading paediatric dental specialists in Australia.
He has extensive experience in the world of paediatric dentistry and has been a consultant and Deputy Director of the Dental Department at the Royal Children’s Hospital of Melbourne. He is also a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne and has acted as an examiner for postgraduate training throughout Australia.
James has lectured extensively both in Australia and internationally and his areas of expertise are the management of dental trauma and the management of medically compromised children. He has published a number of research papers and book chapters and has also co-authored a children’s book about dentistry.
James was a visiting consultant to the National Hospital of Odontostomatolgy in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam for 10 years where he was involved in education and a project in the evaluation and treatment of children suffering with cleft lip and palate in Southern Vietnam.
James has been President of the Australasian Academy of Paediatric Dentistry and also the Australian and New Zealand Society of Paediatric Dentistry.
Dr Kim Son Vu – Cosmetic Surgery Practitioner
Cosmetic Surgery Practitioner
Dr Kim Son Vu completed his surgical training in Australia, he obtained two Postgraduate Diplomas in Surgical Surgery in Australia and passed the examination by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Dr Kim Son Vu has been an official member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons since 2007. He established the Cosmetic Surgery Clinic at Springvale Melbourne Australia in 2008. Dr Kim Son Vu is currently the Medical Director of Australia Cosmetic Surgery Hospital, and also a member of the European Association of Rhinoplasty Surgery. He is also a member of the Vietnamese, Koren, American, Australian and International Cosmetic Surgery Associations.
Dr Kim Son Vu is a former clinical lecturer a the Faculty of Medicine at Monash University Melbourne, Australia and he is also a Lecturer at the Department of Cosmetic Surgery at the University of Danang Vietnam. To improve his skills and ensure patient safety, he often attends international conferences and seminars as both an attendee and speaker in the US, Europe, Hong Kong, Korea and Vietnam.
Dr David Topchian – Cosmetic Surgery Practitioner
Dr David Topchian is a fully qualified cosmetic doctor. With his extensive training (including the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery and Medicine Fellowship) and experience across multiple fields of cosmetic surgery, Dr Topchian ensures every patient receives the very best of medical care.
– Dr David Topchian (MED0001114751)
– Registered medical practitioner, specialist general practitioner (specialist registration in general practice)
– Fellow of The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP)
– Fellow of the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery and Medicine (ACCSM)
– Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
Dr Hudaifa Obaidi – Cosmetic Surgery Practitioner
Dr Hudaifa Obaidi is a qualified medical practitioner. He has a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery. He completed his surgical training in 2008 at Western Health in Melbourne and spent more than 6 years residency in General Plastic and Ortorhinoyology. Dr Hudaifa Obaidi has trained with the leading surgeons in the field locally and internationally. His areas of surgical interest are facelifts, brow lifts, blepharoplasty, otoplasty, breast augmentation/reduction, mastopexy, body contouring, etc
Dr Antony (Tony) Prochazka – Cosmetic Surgery Practitioner
Job Title:
Doctor
Biography:
Board Certified in Cosmetic Surgery by the International Board of Cosmetic Surgery, Dr Antony (Tony)is a Medical Fellow of the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery (ACCS). In addition to a broad range of cosmetic surgical procedures such as 3D liposculpture, breast augmentation, facelift and eyelid surgery, Dr Prochazka is a pioneer in many of the newer and less invasive laser, cosmetic and skin treatments. Dr Tony is a current Board Member of the Asian Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, former Vice-President of the Cosmetic Physicians Society of Australasia (CPSA) and former Secretary, Councilor and Medical Dean of the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery (ACCS). He currently practices cosmetic medicine and surgery in Sydney, Melbourne and Shanghai.
Special Interests
- Surgical procedures
- Child & Adult Circumcision
Dr Kaushali Britto – M.B.B.S., FRACP
Dr. Kaushali Britto has recently joined Dr Brindi Rasaratnam and Dr Anny Rizvi
at the Melbourne Digestive Centre.
Dr. Britto completed her medical degree at Monash University and went on to pursue her internship and basic physician training at the Alfred Hospital in Victoria. She completed her advanced training across Victoria and Queensland including Peninsula Health, The Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Townsville University Hospital and the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Hospital.
Dr. Britto maintains a broad range of interests in all areas of gastroenterology including functional bowel disorders, hepatology, inflammatory bowel disorders and endoscopy. She offers comprehensive consultations, medical management, interunit referrals, and interventions as appropriate, ensuring a holistic approach to patient care.
Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Britto actively participates in research and stays up-to-date with the latest developments in gastroenterology through participation in local and international meetings and conferences. She has published articles in peer-reviewed journals and has presented findings at national and international conferences.
Kaushali is dedicated to providing high quality care with open communication, compassion and sensitivity to individual patient needs and is committed to improving the health outcomes of her patients.
Areas of expertise include:
• Chronic liver disease
• Abnormal liver function tests
• Hepatitis C and B management
• Fatty liver disease
• Irritable Bowel syndrome
• Iron deficiency anaemia
• Bowel cancer screening
• Coeliac disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease
