Yeppoon Doctors
Dr Nathan Black
General Practitioner
Dr Nathan Black completed his medical degree at James Cook University and also works in Anaesthetics at Rockhampton Base Hospital, bringing broad hospital experience to his work in general practice.
He enjoys all aspects of general practice and values building genuine, relationships with his patients and their families. Dr Black is known for his calm and thorough approach to care, taking the time to listen and work alongside patients to support their overall health and wellbeing.
Outside of medicine, he enjoys spending time outdoors, particularly beekeeping and fishing around the local region.
Dr Michael Ayokunle Owoseye
General Practitioner
Dr Julie Burke
General Practitioner
MBBS (Qld) FACCRM Life member RACGP
Dr Julie Burke’s office has been an essential pre-travel stop for Central Queensland travellers for several decades.
Dr Burke graduated from the University of Queensland in 1985, before working in metropolitan hospitals for 4 years. After working and travelling through the United Kingdom, Dr Burke joined the Yeppoon Family Practice as a GP in 1994.
It was Dr Burke’s interest in travel medicine that led to the Yeppoon Family Practice to become a founding member of the Travel Medical Alliance in 2005. Her expertise allows patients to access the best up-to-date advice and vaccines for their travels, including making the YFP the only Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre on the coast. Dr Burke says she particularly loves travel medicine as she gets to hear the adventures her patients go on.
Not only is Dr Burke an expert in travel medicine, she also specialises in women’s health and runs a Women’s Health Clinic. Her knowledge is wealth shared as she mentors other doctors at the practice, and ensures all doctors at the practice have access to the latest travel health information.
Dr Scott Cooling
General Practitioner, Practice Partner
MBBS FRACGP
Dr Scott Cooling has been a doctor for 3 decades, graduating from the University from Queensland in 1993.
Prior to becoming a GP, he spent 15 years as the Medical Superintendent of the Yeppoon Hospital and its replacement, the Capricorn Coast Hospital and Health Service.
In 2012 Dr Cooling obtained his Fellowship with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, and the following year became a Partner at the Yeppoon Family Practice.
He has a particular interest in sports medicine and skin cancer treatment.
Dr Michael Donohue
General Practitioner, Practice Partner
MBBS, Dip RACOG, FACRRM
Dr Michael Donohue is one of Yeppoon’s longest standing general practitioners, graduating from the University of Queensland in 1978, and joining the Yeppoon Family Practice as a Practice Partner in 1986. Dr Donohue has a particular focus on ageing patients, geriatrics, men’s health and vasectomies, as well as cardiac and chronic respiratory problems. He enjoys building long term relationships with his patients as they return to him over the years.
With over 4 decades worth of experience, Dr Donohue is not only a highly in-demand GP, but also a mentor to new doctors who pass through the doors at Yeppoon Family Practice.
He has a Post-Graduate Diploma from the Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and is a Fellow of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine. He has also spent time as a Lecturer for the University of Queensland Rural Clinic school and as a Queensland Government Medical Officer.
Dr Kaverjit Gujral
General Practitioner, Practice Partner
MBBS FRACGP
Dr Kaverjit Gujral is a leading practitioner, bringing an extra facet to his conventional general practice through integrative wellness medicine tools.
It was Dr Gujral’s own wellness journey that inspired him to combine integrative medicine with the best of conventional medicine. He specialises in autism spectrum disorders, mental health, pyrrole disorder (a genetic blood disorder), chronic fatigue syndrome, gut health, thyroid disorders, bio-identical hormones, integrative nutrient therapy, heavy metal toxicity, chronic pain management, and perineural injection treatment.
Along with being a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practice, he’s also a member of the Australian Integrative Medicine Association, the Australian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, the Australian College of Medical Nutrition, and the American Academy of Anti-Ageing. Dr Gujral is also a Bio Balance Practitioner, A MINDD forum practitioner, a FITGENES Practitioner and a Genostics Practitioner.
Dr Nicholas Wong
General Practitioner, Practice Partner
BSc, MBBS, AMC, MRCGP, FRACGP, FACRRM
Dr Nick Wong is a University of London graduate (Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School 1988). After studying and training as a General Practitioner in the UK, he travelled to Queensland, Australia and was employed with Queensland Health. He served 4 years as a solo Medical Superintendent at Yeppoon Hospital before becoming a Practice Partner at the Yeppoon Family Practice in 1996.
Dr Wong is a father of four very musical and medical children. He enjoys farming and music. He has a passion to bring on the next generation of medical practitioners and is dedicated to his work on the Capricorn coast.
Dr Wong works every second Friday at our practice at Emu Park.
Dr Julian Gregory
General Practitioner
Dr Julian Gregory is one of Yeppoon Family Practice’s most senior Partners, graduating in 1977 from the University of Queensland. He obtained his Fellowship from the Royal Australian College of General Practice in 1984.
A Capricorn Coast stalwart, Dr Gregory practised medicine for 14 years in Yeppoon before becoming a practice partner in 1996.
Dr Gregory’s particular areas of interest are in men’s health, travel medicine, skin cancer surgery, aged persons health care, sports medicine and acupuncture.
Dr Gregory says over his years of working in healthcare, he’s seen the capacity of medicine and its ability to improve lives increase dramatically.
As well as working as a General Practitioner, he enjoys teaching and mentoring GP registrars and medical students.
Dr Gregory works Monday Tuesday and Thursdays. Friday morning appointments are reserved for skin cancer management.
Dr Tharindie Padmaperuma
General Practitioner
MBBS
Dr Tharindie Padmaperuma grew up in Sri Lanka and completed her medical degree at Manipal University in India. Her love for tropical environments made the Capricorn Coast feel like home from the moment she arrived.
With an MBBS qualification and diverse international experience, Dr Padmaperuma has worked across multiple countries, gaining expertise in Internal Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Psychiatry. She moved to Australia in 2018, where she worked at Campbelltown Hospital in New South Wales for two and a half years before returning briefly to Sri Lanka. In September 2021, she relocated to Central Queensland, bringing her wealth of experience and dedication to the Yeppoon Family Practice.
Currently undertaking advanced training toward her Fellowship with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), Dr Padmaperuma has a keen interest in all aspects of general practice. Her compassionate, patient-centered approach encompasses a wide range of health concerns, ensuring patients feel supported and cared for at every stage of their journey.
Dr Padmaperuma speaks both English and Sinhalese and is deeply grateful for the support of the Yeppoon Family Practice team, where the senior doctors readily share their expertise to enhance her training.
Outside of medicine, Dr Padmaperuma enjoys embracing the vibrant tropical lifestyle of the Capricorn Coast, further connecting with the community she serves.
Dr Georges Oteng
General Practitioner
Dr Georges Oteng is a dedicated General Practice Registrar in the final stages of his fellowship training with the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM). With several years of experience serving the Yeppoon community, Dr Georges has developed strong connections with patients and a deep understanding of the region’s healthcare needs.
Dr Georges has a special interest in mental health and is passionate about providing compassionate and comprehensive care to support the well-being of his patients. His commitment to holistic care ensures that individuals and families feel heard, supported, and empowered in managing their health.
Outside of his medical practice, Dr Georges enjoys running, finding it a great way to stay active and unwind amidst the beauty of Central Queensland. His approachable nature and dedication to his community make him a valued member of the Yeppoon Family Practice team.
Dr Barbara Valenzuela
General Practitioner
Dr Barbara Valenzuela is a Spanish-trained doctor who has recently migrated to Australia. She is currently in the process of having her General Practitioner qualifications formally recognised in Australia. Dr Barbara has a deep passion for general practice and is dedicated to providing high-quality care to her patients.
Known for her gentle nature, caring approach, and relatable personality, Dr Barbara quickly puts patients at ease, making her a trusted and valued member of the team.
Outside of work, Dr Barbara loves exploring the beauty of Australia. Whether it’s water sports or simply enjoying the stunning outdoors, she appreciates everything this beautiful country has to offer.
We are delighted to have Dr Barbara as part of our team and look forward to seeing her contributions as she continues her journey in Australian general practice.
Dr David Thompson
General Practitioner
We’re excited to welcome Dr David Thomson to the practice. Dr David is a General Practice Registrar currently working towards his Fellowship with the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM). He is committed to providing high-quality care to our community, with a particular focus on chronic disease management and the broad scope of general practice.
Dr Tina Oteng
General Practitioner, Skin Cancer Medicine
Dr Tina works part-time at Figtree while continuing her role in dermatology and skin cancer medicine at Complete Skin Solutions.
She’s a well-respected local GP, known for her compassionate, whole-person approach to care. Dr Tina brings with her years of experience from Yeppoon Family Practice and Capricorn Coast Hospital — and we know she’ll be a wonderful addition to our Rockhampton community.
Dr Harsh Vaghasia
General Practitioner
MBBS
Dr Harsh Vaghasia commenced his medical studies and training in India before completing his Australian Medical Council certification at Rockhampton Hospital. He has particular interests in chronic disease management, skin cancer medicine and mental health, and is committed to delivering comprehensive, patient-centred care.
Dr Harsh values building strong therapeutic relationships with his patients and supporting them in achieving long-term health outcomes.
Outside of work, he enjoys playing cricket, camping and spending time outdoors. He also has a keen interest in exploring different cuisines and food culture.
Dr Niluka Rathnayake
General Practitioner
MBBS, AMC Cert
Dr Niluka completed her medical training in Sri Lanka and has been working in Australia since 2023. She has gained broad experience across general medicine, surgery and emergency medicine, with a strong background in adult medicine including cardiology, haematology, oncology, renal medicine and geriatrics. Prior to moving to Australia, she also worked in neurology in Sri Lanka for six years.
She holds an MBBS and has completed the Australian Medical Council requirements, including the AMC Clinical Examination.
Dr Niluka has a particular interest in adult medicine, chronic disease management, preventive health, women’s health and mental health.
She takes a compassionate, patient-centred approach to care and believes in taking the time to listen, explain health concerns clearly and involve patients in decisions about their treatment and ongoing care.
Outside of work, Dr Niluka enjoys travelling, camping and trekking. She is also a fan of thriller and science-fiction films and enjoys writing short novels.
Dr Gayadh Rathnayaka
General Practitioner
MBBS, AMC Cert
Dr Gayadh completed his medical training in Sri Lanka, where he worked as an anaesthetist for more than seven years before moving to Australia. Since relocating, he has spent the past three years working in emergency medicine, gaining broad experience in the care of both adult and paediatric patients.
He holds an MBBS and an Australian Medical Council Certificate.
Dr Gayadh has a particular interest in chronic disease management, preventive health, mental health, men’s sexual health, paediatric health and travel medicine.
He values building strong, trusting relationships with his patients and takes a friendly, practical and holistic approach to care. He aims to ensure patients feel comfortable, listened to and supported throughout their healthcare journey.
Outside of medicine, Dr Gayadh enjoys off-road driving, camping, exploring new places and trying new experiences.
Emu Park Doctors
Dr Angelina Rimehaug
General Practitioner
Dr Angelina Rimehaug is a Norwegian-trained General Practitioner with broad experience in family medicine, women’s health, emergency medicine, and point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS). She completed her medical degree at NTNU in Norway in 2011 and has worked as a GP specialist since 2020.
Angelina enjoys all aspects of general practice and is passionate about providing thorough, compassionate, and patient-centred care. She has particular interests in women’s health, skin procedures, musculoskeletal medicine, preventive health, and ultrasound-guided procedures and injections. She is passionate about using ultrasound in everyday general practice to support faster assessment, diagnosis, and patient care.
Before moving to Australia with her family, Angelina worked as a GP and clinic owner in Norway, where she was also involved in teaching and supervising junior doctors.
Outside of medicine, Angelina loves spending quality time with friends and family, singing, and being creative. She enjoys learning new things and loves everything from sourdough baking to painting and other creative projects. She is also enjoying the opportunity to experience coastal life in Central Queensland with her family.
Dr Jorien Meijer
General Practitioner
A graduate of medical school in the Netherlands, Dr Jorien is fondly called Dr Jo by her Australian patients. She has worked back and forth between Australia and the Netherlands since she graduated from the University of Groningen in 2014.
In Australia, Dr Jo spent time doing research at the Royal Children’s Hospital, worked in ICU in Sydney, and the Emergency Department in Brisbane. In early 2022 she moved to the Capricorn Coast where she joined the Family Practice in Emu Park.
Her passions are working with children and women, and has a particular interest in chronic disease management. She has completed a certificate in Child Health and is working towards her Fellowship in General Practice.
Dr Steven Bell
General Practitioner
Dr Steven Bell graduated from Trinity College, Dublin, and grew up in Belfast, Ireland. He brings a strong clinical background to Yeppoon Family Practice, with experience across both general practice and emergency medicine.
Alongside his work at the practice, Dr Bell also works in the Emergency Department at Yeppoon Hospital, which supports his thorough, calm and practical approach to patient care. His areas of clinical interest include skin cancer diagnosis and management, sports injuries, and men’s health.
Dr Bell enjoys working collaboratively with patients to provide clear, evidence-based care tailored to individual needs. Outside of medicine, he enjoys rugby, hiking, and travelling when time allows.
Dr Michael Donohue
General Practitioner, Practice Partner
MBBS, Dip RACOG, FACRRM
Dr Debra Ibbotson
General Practitioner
A lifelong science lover, Dr Debra Ibbotson knew she wanted to be a Doctor from a young age. In 1997, she graduated from the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, and worked in her own private practice for several years.
In 2008, Dr Ibbotson and her family made the move to Australia, where they settled in Emu Park, which she calls paradise.
In 2010, she obtained her Fellowship with the Royal Australian College of General Practice. Dr Ibbotson says being a GP gives her the greatest diversity in her day to day working life, and appreciates being able to build long lasting bonds with her patients.
Dr Rory Rearden
General Practitioner
BSc (Hon 1) MBBS ACCAM ACEM (Cert) JCCA
Dr Rory Rearden is passionate about patient-centred care and empowering his patients with the knowledge they need to make informed healthcare decisions. He enjoys getting to know his local patients and building a strong therapeutic relationship together.
As a procedural GP, Dr Rory brings advanced skills in obstetrics, gynaecology, and anaesthesia. He has worked across many rural and regional sites in Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia, most recently as a Senior Medical Officer in Far North Queensland. He is currently completing advanced training to obtain Fellowship with the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).
Dr Rory is a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME), helping pilots and air traffic controllers meet their regulatory medical requirements (and having a good yarn about aviation at the same time!).
Working part-time at the practice, Rory balances his medical work with his full-time career as a commercial pilot for a North Queensland airline. When not doctoring or aviating, Rory loves spending time outdoors along the Capricorn Coast with his family and two sprightly border collies.
Dr David Thompson
General Practitioner
Dr Sohaib Nasim
General Practitioner
We are delighted to welcome Dr Sohaib Nasim to our practice!
Dr Sohaib is currently undertaking advanced training to complete his Fellowship with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). With several years of experience working in Central Queensland, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role.
Dr Sohaib will be consulting at our Emu Park practice on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday for the next six months. His dedication to providing high-quality care and his passion for serving the community make him a valuable addition to our team.
We are excited to have Dr Sohaib on board and look forward to the positive impact he will make on the health and well-being of our patients and the broader community.
Figtree Family Practice Doctors
Dr Katie Ilott
General Practitioner
Dr Katie Ilott brings with her a wealth of experience, strong local roots, and a genuine commitment to patient care.
Born and raised in Rockhampton, Dr Ilott began her healthcare journey as a registered nurse in the Paediatrics Department at Rockhampton Base Hospital. She later completed her medical degree at Griffith University, graduating in 2011, and returned home in 2014 to begin her career as a local GP.
Dr Ilott gained her Fellowship with the RACGP in 2016 and has since become a respected Medical Educator for the JCU GP Training Program, helping to train and mentor GP registrars across Central Queensland.
Her clinical interests include child health and immunisation, men’s and women’s health, and preventative care — and she also has a strong passion for palliative care, serving as part of the hospice medical team at Fitzroy Community Hospice.
Dr Kerry Pearson
General Practitioner
FRNZCGP and MRCGP
Dr Pearson is originally from Scotland, where she completed her medical degree before undertaking general practice training in Yorkshire, England. In 2017, she moved to New Zealand and worked as a General Practitioner before joining Figtree Family Practice.
She holds Membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners (MRCGP) and Fellowship of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (FRNZCGP).
Dr Pearson enjoys all areas of general practice, with particular interests in women’s and children’s health. She values building connections with patients and working alongside individuals and families to support their health over time.
Outside of work, Dr Pearson enjoys spending time with her husband, their children and dog. She also enjoys running and baking, particularly cake decorating.
Dr Lisa Diamond
General Practitioner
Dr Lisa Diamond is a locally trained General Practitioner with strong ties to the Rockhampton community, having grown up in the area and begun her career at Rockhampton Hospital.
Originally working as a radiographer, Dr Diamond brings a well-rounded clinical background to her practice. She holds a Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP) and a Diploma of Child Health (DCH).
Dr Diamond enjoys all areas of general practice, with particular interests in women’s and children’s health, chronic disease management, aged care, and palliative care. She is passionate about providing continuity of care across all stages of life.
She also cares for a number of local nursing home residents and is involved in palliative care through her work with Fitzroy Hospice.
Dr Vicki Richmond
General Practitioner
Dr Vicki Richmond is an experienced GP with a wealth of clinical experience across Australia and NZ. Part of the Rockhampton community for over 10 years, Dr Richmond blends her role as a GP with several other clinical and health leadership commitments.
Dr Richmond is passionate about providing patient-centred primary care and supporting patients and families across all stages of life. Her clinical interests include chronic disease management, palliative care, and women’s and children’s health. Known for her thoughtful and compassionate approach, Dr Richmond is committed to delivering care that is both thorough and practical.
Dr Nadim Cody
General Practitioner
MBBS, FRACGP, ClinDipPallMed
A proud Rocky local, Dr Cody went to school at Gracemere State School and Rockhampton State High, before completing his Biomedical Science degree at CQU and graduating in Medicine from UQ in 2008.
Dr Cody brings not only deep local roots but also a wealth of experience, including humanitarian work overseas with Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) in Papua New Guinea and South Sudan. His down-to-earth approach and dedication to patient care make him a truly valued addition to our team.
His special interests include skin cancer care, health assessments, and preventative care — with a strong focus on early detection and long-term wellbeing.
Dr Heena Desai
General Practitioner
Dr Desai is an experienced General Practitioner who has been caring for patients in the Rockhampton region for a number of years. She has a special interest in women’s health and children’s health and enjoys supporting patients through all stages of life.
Known for her approachable and caring nature, Dr Desai is passionate about providing high-quality, personalised healthcare and helping patients achieve their best possible health outcomes.
Complete Skin Solutions Doctors
Dr Rupert Savariar
General Dermatology, Skin Cancer Medicine, CO2 Fractional Laser Treatments
Dr Rupert Savariar graduated from the University of Queensland in 2010 and obtained his Fellowship (FRACGP) with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners in 2015. He joined Complete Skin Solutions & Specialist Centre in 2014 . Dr Savariar has completed Professional Diploma in Skin Cancer Surgery and Primary Certificate In General Dermatology.
Dr Savariar is a licensed provider of Cosmetic and General Medical Fractional Laser procedures with Radiation Queensland. Dr Savariar is a member of Skin Cancer College Australasia (SCCA) and Australasian College of Aesthetic Medicine( ACAM). Special interests: General Dermatology, Skin Checks, Skin Cancer Surgery ( including advance flaps and graft repairs), Fractional Laser Skin Treatments.
Dr Eirik Ytterland
General Practitioner
A cut finger being stitched up in a doctor’s office was what put the then 20-year-old Dr Eirik Ytterland on the path to the medical field, spanning from Norway to Poland to Australia.
Dr Eirik obtained his medical degree in Poland, before returning to his home country of Norway, where he trained to be a General Practitioner. He has spent his career working in rural and remote areas, including completing his internship in rural Norway and spending a year working in the oncology/palliative care ward at a regional hospital.
Dr Eirik was a partner in two practices and completed specialist training in 2018. In 2021, he and his young family made the move across the world to Emu Park, Australia.
He has gained his Fellowship through the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, and has a particular interest in chronic disease management, men’s health and minor skin surgery.
Dr Eirik in 2024 is practicing at both Emu Park and Complete Skin Solution. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at Complete Skin and Tuesday Friday at our practice in Emu Park.
Dr Matt Franke
General Practitioner
Matt is a local, born in Rockhampton and attending school there. He went on to graduate with a medical degree from James Cook University, Townsville, in 2016, followed by 2 years of internship and residency at Townsville Hospital. In 2019, he returned to Rockhampton and Yeppoon, and completed further training under the RACGP with fellowship in 2021. He now works between both general practice and his special interest, skin cancer management.
Matt is available for appointments Tuesday and Thursday at Yeppoon Family Practice, and at Complete Skin Solutions Wednesdays and Fridays.
Dr Georges Oteng
General Practitioner