Doctors

Meet the friendly doctors and  and allied health professionals who work at our medical centre.

Each GP and Allied Health Practitioner is an independent practitioner and business entity utilising the rooms of this facility. Please be aware that each GP have their own methods for arranging appointments and the billing profile they use.

GENERAL PRACTITIONERS

DR DON ZHANG
DR DON ZHANGMBBS, FRACGP
Apart from family medicine, Don has special interests in dermatology, particularly skin checks and lesion removals, weight management, preventive medicine, mental health, children’s health, and all aspects of musculoskeletal complaints.

ABN 38 248 354 015

After graduating from Monash university in 2009, Dr Don received extensive hospital training in all fields of medicine especially in Emergency medicine and General surgery. He finished his training in general practise in 2021 with high distinction.

Other than Verve, Dr Don works as a GP specialist in Emergency department at Maroondah hospital; he also has special interest in Bariatric medicine and practises as a Bariatric medical practitioner and involves extensively in weight loss surgery.

Dr Don lives locally with his young family and loves exploring around regional Victoria in his caravan especially the various wineries regions.

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DR SHAREE WALFORD
DR SHAREE WALFORDMBBS BBiomedSc BSc, FRACGP
Sharee joined Verve Family Doctors in 2021 as a GP registrar and is now returning as one of our permanent doctors. She enjoys all areas of women’s health and preventative health.

ABN 69 359 933 242

Sharee graduated from Monash University in 2016, after having completed degrees in Science and Biomedical Science in 2011. She spent 3 years working at Eastern health gaining experience in general medicine, obstetrics & gynecology and pediatrics. When Sharee is not working and studying she enjoys travelling and spending time with family and friends.

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DR NIVAE ANANDAGANESHAN
DR NIVAE ANANDAGANESHANBSc, MD
Nivae is interested in the variety of General Practice but has a specific interest in geriatrics, palliative care and addiction medicine. Nivae is also conversant in Tamil and has a growing passion for refugee health and well-being.

ABN 99 615 582 784

Dr Nivae Anandaganeshan graduated from The University of Melbourne with a Doctor of Medicine (MD). He has worked rurally in Northeast Health Wangaratta before returning to work at Monash Health gaining experience in women’s health, geriatrics, and general medicine amongst other specialties.

Nivae enjoys spending time with his young family, watching and playing sport and riding his road-bike up and down the Eastlink Trail.

Nivae joined Verve Family Doctors in 2021 as a GP registrar and is returning to us in 2023.

Areas of Interest:

  • General Family Health
  • Chronic Disease Management
  • Geriatrics and Palliative Care
  • Addiction Medicine
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DR MONICA FOONG
DR MONICA FOONG MBBS (Hons) FRACGP
Monica has special interests in Women’s health including contraception options, Skin checks, Travel consultations, Weight management and Iron infusions.

ABN 24 229 814 747

Monica graduated from Monash University in 2014. She then went on to gain valuable hospital experience through Monash Health and Austin Hospital. Monica has been working in General Practice since 2018. She is passionate about providing quality healthcare so that patients feel educated and empowered. Monica is excited to join the team at Verve Family Doctors, having grown up locally in Doncaster East. Alongside her General Practice work, Monica has regular surgical assisting lists and currently mentors medical students through Monash University. Monica is happy married to her husband Andrew. She enjoys exploring the great outdoors, curating her indoor plant collection and playing board games with friends.

Monica has completed additional training to be able to provide patients of Verve Family Doctors consultations for:

  • Women’s Health and Contraception Options, including Implanon and IUD Insertions/Removals
  • Skin Checks
  • Weight Management (SCOPE certified provider)
  • Travel Consultations
  • Iron Infusions
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DR ROSIE GENTLE
DR ROSIE GENTLEMBBS FRACGP CWH SCHP
Dr Rosie Gentle is a GP with special interests in women’s health and paediatric medicine. She is accredited to do shared care through Eastern Health, Monash Health, Mercy Hospital, and the Royal Women’s Hospital.

ABN 49 892 653 989

Dr Gentle undertook her certificate in Women’s Health whilst completing her obstetric term at Eastern Health where she did her training before coming to general practice. She also has a huge passion around planning for pregnancy, and helping couples who have difficulty in conceiving. Dr Gentle is experienced in Implanon (contraceptive rod) insertion and removal as well as the removal of intrauterine devices. Dr Gentle has also successfully completed her Sydney Child Health Program course (formally diploma of child health) to help her further subspecialise and look after her younger patients. Dr Gentle loves talking about all things to do with contraception, pre pregnancy and pregnancy but also loves general medicine and seeing patients of all ages. In her spare time, Dr Gentle loves spending time with her young family and pets and does enjoy assisting in caesarean sections at some private hospitals as well.

Areas of Interest: • Family medicine • Women and Children’s health • Weight management • Pregnancy care • Antenatal shared care • Postnatal care • Newborn health • Children’s health • Family planning • Contraception • Infertility • Menopause • Women’s health • Iron infusions • Pregnancy iron infusions

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DR TRISTAN HTUT
DR TRISTAN HTUTMBBS, FRACGP
Tristan has a great interest in skin cancer and skin related issues. He enjoys doing minor procedures and all different aspects of general practice including paediatrics, mental health, chronic diseases and geriatrics.

ABN 73 609 252 502

Dr Tristan has been working as a general practitioner since 2015. He started working around the Mornington Peninsula, but has recently moved closer. He prides himself on quality care, believing the patient should be at the centre of all decision making and loves establishing long term relationships with his patients. When asked why he loves general practice, he says ‘it’s a real honour to walk along side a patient, no matter where their health journey takes them.’

When he’s not at work, Dr Tristan loves bike riding, meditation, catching up with friends and trying new local restaurants.

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DR CLAIRE STEWART
DR CLAIRE STEWARTMBBS
Dr Claire Stewart is a GP registrar. Claire enjoys all aspects of general practice. Her interests include women’s health, children’s health, preventive medicine and chronic disease management.

ABN 31 620 846 647

Claire completed her medical degree at Australian National University and was an intern in Canberra before returning home to Melbourne and gaining further hospital experience across a range of specialties with Monash Health. Outside of work, Claire loves spending time with her family which includes her two young kids. She enjoys bushwalks, beach trips, camping and reading fiction.

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DR ANDREW MCDONALD
DR ANDREW MCDONALDMBBS, FRACGP, DObst RACOG
Andrew is co- owner of Verve Family Doctors. Andrew has interests in travel medicine, chronic medical conditions and rehabilitation.

ABN 27 788 580 064

Andrew graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1985 and worked at a number of hospitals. He commenced working in General Practice in 1990 and joined this practice in 1996. He also works at Donvale Rehabilitation Hospital where he cares for in patients who are admitted for treatment. He continues to be involved in Medical Education with Registrars and Medical Sturdents hosted at our practice.
Andrew loves seeing families across two or three generations and believes in the importance of people having a strong relationship with their doctor. In his spare time he enjoys walking, travel and spending time with this wife and three children.

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DR SHIKHA CHHABRA
DR SHIKHA CHHABRA MBBS(Hons), FRACGP
Shikha is co-owner of Verve Family Doctors and loves providing general medical care to families. Shikha is also board certified in Lifestyle Medicine and is currently working towards fellowship with Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

ABN 41 529 808 951

Shikha believes in harnessing the power of good nutrition, exercise, sleep and psychology to address health issues as the first line of treatment. Shikha is also SCOPE certified in obesity management and is passionate about helping people achieve good health and fighting weight stigma. She loves coaching her patients in using lifestyle medicine to address their health needs. Shikha also has a special interest in children’s health, mental health and women’s health.

Shikha grew up in Perth, graduating from UWA in 2013, prior to moving to Melbourne to complete GP speciality training. She is happily married to her childhood sweetheart and goes by “Mummy!” when at home. She enjoys relishing this season of her life and spending time with her energetic 1 year old daughter.
Shikha also likes to practice what she preaches by challenging herself with how many veggies she can pack into plant based meals and ways to bring enjoyable physical activity into her days.

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DR JANETTE ELDERTON
DR JANETTE ELDERTON MBBS(Hons)
Janette has a special interest in both women’s health and psychological issues.

ABN 39 947 038 565

Janette graduated from Monash University in 1980 and after residencies at Geelong and Royal Children’s Hospitals has been working in the same 2 General Practices for the last 31 years and love the continuity of care this allows, including the merger of Wickham with North Mitcham Clinic in 2013.
Janette enjoys yoga and bike riding for relaxation; as well as catching up with family and friends. Janette and her husband Geoff are enjoying this phase of their lives as ’empty nesters’!

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DR ISHANI SARASWAT
DR ISHANI SARASWATBMBS, FRACGP, BAS(Physio)(Hons) DRANZCOG
Ishani has a special interest in Obstetrics and Women’s Health. Having been a physiotherapist prior to becoming a doctor, Ishani also has a keen interest in musculoskeletal medicine and preventative medicine.

ABN 25 618 041 995

Ishani undertook her Graduate Medicine degree at Deakin University and completed this in 2011. Prior to specialising in General Practice, she worked in a variety of major metropolitan hospitals including Austin Health and The Mercy Hospital for Women. She spent time in acute care in busy Emergency departments, as well as in the fields of geriatric and paediatric medicine.
Ishani received a Diploma of Obstetrics and Gynaecology from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in recognition of her knowledge and skills in this field.
Having established herself as a permanent GP at North Mitcham Clinic, Ishani enjoys the continuity of care this will provide for her current and new patients.
In her spare time, Ishani maintains an active lifestyle in order to balance her love of good food and travel.

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DR STEPHEN WEBSTER
DR STEPHEN WEBSTERMBBS FRACGP
Stephen has interests in Family medicine, general practice and preventative health.

ABN 35 297 456 536

Stephen graduated from Monash University in 2010. He has worked at Mt Eliza Clinic, Rye Family Clinic and North Mitcham Clinic. He returned here to complete his last placement as a registrar and is continuing on at North Mitcham Clinic permanently.
Stephen is also working at Bupa Aged care and Forest Hill Village.
Stephen enjoys Travel, snowboarding and spending time with his family.

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DR REYHAN PANAH
DR REYHAN PANAH MBBS FRAGCP
Reyhan has interests in General Family medicine, Paediatric and Adolescent health, Women’s health, Family planning and Travel medicine.

ABN 88 138 689 101

Reyhan graduated in Iran in 2006 and completed her specialty training in Australia and was granted fellowship with the Royal College of General Practice in 2014-2015. Reyhan worked in multiple metropolitan hospitals including Melbourne health (adolescent and youth mental health), Austin hospital (psychiatry, aged care and brain disorder unit), Box Hill Hospital (including emergency, orthopaedics, obstetrics and gynaecology), Maroondah Hospital (oncology) and the Angliss hospital (cardiology, paediatrics, and emergency) before choosing to pursue general practice as her career. Reyhan worked in a few clinics in the south east area before joining North Mitcham Clinic in December 2016.
Reyhan has interests in General Family medicine, Paediatric and Adolescent health, Women’s health, Family planning and Travel medicine
Reyhan is married with a young family, and loves travelling and spending time with family and friends.

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DR ARCHIE VIGNESWARAN
DR ARCHIE VIGNESWARANMBBS FRACGP
Archie has special interests in skin cancer, chronic disease management, paediatrics and men’s health. He also enjoys performing skin checks and minor skin lesion removals.

ABN 15 148 091 663

Archie graduated from The University of Adelaide in 2008. He did his internship at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and subsequently his residency at Austin/Northern Hospitals with rotations in rehabilitation, emergency and paediatrics. He completed his GP training in Melbourne after which he moved to Warrnambool and spent five and half years gaining valuable experience in rural medicine.

Archie has completed his Advanced Certificate of Skin Cancer Medicine and is currently completing his Professional Diploma of Skin Cancer Medicine.

Archie is married and has two boys. He enjoys traveling with his family. He is passionate about motor vehicles and cooking!

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DR SAJANIE DE SILVA
DR SAJANIE DE SILVABBiomedSC, MBBS, FRACGP, Diploma of Child Health, Certificate of Women's Health
Sajanie has a special interest in women’s health and paediatrics, having completed both a Diploma in Child Health and a Certificate of Women’s health.

ABN 98 440 350 933

Sajanie graduated from the University of Notre Dame, Western Australia in 2012 after having completed a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at Monash University in 2007. Sajanie worked in various hospitals in Western Australia, including Fremantle Hospital and King Edward Memorial Hospital. Her time in hospital included a mixture of general medicine, emergency, obstetrics & gynaecology and neonatal rotations. Sajanie came to our clinic during her time as a registrar and enjoyed it so much that she decided to return on a permanent basis. When Sajanie is not working she enjoys travelling, yoga, walking her dogs and reading.

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DR DIYA SOMAN
DR DIYA SOMANBMBS FRACGP
Diya has special interests in Women’s health, Mental health, Preventative health, and Family medicine. She also enjoys performing minor skin procedures.

ABN 45 708 094 159

Diya graduated from Deakin University in 2017. She has worked in a wide range of specialties through the Geelong Hospital including Paediatrics, Mental health, and Obstetrics and Gynaecology. She also completed an additional term of Emergency medicine at the Warrnambool hospital. After her various hospital terms, Diya chose to pursue a career in General Practice, and prior to commencing at Verve has rotated through several clinics through Melbourne’s North and Southeast.

Diya is keen to provide holistic care to the community, and she is conversant in Hindi and Malayalam. Diya is happily married and in her spare time, she enjoys swimming and walking her two dogs.

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OTHER PRACTITIONERS

OSAMA ELSEWAISY
OSAMA ELSEWAISYHip & Knee Orthopaedic Surgeon
Mr. Osama Elsewaisy is an Australian and internationally trained specialist Orthopaedic
Surgeon who treats conditions affecting the hip and knee, and general orthopaedic trauma.

After graduating from Monash university in 2009,  Osama is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Australian
Orthopaedic Association, and a member of the Canadian Arthroplasty Society.

He regularly performs:
• Hip replacement (posterior and anterior approaches)
• Knee replacement (partial, total and robotic)
• Arthroscopic knee surgery, including ACL reconstruction

He consults fortnightly on Tuesdays at Verve Family Doctors.

He operates regularly at:
• Mitcham Private Hospital
• Epworth Eastern (Box Hill)
• Vermont Private
• St. Vincent’s Private (East Melbourne)

For appointments and enquiries, call 9928 6786, or visit www.oeortho.com

ALLIED HEALTH:

Michael Sezanias
Podiatrist
Suki Fok
Physiotherapist
Jamin Smalley
Physiotherapist
Bridget Wilkes
Diabetes Educator

MANAGEMENT & RECEPTION:

Karen Croxford
Practice Manager
Bernadette De Forest
Reception Manager
Janine Wood
Reception
Annette Binns
Reception
Laura Inglis
Reception
Abbie Steel
Reception
Charlotte McGregor
Reception
Netaanya Juju
Reception

NURSING STAFF:

Edwina Privitera
Nurse
Sarah McGregor
Nurse
Julie Inglis
Nurse
Ebony Furmston
Nurse

Make An Appointment

Book an appointment online any time or arrange an appointment by calling our friendly reception staff during operating hours.