Dr Buddhika Tilakaratne is a compassionate and experienced medical practitioner with over 10 years of clinical experience across Australia and Sri Lanka. She provides patient-centred, holistic care and enjoys supporting patients through all stages of life, with a strong focus on clear communication, and continuity of care. Her professional goal is to continue developing as a General Practitioner while delivering high-quality, community-focused care.
Dr Ari Soerono is an Australian-trained GP Registrar who studied at James Cook University and has experiences across Paediatrics, Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Mental Health, Anaesthetics, Emergency, General Surgery and General Medicine – giving her a uniquely broad clinical perspective!
She’s proudly putting down roots in Hervey Bay and is committed to serving the community that she calls home.
Dr Ari strives to ensure patients feel listened to and empowered in their health decisions. Her patients appreciate her clear communication, attention to detail, clinical prowess, and her belief that prevention is key. Dr Ari believes in warm, down-to-earth care – with plenty of health education. She prioritises creating a space where people feel comfortable and encouraged to address their health concerns in a supportive environment.
She is welcoming new patients and looks forward to caring for individuals and families across the community.
Dr Annie Essiet
Dr Annie Essiet is a compassionate medical practitioner with experience across hospital and community health settings in Nigeria and Australia. A graduate of Grodno State Medical University, Belarus, she holds a Graduate Diploma of Public Health from Griffith University and is passionate about integrating preventive health, patient education, and evidence-based medicine into her daily practice.
Dr Annie Essiet has a special interest in chronic disease management, women’s health, and preventive medicine. She values a holistic and patient-centred approach, focusing on building trust and empowering patients to take an active role in their wellbeing to help them achieve their best health.
Outside of medicine, Dr Annie enjoys reading, mentoring, and community engagement. She is known for her kind and approachable manner, and for creating a safe, supportive environment where patients feel heard and cared for.
Dr. Pooria is a skilled physician whose name reflects a Persian hero. With a medical degree from Iran’s top institutions, Dr. Pooria brings more than five years of experience managing diverse conditions in rural and urban settings. His expertise spans chronic disease management, addiction medicine, geriatric care, paediatric and adolescent health, sexual health, women’s health, sports medicine, and surgery.
Passionate about serving the Hervey Bay community, Dr. Pooria is dedicated to ensuring every patient receives the highest standard of medical care. Outside the clinic, he enjoys travelling, camping, and cinematic adventures. His approach prioritises your unique story, delivering compassionate, tailored healthcare and well-being.
Dr. Ahmed received his fellowship of the Royal ACGP in 2012. Dr Ahmed graduated from University of Punjab in 1988. He worked as a General Practitioner in Pakistan up to 1991. Then worked as a General Practitioner in Zambia up to 1993. Worked in South Africa as a General Practitioner in different fields up to 2002. Working in Queensland Australia since 2002 as a General Practitioner. Dr Ahmed is interested in all aspects of medicine with special interest in diabetes, hypertension, maternity and Arthritis.
“General Practice and Addiction Medicine has always been my passion because it gives me the opportunity to be a part of your health journey. I believe prevention is better than a cure and am passionate about early detection and treatment. I am a firm believer that every contact with my patients counts. Come join our surgery and help us help you.”
Dr. Shan is a fellow of Australian College of General Practice and Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine. He also has a fellowship with The Australasian Chapter of Addiction Medicine and is recognized as a specialist in the field of Addiction Medicine. Furthermore, he is a RACGP accredited medical acupuncturist and honorary senior lecturer at the University of Queensland.
Dr. Shan is passionate about treating everyone from babies to seniors. His special interests are Mental Health, Skin and Addiction Medicine. In addition, he is a medical acupuncturist with alternative views and treatment strategies for pain and medical illness management. Dr. Shan also enjoys treating chronic illness, children’s health, women’s health and skin conditions.
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy is here every Saturday from 9am to 1pm referral required
Dr Afia Iqbal is an experienced Gastroenterologist who completed her Advanced
Gastroenterology training at Northern Health in Melbourne. During this time, she was
exposed to a wide spectrum of gastroenterological conditions and endoscopic procedures.
Dr Afia Iqbal has a broad range of interests in all areas of gastroenterology, including
Hepatology, Coeliac disease, Irritable Bowel Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s disease and
Endoscopy (gastroscopy and colonoscopy).
She strongly believes that a patient – centred and collaborative care approach is important,
as well as strong communication.
Dr Afia Iqbal currently holds a public appointment as Consultant Gastroenterologist at Wide
Bay Health and she works privately in Urangan Medical Centre , Hervey Bay Surgical Hospital
(HBSH) and St. Stepehen Hospital, also serving as senior lecturer Gastroenterology in
university of Queensland. Afia is GESA re-certified in colonoscopy.
Afia is a member of the Gastroenterological Society of Australia and she regularly attends
local and international conferences and keeps herself updated with latest advances and
research in gastroenterology.
In her spare time, Afia enjoys Cooking, Camping and Exploring nature .
Dr Afia Iqbal can be contacted by referring clinicians to discuss referrals or clinical concerns .
Dr Ronak is a dedicated and experienced medical professional with a strong background in women’s health and gynecology. Having previously practiced in Iran, she has managed a wide range of medical conditions across various healthcare settings. Her expertise includes menstrual disorders, contraception counseling, and prenatal care, as well as the diagnosis and management of conditions such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (POS), menopause, and gynecological infections. Dr Ronak is committed to a patient-centered approach, emphasizing preventive medicine and health education. She believes in empowering individuals with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their well-being.
“Graduated from Bangladesh in 2010. I worked a few years there as GP and as a hospital medical officer. 2018 I started working in Australia as an Emergency registrar, I have received a lot of experience of the Australian medical system. As an emergency doctor, I seen all kinds of patients including paediatric and Gynaecological cases.
My career objective is to implement my clinical skills in the challenging field and medicine to cure sick community and regain the state of health and well-being. Honesty, sincerity, dedication and hard work is my top agenda. My goal is to ensure the best care to all of my patients by using my experiences.”
Dr. Mahendra (Mahi) has been practicing Medicine for a while in India, New Zealand and London and practiced in Hervey Bay Emergency for the last 2 years. Currently working towards his Fellowship. He has special interest in Mental health (Accredited GPMHTP), Chronic Disease Management, Women and Child health and Emergency.
Areas of interest:
Dr. Dave graduated from medical school in Iran and has since focused on general practice, gaining extensive experience in primary care.
He is particularly passionate about managing chronic conditions, providing personalised care that enhances patients’ quality of life through symptom management and preventive measures. As a general practitioner, he has special interests in general medicine, chronic disease management, mental health, child & adolescent health, geriatric health, women’s health, sexual health, and endocrinology.
Dr. Dave enjoys working with a broad range of people and is passionate about holistic health and well-being. He is dedicated to helping patients on their health journey, providing comprehensive care and support.