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South West Medical Centre is a part of South West Healthcare

Staff Profiles

Our clinic is made up of three different teams:  GPs, nurses, and administrative support. Day to day management of the clinic is undertaken by the Practice Manager and the Clinical Lead.

  • Dr Buddini Ekanayake - General Practitioner, Female, MBBS, FRACGP

    Dr Buddini completed her MBBS at the University of Melbourne and worked in variety of settings as a junior doctor before choosing a career in General Practice. She completed her GP training in regional Victoria then followed a special interest in community and migrant health in Melbourne, before making the sea-change to beautiful Warrnambool in 2022. Buddini enjoys working with people with diverse needs, and has had further training in child health, reproductive health and family planning, geriatrics and dermatoscopy.

  • Dr Karoline Gunn - General Practitioner, Female, MBBS, FRACGP

    Karoline Gunn was born in Warrnambool and completed her schooling at Warrnambool High School. She studied medicine at Melbourne University, graduating in 1991. She has worked in general practice in Warrnambool since 1997, with various stints in other services including the emergency department, Aboriginal health, and medical teaching. Karoline spent a year in Arnhem Land in 2012 working with remote Aboriginal communities and considers this a career highlight. Her interest includes swimming, gardening, bushwalking and good food.

  • Dr Clare Hand - General Practitioner, Female, MBBS, FRACGP, DRANZCOG

    Dr Clare completed her degree at the University of Melbourne, resident years at Barwon Health, then GP training in Warrnambool. She has worked in a variety of areas including indigenous health in the Top End & Central Australia, and with youth at Headspace and Doctors in Schools. She has a special interest in women’s health, family planning and pregnancy care. Outside of work Clare enjoys swimming, music and reading.

  • Dr Sylvie Gjerde - General Practitioner, MBBS, FRACGP

    Dr Sylvie completed her medical degree at the University of Notre Dame, Sydney before working as a junior doctor at St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne. Sylvie has a special interest in women’s and children’s health.

  • Dr Joanne Ryan - General Practitioner

    Joanne grew up in Warrnambool. She completed a Bachelor of Science at Melbourne University and then studied medicine at Flinders University in Adelaide, graduating in 2006. She has enjoyed working in General Practise since 2010 and has been lucky enough to work and live in rural NSW, Queensland and also Gippsland in the past few years. Joanne and her family returned to live in Warrnambool in 2024. Joanne enjoys the diversity of general practise and is particularly interested in preventative health. She is enjoying living back near the beach and playing music with the local orchestra.

  • Dr Sheema Itrat - General Practitioner

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    Sheema has worked as a General Practitioner in the UK, Singapore and Australia.  With a passion in teaching and training, Sheema’s wealth of experience and commitment to high quality care for her patients makes her a fantastic fit at South West Medical Centre.  Sheema is keen on travel and spends her weekends exploring all the hidden gems around the region.

    Qualifications:

    • MBBS
    • MRCGP (UK)
    • FRACGP

    Areas of Interest:

    • Chronic Illness
    • Paediatrics
    • Women’s Health
    • Mirena IUD insertion & removal
    • Implanon insertion & removal
    • Hormone Replacement Therapy
    • Men’s Health
    • Skin cancer treatment

  • Dr Yang Chen - GP Registrar MBBS

    Yang completed her medical degree at Hebei Medical University. She then moved to Australia and obtained the Master degree of Clinical Embryology at Monash University. Yang worked in regional areas including Bendigo, Echuca and Swan Hill before relocating to Warrnambool in 2023 for her rural GP training.
    Yang has always had a passion for general practice for its holistic care and the diverse care it offers to all age groups. Yang has strong interests in women’s health, children’s health, chronic disease management such as diabetes and chronic hepatitis B infection. Yang also feels passionate about looking after the LGBTQIA+ community.
    Outside of work, Yang loves spending time with her young family and friends. She enjoys reading and walking along the beach.

  • Dr Ziad Sameer - GP Registrar

    Dr Zaid Sameer is a locally trained doctor. He completed his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from Deakin University in 2022. After working for two years in Warrnambool Base Hospital, Zaid commenced his GP specialisation in 2025. Before moving to Warrnambool, Zaid lived in Geelong, Toronto, United Arab Emirates and Baghdad. When not in the clinic, Zaid enjoys spending time in the gym and playing music.

  • Katrina Hoye - Practice Nurse

    Katrina is the heart and soul of South West Medical Centre, having worked within the clinic since it’s unveiling in 2012. Katrina brings a wealth of experience as a practice nurse, continually updating her skills to meet patient needs and evidence based practice. Katrina is a passionate Collingwood supporter.

    Qualifications:

    • Bachelor of Nursing (RN)
    • Accredited Nurse Immuniser
    • Cert Infection Control
    • Cervical Screening and Introduction to Sexual Health (Nursing)

  • Tracey Brady - Practice Nurse

    Tracey brings the smiles to the practice! As an enrolled nurse Tracey provides pivotal support to our patients and the clinical team, on a day-to-day basis. Tracey relishes her time in her beautiful cottage garden!

    Qualifications:

    • Diploma of Nursing – Medication Endorsed
    • Certificate of Rehabilitation Nursing

  • Nicole McCarthy - Sexual Reproductive Health Nurse

    Nikki is passionate about providing safe, timely and effective sexual and reproductive health care for our local community. Nikki enjoys working with people from diverse backgrounds and has spent 20 years promoting the rights of women and children. Outside of work, Nikki enjoys being creative and loves to swim

Page last updated: 1 April 2025

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