Dr David Tadj - Practice Principal

MBBS (Qld), FRACGP, DRANZCOG, FARGP, FRACGP-RG

David is a practice principal at Pioneer Health. His interests include preventative medicine, mental health, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and skin cancer surgery. He leads the Pioneer Health Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) service. He has trained in obstetrics (including caesarean sections) and is a part of the practice obstetrics team. His other interests include efficiency in health care and diagnostic reasoning. He accepts referrals of patients for whom there is diagnostic uncertainty. David is active in teaching medical students and junior doctors and is often accompanied by junior doctors during consultations at the practice. David is married and has a teenage son. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, reading, traveling, cooking and business development. He also speaks fluent German. David works most days apart from when he is working at the hospital.

Dr James Turner - Practice Principal

MBBS (UWA), FRACGP, DCH

James was born in South Africa but has mostly grown up in Australia and moved to live in Albany with his family in 2007. He loves working as a rural GP and has had the privilege of living and working in beautiful Albany for over 15 years. James has enjoyed being a part of the growth of Pioneer and has a particular interest in supervising and training junior doctors, chronic disease management and family medicine. He has special skills in dermatology and skin cancer management and has been a part of the Albany Skin Clinic since its inception. Outside of work James loves spending time with his wife and 4 children, being part of his local church and getting involved in all sorts of musical groups and community theatre. 

DR AIRELL HODGKINSON

MBBS, FRACGP, FARGP, FACCRM, DTM&H, DCH

Airell joined the practice in January 2006 after working in the Pilbara and Kimberleys. His medical experience includes anaesthetics, paediatrics, travel/tropical medicine and medical education. Airell is a member of Australian Society of Aerospace Medicine and is a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner. As a rural generalist, his time is divided between general practice and critical care/anaesthetics in Albany and surrounds.

DR TANIA BOTHA

MBChB, FRACGP

Please note: Tania is currently not taking on new patients. Tania qualified in Pretoria, South Africa in 1990. She emigrated with her family to Mount Barker in 2002 where she worked for 7 years before starting at Pioneer Health. She enjoys all aspects of general practice but has a special interest in mental health (all ages) and aged care. Tania and her husband have 4 children. She enjoys gardening, reading and bushwalking. Tania also visits Bethel Aged Care Facility on alternate weeks and consults weekly at Headspace. 

Dr Nigel Baker

MBBS, FRACGP, BSc, Grad Dip Ed, MSc

Nigel completed his medical degree at UWA in 2010 after spending 10 years as a science teacher working at various schools in WA. Nigel practices all aspects of rural general medicine and thoroughly enjoys helping and caring for his patients.  He is passionate about ensuring his patients feel safe, comfortable and supported whilst under his care.  

Dr Don Gunning

MBBS, FACRRM, FRACGP

A West Australian graduate, Don has been with Pioneer since 2012. He worked for 12 years in Wagin as a solo GP up until 2000 and was involved in the early years of the rural doctor’s movement. He then spent 11 years in the N/East of the UK (County Durham) working as a GP in the NHS. Don has a wide interest in medicine, having been a family practitioner for 30 years now. He is developing an interest in minor surgery, dermatology and counselling. He intends to stay in Albany until retirement.

Dr John Rowlands

MBBS/BA (Medicine & Linguistics degrees, UWA), Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practice, International Diploma of Dermoscopy, Advanced Clinical Certificate of Skin Cancer Medicine and Surgery, Advanced Member of the Australian Institute of Dermatology, Skin Cancer Doctor.

Please note: John is currently only seeing patients with skin concerns. John is a local Western Australian graduate who has completed his Fellowship in General Practice and a number of advanced courses in dermatology, skin microscopy and skin surgery. His special interest is dermatology, including skin cancer identification and treatment, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of significant skin rashes with immune modifiers and phototherapy. Outside medicine, he enjoys spending time gardening, as well as Jiu Jitsu and strength training. 

Dr Jolmer Smit

MBBS, FACRRM

Please note: Jolmer is currently only seeing patients with skin concerns and for vasectomies. Jolmer has now been with Pioneer Health for the last 6 years. He is a medical graduate from The Netherlands. After specialising in third world medicine and working in Southern Africa, he moved to Australia with his young family in 2006. After 10 years in rural NSW he became a fellow of the College of Rural and Remote Medicine before moving to Albany.

He has always had a keen interest in small procedural medicine including vasectomies and skin excisions. In the last few years, he has furthered his qualifications in this field and in 2018 he became an Accredited Skin Doctor with the Australian College of Skin Cancer Medicine. With the growing demand for good diagnosis and skin cancer treatment in the Great Southern, Jolmer has decided to focus his work at Pioneer Health on Skin Cancer Medicine. This will mean increased availability for skin checks and excisions at our practice. 

When Jolmer is not at work he likes to make the most of the region and his few acres where the family has a milking cow, bees and a nice food garden.

Dr JJ Kriek

MBChB, MMed (Skin Cancer), FRACGP, PGDFM, Australian Dermatology Diploma, Professional Diploma of Dermoscopy

JJ completed his primary medical degree and a postgraduate diploma in family medicine in South Africa before moving to Australia in 2008.  He started his Australian journey in Broome Hospital, where he worked as a District Medical Officer before moving to Albany in 2011.

He has completed his RACGP fellowship, postgraduate diplomas in dermatology and dermoscopy and the Master of Medicine (MMed) degree in Skin Cancer at the University of Queensland.

His special interests include family medicine, chronic disease management, dermatology, skin checks, skin cancer surveillance following skin cancer and primary skin cancer surgery.

He enjoys the outdoors, gardening, running and spending time with his family.

Dr Paul Gibson

MBChB DCH FRACGP

Paul grew up in England and completed his medical degree at the University of Leeds. He has lived in WA since 2005 and Albany has been home for the family for the last 10 years. He has an interest in Child Health, Men’s Health and Sports Medicine and has recently completed diplomas in Skin Cancer Medicine. A firm believer in exercise as medicine, he likes to practice what he preaches by riding when possible and racing with Albany Cycling Club.

Dr Yen Lo

MBBS, FRACGP, DCH, DRANZCOG (adv),

Please note: Yen is currently not taking on new patients. Yen completed her medical studies at the University of Western Australia and it was during her internship and residency that she developed an interest in obstetrics and general practice. She aims to provide a holistic service catering to the needs of the community. She enjoys the full gamut of general practice including paediatrics, women's health, mental health, chronic disease, aged care and palliative care. Yen can consult in Mandarin and Cantonese if required. After moving to Albany to complete her general practice training in 2017, she has since fallen in love with the town and surroundings. Outside of medicine Yen enjoys gardening, baking and spending time with her bub.

Dr Claire Astrup

MBChB

Graduating in 1999 from the University of Cape Town, South Africa, Claire spent 7 years as a Resident Medical Officer gaining experience in various fields before joining the South African National Antarctic Program where she provided medical support for 5 voyages down to the remote subantarctic islands of Marion, Gough and Tristan da Cunha. Deciding it was time to put the sea legs away, she worked as a GP in Pretoria for 14 years and in 2021, together with her husband and two daughters, immigrated to WA. Medicine aside, Claire has a passion for people, travel, cultural diversity and finding spiritual peace in the great outdoors.

Dr Sourabh Joshi

MBBS, DRANZCOG, FRACGP

Sourabh graduated from UWA medical school in 2012. He completed part of his intern year in Albany and worked in hospital before returning to Perth to gain experience in various specialties. As well as general practice he has interests in women's health, obstetrics, perinatal mental health and skin cancer medicine. He has completed a post-graduate diploma in Obstetrics & Gynaecology (DRANZCOG), the Sydney Child Health Program as well as a number of courses from the Skin Cancer College of Australasia. In his spare time, Sourabh enjoys spending time with his wife & family, as well as gardening when he has the time.

Dr Shani Macaulay

MBBS, FRACGP

Shani is a GP and is also completing her training in Obstetrics. She has a diploma in child health and has a strong interest in the health and well-being of women and their families. She completed her medical degree in 2011. 

Shani also works as a Medical Educator for the Royal Australian College of GPs and has a special interest in Addiction Medicine.

She enjoys spending time in nature, striving for a more sustainable way of living, learning about plants and traditional healing practices.

Dr Jeroen Buis

MBBS (Neth.), GP (Neth.), FRACGP

Jeroen Buis is a medical graduate from the Netherlands, where he graduated as a general practitioner in 2004. Having enjoyed fascinating experiences during internships in Italy, Malawi and the USA, he was keen to move to Australia in 2014, obtaining RACGP Fellowship in 2016.  After 5 years in Esperance he and his family decided to move to Albany. Jeroen has a special interest in minor surgery, emergency medicine and child psychiatry. He aims to team up with his patients in order to mutually develop treatment plans. In his spare time, he enjoys skiing, reading, playing hockey and squash, as well as spending time with his wife and young daughters.

Dr Juliette Van Hagen

MBBS (Neth.), Huisarts (Neth.), FRACGP

Juliette obtained her medical degree in The Netherlands. After graduating medical school, she worked as a doctor in oncology, head and neck surgery, ENT, neurology and acute psychiatry. From 2004 until 2007 she specialised at the University of Amsterdam as a Huisarts/General Practitioner. In 2014 she moved with her young family to Esperance to experience the Australian way of life and gained fellowship through the RACGP in 2019. She sees it as a privilege to be able to work closely together with her patients and aims to integrate the best of her Australian and Dutch GP training. Her special interest is women’s health, ENT, oncology, chronic care, cancer care, palliative care, skin problems, rheumatology, paediatrics, Aboriginal health and minor surgery. When she is not working, she likes painting, drawing, skiing, traveling and spend time with her family at the wonderful beaches and bush around Albany.

Dr Tim Jansz

BE, MBBS, DCH, FRACGP

After completing his medical degree at the University of Western Australia, his residency included a range of clinical experiences at RPH, Swan Districts Hospital, PMH (now PCH), and King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women, providing exposure and training in general and emergency medicine; general, vascular, and orthopaedic surgery; psychiatry; paediatrics; and obstetrics and gynaecology.

Tim has a passion for all aspects of General Practice and enjoys the opportunity to develop long-term clinical relationships with patients and their families. In particular he employs a holistic approach encompassing the whole person – mind, body, and spirit. He has upskilled in mental health treatment, and also in diabetes and weight management.

Tim also has a special interest in skin cancer medicine and is competent in diagnosis and excision of skin lesions.

Outside of general practice, Tim enjoys participating in the Park Run weekly (google “parkrun”), loves riding his Yamaha FJR 1300, dabbles in software (he has a side business in the software industry), love reading, making music, and involvement in his local Anglican Church where he explores the meaning of life and no topic is taboo!

Justin Wolfe

MBBS, FRACGP

Justin grew up in Albany and moved to Perth to study Medicine at UWA. After graduating in 2001, he spent time in various places around Australia and overseas gaining experience. He completed his general practice training in the Northern Territory including two years in East Arnhem Land. His particular interests are Aboriginal health, mental health and acute medicine. As a rural generalist he divides his time between general practice and critical care at Albany Hospital. Justin returned to Albany in 2022 and has settled on the family farm with his wife and two daughters. When not working, he enjoys time spent on his farm, fishing, camping, hiking and woodworking.

Dr Erica Clarke

MBBS, DRANZCOG, FRACGP

Erica is an experienced GP who studied medicine at the University of WA and has worked for many years in the southern suburbs of Perth.

She enjoy all aspects of General Practice, with particular interests in Women’s Health and Counselling and Mental Health.

As well as General Practice, Erica is involved with teaching medical students and GP trainees, a role which she find enhances and refines her clinical work.

When not at work, Erica loves bush walking, swimming and camping, and has recently rekindled an interest in machine embroidery, quilting and crochet.  She loves spending time with family and friends, especially if good coffee is involved!

Dr Alfred Wong

BSc, MBBS, SCHP, FRACGP

Alfred graduated from medicine at Notre Dame Fremantle in 2016. He has trained across multiple medical disciplines at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and Hollywood Private Hospital, particularly in Palliative Care, Oncology, Haematology and Radiation Oncology. He also completed his Sydney Child Health Program while at Perth Children’s Hospital.  He is currently undertaking a Masters in Medicine (Internal Medicine) at University of Sydney.  

After serving the Mount Barker community the last year and a half, he has decided to work in Albany to be closer to his family. Alfred is passionate about holistic medicine and holds special interests in palliative care, cancer medicine, cardiology, chronic disease management and paediatrics. He also consults in Mandarin and Cantonese. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his little family and hopes to explore every nook and corner of the Great Southern.

Dr Gareth Broberg

MBChB, MBA, MRCGP (UK), FRACGP

Areas of interest include adult and elderly medicine, women's post-reproductive health (menopause), men's health, and chronic disease management. 

Gareth completed his specialist GP training in the UK and has been in Albany since August 2023. He was admitted as a Fellow of the RACGP in August 2024.

In his time off Gareth is a keen cyclist and enjoys bushwalking.

Dr Stephanie Nathan

BSc (Hons) | MBBS | FRACGP

Stephanie was born and grew up in Perth and has a background in exercise science research. She studied medicine in Melbourne and spent time in the beautiful Gippsland region of country Victoria. She has worked in general practice since 2016 including for one of the local Aboriginal health organisations in Perth, Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service. Stephanie has special interests in women's and children's health, mental health and preventative care and enjoys working collaboratively with her patients to meet their health needs. She relocated with her husband and two gorgeous girls to Albany in 2024 and they are excited to embrace all that the Great Southern has to offer.

Dr Pippa Morris

MBChB, MRCGP

Pippa completed her medical degree and GP specialist training in the UK. During her training she also spent time working in Perth and Broome. She is currently completing 6 months on the international specialist pathway to gain her Australian GP fellowship. She enjoys all aspects of family medicine, with particular interests in mental health, addictions, chronic disease management and women's health. 

She relocated to Albany from the UK in January 2024 with her family. She is enjoying exploring the beautiful beaches and countryside here. 

Dr Felipe Dimer de Oliveira

MD, PhD | GP Registrar

Felipe is originally from Brazil, where he grew up in the far North of the country and was living in Rio before moving to New Zealand in 2004 to study physics. He worked as a natural hazards scientist at a commercial enterprise attached to Macquarie University in Sydney from 2007 to 2015 when he decided to change career to medicine. He studied at UWA and graduated in 2019 and has worked at Albany Hospital for two years, with a brief stint in Port Augusta SA. Felipe is currently training to be a rural generalist and enjoys reading vintage Scrooge McDuck comics to his 3 year old son. 

Dr Paula Nascimento

MBBS, DCH | GP Registrar

Paula was trained in Brazil in Niteroi and studied at Universidade Federal Fluminense graduating in 2007. Upon moving to Australia, Paula completed Board Certification Exams. 

Paula then worked at Latrobe Hospital in Traralgon at the emergency department before relocating to Perth, where she has worked at KEMH,  SCGH, PCH (and a number of private hospitals) where she completed rotations in dermatology, endocrinology, ICU, neurology and immunology.

Paula then relocated to Albany with her husband and young son. Paula enjoys seeing people of all ages but loves paediatrics, women’s health, primary care and preventative health.

In her free time she loves to go to the movies, and spending time with her beautiful 3 year old son, her lovely husband and her two tuxedo female cats (not necessarily in that order!). 

Dr Vincent Phan

BSc, MD | GP Registrar

Vincent graduated from The University of Western Australia in 2019. He has had a vast exposure to a variety of specialties including emergency medicine, adult and youth psychiatry, geriatrics and rehabilitation, and emergency paediatrics. He spent the last six months at Albany Health Campus working in General Medicine and Rehabilitation. He has a Vietnamese background and is able to consult in Vietnamese as well as English. In his spare time, he enjoys social badminton at the local club, travelling, keeping up to date with the latest technology, snorkelling (if the weather permits), and spending time in virtual reality.

Dr Alec Disley

BSc, MD | GP Registrar

Alec is originally from Dunsborough and completed his medical degree at the University of Western Australia in Perth, graduating in 2020. He worked at Albany Health Campus for two years and Perth Children’s Hospital for 6 months before recently returning to Albany to begin a career in general practice. Outside of medicine, Alec enjoys spending time in nature, fishing, and spending time with friends and family.

Dr Nicholas Renton

MD, BSc(Hons) | GP Registrar

Originally from Melbourne, Nick graduated from the University of Notre Dame Fremantle before completing his hospital training at Fiona Stanley. He has hospital experience in various domains including general, psychiatric and emergency medicine and is currently completing his SCCA certificate in Skin Cancer medicine. In his spare time, he enjoys playing tennis, film, 60’s music and being a St Kilda Football Club tragic.