OXFORD WOMEN'S HEALTH - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Clinical Psychologist
• Clinical Psychologist / Request an Appointment / View More

Amy is a Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist who has a wide range of experience working with people of all ages. Following her clinical training, Amy worked in a number of settings in New Zealand, including with older people aged 65+ at Waitematā DHB, with children and adults at the Massey University Centre for Psychology, and providing assessments for children on the Autism Spectrum as part of a clinical study. For two years, Amy lived and practiced in Bali, Indonesia, working with people at rehabilitation or mental health retreats, as well as in her own private practice. Amy has a clinical interest in treating anxiety, trauma, addiction and substance use, and in using compassion focused therapy. She applies a range of evidence-based therapies in her practice, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), schema therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based therapies. She has co-authored several journal publications about research she has conducted. Amy is kept on her toes as mum to three energetic boys and thrives on a run in the hills and surfing, whenever she can. She is passionate about her chosen profession and says she is fortunate that her love of psychology fuels her other hobbies of research and reading.

Anna is a Gynaecological Endocrinologist who completed her medical degree at the University of Auckland School of Medicine; a PhD in bone cell biology at the University of Melbourne; and post-doctoral research at Genentech, a biotechnology company in San Francisco. She returned to New Zealand in 1992 and became involved in establishing the New Zealand branch of the Australasian Menopause Society. She went on to join the Board of the Australasian Menopause Society and served as its president for two years. She remains involved with the International Menopause Society, after serving as its journal's Co-Editor-in-Chief from 2008 until 2017. Along with three senior colleagues, she started New Zealand's first physician-run bone density service in Auckland in 1995, and had the thrill of watching the service grow and flourish. Anna is actively involved in postgraduate teaching and public education. She has special interests in the management of osteoporosis, premature ovarian insufficiency and the hormonal health of women after gynaecological cancer. She actively contributes to research and acts as a reviewer for a number of international medical journals. Anna is passionate about educating women about choices at midlife and ensuring the information they have is evidence-based. She is married to John and shares his two grown-up children. She has been a keen runner in the past but now enjoys going to the gym, wine and travel.

Job Titles:

• Gynaecologist and Obstetrician

Ben is a highly experienced gynaecologist. As a Gynaecologist he has a keen interest in abnormal and heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, pain during sex, pelvic reconstructive surgery and urinary incontinence. He has treated many women with endometriosis. After removing their endometriosis, Ben has also looked after them throughout their subsequent pregnancy and in the postnatal period.

Job Titles:

• General Practitioner / Request an Appointment / View More
• Specialist General Practitioner

Catherine is a Specialist General Practitioner with an interest in all aspects of women's health. She has worked in many different General Practice settings including rural practices in Greymouth and Hokitika, a Māori health centre in Hawkes Bay and a women's health GP practice. Catherine completed her Postgraduate Diploma in Obstetrics and Medical Gynaecology in 2007, and began her specialist training in General Practice in 2011. She completed her Fellowship in 2016. Throughout her career, Catherine has continued to take part in clinical education programmes to upskill in women's health. In 2018, she completed an advanced certificate in dermoscopy for the diagnosis and management of skin cancer. Catherine also teaches sexual health consultation skills to GP registrars and medical students who are doing their General Practice rotations. She has particular interests in period issues, contraception, perimenopause and menopause, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), pelvic pain, and mental wellbeing throughout all stages of a women's life. Catherine also has a clinical interest in Mirena insertion and removals and in ongoing women's health clinical education. Born and raised in Christchurch, Catherine has thoroughly enjoyed living in a variety of locations within New Zealand but also treasures her time spent in Vancouver, Canada while her husband completed a surgical fellowship. In addition to being a mum to 3 young children, Catherine thrives on the challenges of her various commitments and interests, which include running, adventure races and skiing.

Job Titles:

• New Zealand Registered Dietitian, Master of Dietetics ( MDiet ) ( Dist ), BSc Human Nutrition, Accredited Sports Dietitian ( SDA )
• Nutrition Consultant and Dietitian

Cushla Holdaway is a nutrition consultant and dietitian with a special interest in women's health, diabetes, and sport. After completing her Bachelor of Science (BSc) majoring in Human Nutrition at the University of Otago, followed by a Master of Dietetics (MDiet), Cushla gained clinical experience working in private practice and various New Zealand hospitals which included several years specialising in diabetes. She particularly likes working in women's health, including endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS); sport nutrition, disordered eating, RED-S and hypothalamic amenorrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and diabetes. Cushla enjoys providing her clients with practical strategies and education unique to their needs. "Theory is great but putting this into practise in the real world can be challenging," she says. "I understand eating optimally can feel overwhelming amongst the daily hustle and bustle of life, eating for certain health conditions, or trying to make sense of the conflicting nutrition messages out there." When Cushla isn't working, she enjoys running, skiing, walking her Bernese Mountain dogs, reading, studying, and cooking up a storm in the kitchen.

Job Titles:

• Obstetrician
• Gynaecologist and Obstetrician

Dr Fiona Bach is an obstetrician and gynaecologist with a special interest in urogynaecology. This work involves general gynaecology as well as the medical and surgical treatment of prolapse and urinary incontinence. Her medical philosophy is that women should be in control of their own health and doctors should work alongside them to establish the best treatment outcomes available. Dr Bach's undergraduate medical training was completed at the University of Leeds in Yorkshire, UK. She continued her training in Yorkshire before taking up a position at London's St George's Hospital. She then volunteered in Ethiopia for six months, supporting the training programme at the University of Gondar Hospital. Fiona returned to the UK to undertake urogynaecology subspecialty training in Birmingham, before moving to Christchurch to work as an obstetrician and gynaecologist. Outside of clinical medicine, Fiona's research interests focus on patient reported outcomes and ways to improve patient care. She has published research papers and presented at international meetings. Fiona enjoys teaching as part of her role at Christchurch Women's Hospital and has published two books for medical students. She continues to have a strong interest in women's health in the developing world.

Job Titles:

• General Practitioner
• General Practitioner / Request an Appointment / View More

Dr Lauren Goldschmidt is a General Practitioner with a special interest in women's health. Since completing her medical training at University College London, Dr Goldschmidt worked in both hospital and GP practice settings, and in a London-based specialist hormone clinic. In 2019, she moved from London to New Zealand, and works as a General Practitioner in Christchurch. Dr Goldschmidt's special clinical interests include menopause, perimenopause, contraception and sexual health. A mum to three young children, she enjoys walking in the Port Hills, Pilates and cooking.

Job Titles:

• General Practitioner

Dr Victoria Price is a General Practitioner based at our Menopause Centre. With a special clinical interest in women's health and lifestyle medicine, she is passionate about supporting women through all stages of their lives. She has international experience in the British Royal Navy and UK hospitals, and has completed the Newson Health Menopause training course. Since moving to New Zealand, Dr Price has worked as a clinical lecturer at the University of Otago Medical School and as a General Practitioner at the University of Canterbury Health Centre. In May 2021, she was made a Fellow of The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners. She is also a member of the Australasian Menopause Society. Married with three children, Dr Price enjoys running, adventure racing, skiing, and boating, and is currently working towards her fellowship with the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Job Titles:

• Clinical Psychologist
• Clinical Psychologist / Request an Appointment / View More

Inga is a clinical psychologist trained in applying a range of evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive-Behaviourial Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Committment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy, and mindfulness based approaches. Following her clinical training, Inga provided assessments as well as individual and group treatment sessions in prisons and in the community. In recent years, she established her own private practice where she worked with adolescents and adults experiencing trauma, depression, anxiety, anger, eating disorders, and substance related issues. Inga is originally from Tauranga, and has moved to Christchurch with her husband and two small boys. She enjoys getting out and exploring the Canterbury region.

Janene is an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist with a special interest in fertility and works as a senior consultant at Oxford Women's Health. She was previously a Senior Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Christchurch Women's Hospital. She has a particular interest in laparoscopic surgery, total laparoscopic hysterectomy, endometriosis, prolapse surgery, hormone and fertility problems. Janene undertook two years of training in advanced gynae laparoscopic surgery in 2006 as the second Ethicon Oxford Women's Health Laparoscopic Fellow. After completing her fellowship, she began working at Oxford Women's Health. Janene has a keen interest in endometriosis; its involved mechanisms creating pain; and its multiple effects on fertility. Janene also has a special interest in preserving a woman's fertility where diseases like endometriosis, fibroids and blocked fallopian tubes severely impact on a woman's life.

John's expertise covers the spectrum of women's health conditions including fertility investigation, menstrual disorders, pelvic pain and colposcopy. He particularly specialises in the management of urinary incontinence, vaginal prolapse (including complex and recurrent conditions) and endometriosis. "I chose to work in this field because it is the most rewarding area I encountered in all of my medical training. Women's lives can be changed by the treatments we offer. Each patient I see brings her own unique set of circumstances, concerns and expectations to her first visit, and I enjoy talking with patients to figure out a plan of treatment that will improve their quality of life." John also has established interests in service improvement and medical education. He is an active member of the Canterbury Initiative and HealthPathways teams and is lead gynaecologist for safety and quality at Christchurch Women's Hospital. John has received additional training in gynaecological ultrasound and has a particular interest in ultrasound assessment of the pelvic floor and vaginal prolapse. He graduated in Medicine from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne (United Kingdom) in 1995. After completing his House Officer placements and working in Australia, he pursued a career in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. He completed his specialist training in the North-East of England and moved to Christchurch in October 2006 to be a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Christchurch Women's Hospital. John's wife, Kylie, is a nursing lecturer at Ara, and they have two children and a dog. John enjoys various pursuits including football, skiing and trying to get fit.

Job Titles:

• Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon / Request an Appointment / View More

Josie can also provide fat grafting/lip-modelling to correct contour defects and minor to moderate asymmetry or to correct cosmetic defects from previous breast surgery. She also offers advice and surgery for revision surgery following previous reconstruction, capsulotomy/capsulectomy and removal or replacement of implants, corrective mastopexy following removal of old implants, and alternative autologous reconstructive options after implant surgery. Josie and her family moved from the UK to New Zealand in 2009 after living and training there for over 20 years. She was appointed as the first Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon for the Canterbury District Health Board. She is actively involved in the Breast SurgANZ section of the Royal College of Surgeons of Australasia and is a longer term trainer for the Oncoplastic Workshop for post Fellowship surgical trainees and advanced consultant surgeons who wish to upskill in Oncoplastic Surgery. She qualified as a doctor from the University of Delhi, Lady Hardinge Medical College in 1988 and after a couple of years training in Paediatric Surgery, moved to the UK to embark on higher surgical training. She obtained a fellowship for the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 1996 and the Part III Fellowship for the same college in 2006.

Job Titles:

• Obstetrician

Madeleine is an obstetrician and gynaecologist with a special clinical interest in general gynaecology, laparoscopy, hysteroscopy and colposcopy. After studying medicine at the University of Tasmania, she spent six years in Perth, Western Australia where she commenced specialist training in obstetrics and gynaecology. Madeleine then moved to Christchurch to complete her advanced training where she was appointed as Senior Resident at Christchurch Women's Hospital in 2021, and completed further training in laparoscopic gynaecology, urogynaecology and colposcopy. Madeleine holds a public consultant appointment at Christchurch Women's Hospital and is a senior clinical lecturer at the University of Otago. In addition to these roles, Madeleine is a wellbeing representative as part of the RANZCOG wellbeing working group. Her academic activities include mentoring and teaching junior doctors along with presenting research at local and international medical conferences. She has also contributed to a medical textbook for obstetrics and gynaecology trainees who are preparing for their specialty examinations. In her spare time, Madeleine enjoys walking and trail running with her partner.

Michael is known for his dedication and passion for his work. His areas of specialisation include advanced laparoscopic techniques for endometriosis, pelvic reconstruction, hysterectomy and vaginal mesh reconstructive surgery. In 1996 Michael was a founding member of Oxford Women's Health (then known as Oxford Clinic). Along with his colleagues, Michael has been at the forefront of developing and introducing new advanced laparoscopic techniques into New Zealand and has been invaluable in surgical instrument design.

Job Titles:

• Physiotherapist
• Pelvic Health & Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist / Request an Appointment / View More

Originally from Ireland, our physiotherapist Niamh Clerkin has a special interest in women's health and extensive experience in gynaecological musculoskeletal conditions. Niamh began her career as a physiotherapist with the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK and also worked with a variety of sports teams, before a thirst for travel brought her to New Zealand in 2004. Since then, she has worked in Christchurch Hospital's Orthopaedics Department, been the physiotherapy team leader for Women's and Children's Health at Canterbury District Health Board, and more recently, been the team leader for developing women's health services at Freedom Health. She has worked with the New Zealand Tall Ferns, the Junior Tall Blacks, Canterbury Netball, Mainland Pride, and Canterbury Tennis. Niamh is passionate about promoting wellbeing across all phases of a woman's life. She particularly enjoys working with postnatal and perimenopausal woman to help manage pelvic floor changes. Niamh enjoys being a busy mum of two and also makes the most of any opportunities to play basketball, catch up with friends, or go for a run in the hills.

Olivia has broad experience in women's health care. Her approach focuses on the overall wellbeing of the individual and she is known for her sensitive approach and open communication. She has undertaken post graduate training in minimal access surgery and is an advanced laparoscopic (keyhole) surgeon. She performs excision of endometriosis and laparoscopic hysterectomy. Olivia has a special interest in colposcopy and the management of vulvo-vaginal disorders including abnormal smears, lichen sclerosus and pre-cancerous conditions. She has recently helped introduce new techniques for treating painful sexual intercourse to Oxford Women's Health. Originally from Yorkshire in the North of England, Olivia undertook her medical studies at University College London, graduating in 1998. Her first visit to New Zealand was as a junior doctor in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, working at Christchurch Women's Hospital. She returned to London in 2003 to complete a research fellowship at Imperial College. Olivia completed her postgraduate training through the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Advanced training was undertaken in the North Island and she returned to Christchurch with her family in 2014 to take up her specialist appointment at Oxford Women's Health.

Richard adopts a holistic approach to health and is committed to the very best outcomes for his patients. He understands the importance of communication and takes the time to clearly and thoroughly explain all options to his patients. It is important to Richard to give back to his profession. Through his two academic fellowships, he has successfully researched, published and presented widely. As an examiner for the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, he helps DHB trainees prepare for their professional exams. He has also worked at the Canterbury Charity Hospital. Richard's areas of specialisation include hysteroscopic and advanced laparoscopic surgery; and investigating and treating endometriosis, menstrual problems and pelvic pain. Originally from England, Richard graduated from Southampton University and undertook specialist training in Nottingham. He also spent time in Wellington as a Visiting Lecturer and in Sydney as a Visiting Scholar. Before joining Oxford Women's Health in 2002, Richard worked as a specialist in Basingstoke.

Job Titles:

• Physiotherapist
• Physiotherapy, Post - Graduate Certificate in Clinical Physiotherapy - Continence and Pelvic Health / Physiotherapist / Request an Appointment / View More

Rowan is a physiotherapist with a special interest in supporting women of all ages living with pelvic health conditions. She began her career in sport physiotherapy working in private practice in Christchurch, where she spent two years working with the Tactix netball team and its associated development squad. She then moved to Perth, Australia, where she was based at a medical clinic working closely with general practitioners. She also spent time with a Reformer Pilates-based clinic and a multidisciplinary sports clinic. It was during this time that she became more interested in womens' and pelvic health physiotherapy. She went on to complete her Post-Graduate Certificate in Clinical Physiotherapy - Continence and Pelvic Health at Perth's Curtin University. Oxford Women's Health was excited to welcome Rowan to the team in 2022 when she returned to Christchurch with her two daughters. "I am passionate about working with women, from adolescence through to post-menopause, with all types of pelvic health conditions," she says.

Job Titles:

• Nutrition Consultant and Dietitian / Request an Appointment / View More

Dietitian and nutritionist Sara Widdowson began working at Oxford Women's Health when she was providing maternity leave cover in September 2015. Her expertise and passion for what she does has led to her becoming a permanent member of the team. Sara completed a Master of Dietetics in 2014, after producing a thesis on the experience of weight stigma in New Zealand women and associated health outcomes. While she was studying in Dunedin, she also volunteered for the Heart Foundation in Dunedin, working under other dietitians and health promoters, to create resources for healthy eating in schools and communities. At Oxford Women's Health, Sara has patients needing nutritional advice at different stages of life and for a range of health issues. This includes pelvic pain, food intolerances, menopause, fertility, digestive problems, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), pregnancy, antenatal care, eating disorders and body image. In her spare time, you will find Sara trail running and training for South Island running events such as the 60km Kepler Challenge. Sara is available for appointments at Oxford Women's Health on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Simon and his family moved to New Zealand in 2001, when he was appointed Senior Registrar for Gynaecological Oncology at Christchurch Women's Hospital. He spent the majority of his training in the UK and has worked in Thailand, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. After he completed his obstetrics and gynaecology training in Christchurch, he was appointed New Zealand's first Fellow of Laparoscopic Gynaecology - a position awarded to him by the Right Honourable Annette King, the then Minister of Health. Over the next two years he performed over 1000 operations, concentrating on the management of endometriosis and pelvic pain, along with menstrual disorders, pelvic organ prolapse, and incontinence. Along with numerous ongoing research interest, Simon has worked regularly at the Canterbury Charity Hospital, and was the Treasurer of Endometriosis New Zealand's Board of Trustees, and was a member of the Government taskforce planning the national management of endometriosis and pelvic pain. He has been a member of both the regional and national Health and Disability Ethics Committee. Simon also works at Christchurch Women's Hospital as Gynaecology Lead for the Urogynaecology team, and as a Women's Health Specialist at Ashburton Hospital. Privately he practises at Oxford Women's Health, New Zealand's first tertiary referral centre for the management of endometriosis and pelvic pain. Alongside our other gynaecologists and obstetricians, he works with a general surgeon, endocrinologist, pelvic pain and pelvic floor centred physiotherapist, dietitian, menopause specialist, psychologist and an endometriosis and pelvic pain coach. He also works closely with local pain, plastic and dermatology providers. Simon provides satellite clinics in Ashburton and Invercargill. Simon's research was carried out during his time as an Obstetrician, Gynaecological Oncologist and Research Fellow in Sexual Health. He has published papers on antenatal HIV infection, cervical cancer and common STDs. He specialises in colposcopy, post-coital and post-menopausal bleeding, vulval conditions, laparoscopic management of endometriosis, pelvic pain, adhesions, hysterectomy, ovarian cysts, fertility, fibroids, prolapse and incontinence. Simon has three grown children, only one of which is following him into medicine. He strongly believes in a holistic approach to pelvic pain - "it's not just about the surgery!"

Job Titles:

• Physiotherapist
• Physiotherapist / Request an Appointment / View More

Sophie Coulter is a physiotherapist with a special clinical interest in women's health, persistent pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction. She began her career as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist in an Auckland private practice and went on to complete her Postgraduate Certificate in Physiotherapy (Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy) at The University of Melbourne in 2019. The following year, she started her own practice. Sophie has also worked at Auckland District Health Board as a pelvic floor physiotherapist, working in outpatient and inpatient settings. In this role, she saw a wide variety of clients seeking support with continence, pelvic pain, and oncological pre and post operative treatment. In 2022, Sophie and her family moved to Christchurch, and she was thrilled to join the Oxford Women's Health team. In her spare time, she is a busy mum of two who enjoys running and experiencing New Zealand's back country.