GASWORKS MEDICAL PRACTICE - Key Persons


Dr Adrian Smith

Job Titles:
  • General Practitioner, Male, FRACGP
Dr Adrian Smith grew up in Brisbane and completed his medical degree at the University of Queensland in 2007. He undertook GP training in northern NSW and stayed on to practice in that beautiful area for over a decade with his young family, returning to Brisbane in 2023. Adrian enjoys all aspects of general practice, and has particular interest in men's health, skin cancer diagnosis and minor procedures, travel medicine, and mental health. He is passionate about preventative medicine and encouraging of his patients to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. As a former serving member of the ADF Adrian has experience with supporting veterans and navigating their transition back to civilian life. When not in the practice Adrian enjoys catching up with family and friends, good food, travel, watching his kids play sport, and walking dog Zola. General Practitioner, Male, FRACGP, MBBS Available: Monday, Wednesday & Thursday...

Dr Catherine Browne

Job Titles:
  • General Practitioner, Female, MBBS, DCH, FRACGP
Unavailable: Dr Catherine Browne is no longer seeing patients at the practice "I love the opportunity to form an ongoing relationship with my patients and their extended families". Growing up in Tasmania, Dr Catherine Browne was always fascinated by biology and science, therefore medicine was the natural progression. As a GP Dr Catherine has developed a special interest in Women's Health and Aged Care. Dr Catherine is well travelled and has practiced medicine in Tasmania, Sydney and the UK before settling in Brisbane nearly 20 years ago. She enjoys staying fit by cycling, yoga or walking. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking up a storm in her kitchen. General Practitioner, Female, MBBS, DCH, FRACGP Unavailable: Dr Catherine Browne...

Dr Chris Timoney

Job Titles:
  • General Practitioner, Male, BPharm, MBBS, DCH, FRACGP
Brisbane boy all his life, Dr Chris Timoney studied both Pharmacy and Medicine at the University of Queensland. He completed his junior Doctor years at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital before jumping across into General Practice. In a world with overwhelming access to medical information, Chris appreciates how scary it can be interpreting new symptoms whether for yourself or a loved one. He takes a logical, evidence-based approach to practice and is a big believer in the health impacts of lifestyle, work and relationships. Chris has a love for learning, and has pursued a career where this has the greatest impact on the lives of others. He has an interest in all areas of General Practice. Chris also enjoys looking after the health of medical students and other Doctors. When he's not in the practice, Chris can be found running along the Newstead boardwalk, punishing himself on a Golf Course or spending time with his Fiancé and puppy Maple. General Practitioner, Male, BPharm, MBBS, DCH, FRACGP Available: Monday, Tuesday,...

Dr Damien Mergard

Job Titles:
  • General Practitioner, Male, MBBS, FRACGP, FACRRM Please Note Dr Damien.
**Please Note** Dr Damien Mergard's appointment booked is currently closed to new patients and to patients of the practice that he has not seen before** At this time, Dr Mergard's books are closed to his existing patients. He is currently working some Saturdays and Sundays. He also works for the Council for LGBTI Health. As a specialist GP, with Fellowships from the Royal Australian College of General Practice, and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, he maintains his Continuing Medical Education requirements through both Colleges. He is also a member of the AMA. When he isn't working, he likes to venture forth into the world, to travel, and visit and learn more about others. He is a true believer that pets help facilitate improved health outcomes and is often spotted walking his beloved Dalmatian.

Dr Emma Harrison

Job Titles:
  • General Practitioner, Female, BSc, MBBS, FRACGP Please Note Dr Emma.
**Please note** Dr Emma Harrison's appointment book is currently closed to new patients and to patients of the practice that she has not seen before** Born and bred in Brisbane, Dr Emma studied at the University of Queensland. From a young age Dr Emma was mesmerised by the human body and how it worked. This coupled with her passion to make a difference to people's lives, becoming a doctor was a natural choice.

Dr Gemma Beatson

Job Titles:
  • General Practitioner, Female, BSc, MBBS, DCH, FRACGP
Dr Gemma realised her previous career in clinical research was missing a human element and decided to return to university to study medicine. She has an interest in most areas of general practice and loves being a part of a patient's health journey. However, since growing her own family she has developed a real passion for all things pregnancy planning, pregnancy care, and the post birth period. Dr Gemma has a particular interest in helping patients navigate their preconception experience and in giving women sound and safe advice around breastfeeding and its (many!) challenges. General Practitioner, Female, BSc, MBBS, DCH, FRACGP Available: Wednesday, Thursday...

Dr Janet Jukes

Job Titles:
  • General Practitioner, Female, MBBS Available
Dr Janet Jukes, grew up in Brisbane and studied at the University of Queensland. She became a doctor because she enjoyed science and was interested in preventative medicine. Dr Janet does Dragon Boat paddling to keep fit, has an excellent green thumb and enjoys spending time with her family and grandchildren when she can.

Dr Karen Wright

Job Titles:
  • General Practitioner, Female MBBS, FRACGP Unavailable
Dr Karen Wright has enjoyed working in general practice for almost 20 years. She completed her medical degree at The University of Queensland in 1996 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Dr Karen Wright is experienced in all aspects of general practice. With a holistic approach, she is genuinely interested in supporting patients on their journey to achieving better health outcomes and is passionate about preventative medicine. Dr Karen has previously worked at Family Planning Qld and with the Sexual Assault Service. She specialises in all aspects of women's health including: contraception, insertion of contraceptive implants, STI screening, preconception advice, fertility, pregnancy, post-partum care, menopause, pap smears and osteoporosis. She has completed the Certificate in Sexual and Reproductive health and is registered to provide antenatal shared care with the Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital and the Mater Mothers' Hospital. Dr Karen loves working with babies, children and young adults and is experienced in managing paediatric and adolescent conditions within general practice. Having completed a Certificate of Counselling, she uses these skills to support her patients with mental health conditions. When not at work, Karen enjoys spending her time with her family and keeping active.

Dr Kasey Reiken

Job Titles:
  • General Practitioner, Female, MBBS, DCH, FRACGP Please Note Dr Kasey.
**Please note** Dr Kasey Reiken's appointment book is currently closed to new patients and to patients of the practice that she has not seen before** Growing up down the highway in Ipswich, Dr Kasey Reiken, moved to Brisbane to study at Griffith University. A naturally caring person, she pursued the path as a healthcare professional to help people and have a positive impact on their lives.

Dr Lauren Ries

Job Titles:
  • General Practitioner, Female Available
Dr Lauren Ries grew up in Canada before immigrating to Australia during her school years, always living in rural or regional areas. She wanted to be a doctor since she was a small child, and fulfilled her dreams studying at Monash University. She has worked in hospitals across many departments, predominantly in Emergency, Paediatrics and General Medicine before pursuing a career in General Practice. Dr Lauren loves all aspects of family medicine however has a special interest in: Antenatal Care Skin Cancer and skin disease Women's Health Children's Health In her downtime, Dr Lauren enjoys travelling, going to the gym, drinking wine and rating coffee shops. General Practitioner, Female Available: Mondays & Wednesdays Dr Lauren Ries...

Dr Lisa Ch'ng

Job Titles:
  • General Practitioner, Female, MBBS, MRCGP, FRACGP
Dr Lisa Ch'ng grew up in London and immigrated to the Central Queensland Coast and completed her MBBS at the University of Queensland in 1996. She worked in Brisbane and Sydney before travelling to London and completing her MRCGP in 2006. Working with mothers and their babies is an area that Dr Lisa finds rewarding. On the weekend's Dr Lisa spends her time playing the violin, piano or ukulele with her children. Family movie or games nights are regular occurrences in her household. General Practitioner, Female, MBBS, MRCGP, FRACGP Available: Monday, Tuesday &...

Dr Liz French

Job Titles:
  • General Practitioner, Female, BSc MBBS ( Hons 1 ) FRACGP DRANZCOG Available
Growing up in Toowoomba, Dr French completed both her science and medical degrees at The University of Queensland. Most of her hospital time (including my diploma of Obstetrics and Gynaecology) was at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital (RBWH). Dr French has a special interest in Women's Health, Fertility, Pediatrics, Antenatal & Postnatal care. Helping her patients navigate through their health issues and to watch a family grow and change over the years drives her dedication to her patients. When not in the practice, Dr Liz is a busy mum to three. She enjoys spending time with her family, going camping, or just relaxing with a good book. Taking her family and dog out for some regular exercise is also one of her favourite ways to unwind.

Dr Louise Leith

Job Titles:
  • General Practitioner, Female Available
Dr Louise Leith is a General Practice Registrar who graduated from Griffith University on the Gold Coast in 2013. Since graduating, Louise has worked in many different areas of Medicine including emergency medicine, oncology, general medicine, cardiology, paediatric emergency and has completed a Diploma of Women's health while working in Obstetrics and Gynaecology for two years at Ipswich Hospital. Louise enjoys a variety of general practice however her areas of interest include family planning, fertility, women's health, antenatal and post-natal care, as well as children's health, preventative medicine and family medicine. Louise works part time to balance family life with her two young children and outside of work she enjoys pilates, spending time at the beach and seeing family and friends. General Practitioner, Female Available: Tuesday, Thursday & Friday Dr Louise...

Dr Melissa Clarke

Job Titles:
  • General Practitioner, Female, FRACGP
Dr Clarke has grown up in north Queensland and completed her medical training through James Cook University in 2010. She undertook her hospital training in Brisbane prior to gaining GP fellowship at the Sunshine Coast. She has spent extended time working in her interest area of paediatrics and has a Child Health Diploma. She also has a graduate certificate in sports medicine, and enjoys antenatal and travel medicine. Dr Melissa has an eclectic musical taste, and has performed in many orchestras around the country as a violinist. She enjoys bringing friends and family along to music gigs, and is waiting for her husband to teach her the drums and bagpipes. General Practitioner, Female, FRACGP, DCH, MBBS Unavailable: CURRENTLY ON EXTENDED...

Dr Paul Paterson

Job Titles:
  • General Practitioner, Male, BSc, BA, MBBS, FRACGP, MMed ( Skin Cancer ), Senior Lecturer ( UQ ), Accredited Skin Cancer Doctor ( SCCA )
Dr Paul Paterson grew up in Brisbane and graduated from the University of Queensland in 2003. He pursued a career as a doctor so that he could be a positive influence in other people's lives. Dr Paul joined the practice in 2010 having previously worked on the Gold Coast and Yeppoon. Dr Paul is an Accredited Skin Cancer Doctor, has completed a Master of Medicine in Skin Cancer at UQ, is currently a Senior Lecturer in the Masters program and works the remainder of the week out of Redcliffe Skin Cancer Centre. On the weekends he watches his children play sport and is an avid follower of the Lions and Broncos.

Dr Rebecca Cece

Job Titles:
  • General Practitioner, Female, FRACGP, DRANZCOG
  • Specialist
Dr Rebecca Cece is a specialist Women's Health GP and is passionate about creating a warm and friendly environment to support women through health needs at all stages of their lives. She completed a Diploma of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital in 2018. General Practitioner, Female, FRACGP, DRANZCOG, MD, BSc Unavailable: CURRENTLY ON EXTENDED...

Dr Richard Smith

Dr Richard Smith grew up in Newcastle, NSW and studied his undergraduate degrees at the University of Queensland before studying Medicine at Griffith University on the Gold Coast. In the age of computers, automation and Dr Google, Dr Richard believes in the importance of social interaction when it comes to delivering health care. Most mornings Dr Richard starts his day with a run along the Brisbane River and most weekends his hobbies include coffee and brunching. He's been hit hard by the travel bug and enjoys snow sports and immersing himself in foreign culture.

Dr Ruth Taylor

Job Titles:
  • General Practitioner, Female, BSc, MBBS, FRACGP
Dr Ruth Taylor hails from Rural Australia, she studied at University of Melbourne and University of Queensland, she's recently returned to Brisbane after living in Melbourne for the past 6 years to join the Gasworks Medical Team. Dr Ruth loves being able to support her patients with the challenges that they face and navigate their treatment with real-world applications. Specialising in Musculoskeletal and Sports Medicine, Pediatrics, Women's Health, Travel Health, LGBTQI+ Health, Family Planning, Dermatology and Post Hospital Care. Dr Ruth is a caring doctor who looks after her patients during difficult times. Dr Ruth is a massive fan of the performing arts and is currently working on convincing her two young children to make a family band (unfortunately there hasn't been much interest from them). General Practitioner, Female, BSc, MBBS, FRACGP Available: Wednesday & Friday...

Dr Sarah Dowling

Job Titles:
  • General Practitioner, Female, MB, Bch BAO ( NUI ), MICGP, FRACGP Available
Dr Sarah Dowling studied Medicine at University College Dublin, Ireland and graduated in 1994. In Ireland, she worked mainly in Dublin, but also spent time working in Wexford, Cavan and Drogheda. She gained her membership of the Irish College of General Practice as well as Diplomas in Women's Health and a Diploma in Medicine of the Elderly. Dr Sarah also worked at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, USA, and achieved her Membership in the Irish College of Physicians. Dr Sarah has always loved being a GP and building relationships with people. She believes that being someone's regular GP allows her to provide the best possible care. Knowing someone's background and history, allows her to better understand patients health needs. She enjoys all aspects of General Practice but especially Women's Health and Dermatology. In 2007, Dr Sarah moved with her family to Australia and settling in Brisbane. Between work and a busy family with four children, Dr Sarah has very little downtime, but if she does get some she enjoys reading, walking her dog, tennis and travelling.

Dr Sarah McNamee

Job Titles:
  • General Practitioner, Female, FRACGP, MD, BExSci
Dr Sarah McNamee has a special interest in weight loss medicine and chronic disease management and is extremely passionate about empowering her clients to take control of their health and wellness journeys especially in the fitness and weight management space. Dr Sarah grew up in Toowoomba and completed her medical degree at Griffith University on the Gold Coast. Before becoming a General Practitioner, she completed her Bachelor of Exercise Science and went on to work in emergency medicine and medical education. Through her many years of practice, she believes in a holistic approach to healthcare, shared decision making, and non-judgemental practice. In her spare time, Dr Sarah loves to spend her time outdoors in nature and is always planning her next camping trip away. General Practitioner, Female, FRACGP, MD, BExSci Available: Tuesday, Wednesday &...

Dr Sophie Henalla

Job Titles:
  • General Practitioner, Female, FRACGP, DCH, MBBS Available: Wednesday & Friday
Dr Sophie Henalla grew up in England and New Zealand, before moving to Australia and completing her medical degree. Before pursuing General Practice training, she worked across many different hospital departments, including trauma based emergency medicine, obstetrics & gynaecology, and palliative care. During this time, she also completed the Diploma of Child Health, and RANZCOG's Certificate of Women's Health. She really enjoys looking after women, babies and young families, helping them to navigate the challenges of life with a warm and compassionate approach. She also keeps herself busy with other roles within the local primary health network. She loves spending time with her young family and her (very energetic) golden retriever, and outside of work she can be found enjoying a good coffee and a good book, or planning her next travel adventure.

Dr Vasugi Vijayaratna

Job Titles:
  • General Practitioner, Female, BM MRCGP FRACGP Available
Dr Vijayaratna grew up in London and completed her medical degree and GP training in Southampton and Surrey. After working as a GP in London for a year she moved to Brisbane and joined the Gasworks team in 2011. In 2014 she relocated back to London to start her family and continued working as a GP across Southwest London. Missing Brisbane life, she decided to relocate to Australia in 2022. Dr Vijayaratna spent a year in Tasmania experiencing rural life where she worked at a women's health clinic supporting women through the perimenopause as well as a local GP practice. She is trained in inserting contraceptive intrauterine devices. Dr Vijayaratna is excited about joining the Gasworks Medical Practice team.