Dedicated Experts to Support Your Care

Dr Ronak Patel MBBS, AMC, ClinCertEpi, FRACP, DLM, AFRACMA
Consultant Neurologist | Director of Neurology | Clinical Lecturer

Dr Ronak Patel is an experienced and highly respected consultant neurologist with over 20 years of experience as a medical practitioner and a Neurologist since 2016. He completed his medical degree at the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS), India, and holds Fellowship of Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP) in Neurology. He has Associate Fellowship of Royal Australasian College od Medical Administrators (AFRACMA).

Dr Patel has undertaken subspecialty fellowship training in Neurovascular Neurology and Stroke. He gain valuable experience in Mutiple Sclerosis when he worked in John Hunter Hospital, NSW.

Dr Patel is the Director and Principal Neurologist at ACT Neurology Centre, a multidisciplinary comprehensive Neurology practice in ACT.

Dr Patel also serves as the Director of Neurology and Stroke at North Canberra Hospital (formerly Calvary Public Hospital), and is the Cross-Territory Director of Neurology for Canberra Health Services, overseeing integrated neurology services across ACT.

In addition to his clinical leadership in neurology, Dr Patel is the Clinical Director for the Division of Medicine at North Canberra Hospital, where he leads clinical strategy and multidisciplinary service delivery across medical specialties.

Dr Patel manages a wide range of neurological conditions, with a special interest in:

Multiple Sclerosis
Headaches and migraines (including Botox therapy for neurological indications)
Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders
Epilepsy
Stroke
Peripheral nerve disorders

He is also skilled in performing neurophysiological investigations, including nerve conduction studies (NCS), electromyography (EMG), and electroencephalography (EEG).

Dr Patel holds key leadership roles, including:

Chair, Medical Staff Council

Chair, Drugs and Therapeutics Committee

Chair, Cross-Territory Neurology Consultants Meeting

He is also the Past Chair of the General Clinical Training Committee (GCTC) and the Neurology Research Group.

He contributes to national neurology governance and medical education through committee involvement with the Australian and New Zealand Association of Neurologists (ANZAN), including:

ANZAN Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) Committee

ANZAN NSW/ACT Interview Panel

ANZAN Regional Neurology Committee

He also serves on multiple clinical governance and hospital committees.

Dr Patel is deeply committed to medical education and mentoring. He is a Primary Supervisor for Neurology Advanced Trainees and Fellows, a Clinical Lecturer at the Australian National University (ANU) School of Medicine and Psychology, and an Examiner for the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP).

Outside of medicine, Dr Patel is passionate about maintaining a healthy work-life balance. He enjoys travelling, has a deep love for cricket, and values time spent exploring new experiences with family and friends.

Dr Jozwik completed her medical degree (MBBS) at The University of Notre Dame, Fremantle in 2010. She has done most of her training through ACT Health at both Canberra & Calvary Hospital. Dr Jozwik spent a year of her neurology training at one of Sydney’s main stroke centres, Liverpool Hospital prior to returning to Canberra to complete a Stroke fellowship. She received her fellowship with the Royal Australian College of Physicians (FRACP) in 2020.

Dr Jozwik also works at Calvary Public Hospital as a neurology staff specialist where she is quite involved in the stroke service and participates in teaching of ANU medical students, junior doctors and trainee physicians.

Dr Jozwik provides a general neurology service to her patients and has developed interests in headache, epilepsy and functional neurological disorders. She provides both a private and public service to her patients.

Dr Jozwik is a member of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Neurologists (ANZAN), Epilepsy Society of Australia (ESA), Australia and New Zealand Headache Society (ANZHS) and Stroke Society of Australia (SSA). She attends conferences regularly to keep her knowledge up to date and provide her patients with the latest evidence.

Dr Jozwik is passionate about providing good quality patient care with a focus on the individual.

Dr Hugo Sampaio is a paediatric neurologist at Sydney Children’s and Canberra Hospitals. His practice is varied covering all aspects of paediatric neurology and his research interests focus on translating laboratory work into clinically meaningful outcomes.

He is head of the department of neurology at Sydney Children’s Hospital and runs the neuromuscular diseases clinic there.

Dr Sampaio graduated medicine in South Africa, he subsequently obtained his specialty qualification at Sydney Children’s Hospital and Children’s Hospital Westmead and is a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

His training to date has included a fellowship in epilepsy where he focused specifically on the reporting of paediatric EEG’s.

Dr Pal is an Australasian trained neurosurgeon, he completed his BSc(Med) with 1st class honors and MBBS at UNSW, a graduate diploma in applied anatomy by dissection at UNE, and then FRACS in neurosurgery.

He has experience working in both spinal units in Sydney (Prince of Wales Hospital and Royal North Shore Hospital). After completing his FRACS examination he worked as a consultant neurosurgeon (VMO) in Sydney, and then completed a postgraduate spine fellowship.

Dr Pal is passionate about spine and complex brain tumours, balancing evidence-based conservative care with surgery.

Dr Pal is a staff specialist neurosurgeon at The Canberra Hospital and is passionate about teaching our future doctors. He has been a clinical lecturer with University of Sydney and has commenced tutorials for ANU medical school this year.

Dr. Carmela Sales  received her fellowship to the Royal Australasian College of Physicians in 2022. After completing her medical degree from the University of the Philippines in 2012, she continued specializing in Neurology in Australia. She finished her clinical and research fellowship in multiple sclerosis and neuro-oncology at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in February 2023. She also underwent training in stroke at The Canberra and Calvary Hospital in 2021. She was also a neurology registrar at Western Health in Melbourne, Australia. She currently holds memberships in multiple neurology organizations, including the Stroke Society of Australia, Epilepsy Society of Australia, American Academy of Neurology, and the Philippine Neurological Association.

Dr. Sales is a consultant neurologist at the Calvary Public Hospital. She advocates for optimal care for neurology patients, particularly those with stroke, multiple sclerosis, and those who develop neurologic complications from cancer and cancer therapies. Her other interests include headache and epilepsy.

On top of her clinical practice, Dr. Sales is also a passionate and accomplished medical researcher who has published several papers on stroke, general neurology, and neuro-oncology, among others. She also imparts her expertise on neurology by teaching medical students and junior medical staff. She continues to attend regular professional development activities hosted by several organizations to keep abreast of the state-of-the-art knowledge and skills in neurology.

Laura is a Senior Speech Pathologist with over 12 years experience working with adults with communication and swallowing difficulties. Her specific areas of expertise and interest include neurological diagnosis’, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and age related conditions.

Laura graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology in 2010 and has worked in public and private hospitals, outpatient clinics and hospices both in Australia and Colorado, USA. She has a strong commitment to professional development within the profession and sharing her knowledge with colleagues and students. In recent years she has also guest lectured in Dysphagia at the University of Canberra.

Laura is passionate about the provision of holistic and individualised services and ensuring transfer of skills within everyday life. She values creative, person centred practice and loves engaging with adults across the lifespan from evaluation to discharge.

Dr Derrick Soh is a highly qualified Australian neurologist with a special interest in Movement Disorders, Neurophysiology and Headache. Dr Soh has completed a two year Fellowship at the prestigious Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Centre and the Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson’s Disease at Toronto, Canada and a 1 year Fellowship in neurophysiology at St George Hospital before being admitted as a Fellow of the Australasian College of Physicians in 2016. Dr Soh received his medical degree from Southampton University, United Kingdom and completed his specialist training at St George Hospital and Liverpool Hospital in Sydney. He currently works as a Staff Specialist Neurologist at Wollongong Hospital and Sutherland Hospital, NSW.

Dr Soh has published numerous scientific papers in high-quality peer-reviewed medical journals and has given presentations (including posters) at a local, national and international level. He has won the Dr George Wilson Memorial Prize in 2014. He is also an invited Reviewer for the Journal of the Neurological Sciences, The Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences and Journal of Neurology.

Dr Soh has a keen interest in education and has been appointed as an Associate Lecturer of the University of New South Wales and Senior Clinical Lecturer (honorary) of University of Wollongong.

He is currently a member of the American Academy of Neurology, International Parkinson’s and Movement Disorder Society, International Headache Society, Australia New Zealand Headache Society and Movement Disorder Society of Australia and New Zealand.

Dr. Justin Chan is a Specialist Nephrologist based in Canberra. He obtained his medical degree from the National University of Ireland, Galway and undertook internal medicine training in the Irish healthcare system prior to moving to Australia. He completed postgraduate nephrology training (FRACP) in the ACT and NSW, with Kidney Transplant training at Westmead Hospital.

Dr Chan is a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physician, and member of nephrology organizations including the Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology and International Society of Nephrology.

He has interests in autoimmune kidney diseases and personalised medicine, and conducts research at the Personalised Medicine and Autoimmunity group at John Curtin School of Medical Research/Australian National University, studying novel approaches in understanding autoimmune diseases.

Dr Hayley Engel is an experienced General Practitioner who completed her medical degree at the Australian National University and attained Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners in 2014.

She works alongside consultant neurologist Dr Ronak Patel in a dedicated headache clinic that offers team-based, personalised care. Dr Engel’s extensive background in women’s health is particularly beneficial for headache management.

Conditions such as menstrual migraines, perimenopause and the use of hormonal contraception can all influence headache patterns.

She ensures these considerations are incorporated into each patient’s treatment plan. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr Engel is actively involved in medical education, supervising both medical students and GPs-in-training.

Dr San Wong is a consultant rheumatologist in a Private Clinical Practice at the Australian Capital Territory.

She also works as a Visiting Medical Officer consultant for General Medicine at the Calvary Public Hospital, ACT since 2009.

Dr San Wong completed her medical degree at the University of New South Wales, Sydney and later did her rheumatology training both in Sydney and Canberra.

She has also completed her certificate in clinical performance ultrasound.

She is also taking a role as secretary of the ACT branch for the Australian Rheumatology Association and is a representative for WIRA (Women in Rheumatology) for the ACT branch. She has been involved with teaching both medical students from the Australian National University and the physician trainees sitting for the FRACP exam. She is also supervisor of the basic trainee groups and continues to be proactive in their training.

Brian is a senior physiotherapist with 15 years of experience working across acute and rehab settings in both public hospitals and private clinics. He graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (first-class honors) in Hong Kong in 2008. He pursued his master’s degree specialized in Manipulative Physiotherapy in 2013 and he was in-charge of a physiotherapy team at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Hong Kong from 2018-2022.

Brian is skilled in managing various musculoskeletal and neurological pain conditions using manual therapy, dry needling, and therapeutic exercises. Additionally, he treats individuals with vestibular dysfunction, addressing issues such as spinning, dizziness, headaches, and balance problems. Brian helps patients with BPPV and other inner ear disorders through manual repositioning techniques and targeted exercise programs.

Conditions commonly seen by Brian include:

•  Acute/chronic pain management and rehab
•  Cervicogenic dizziness/headache
•  Migraine
•  BPPV
•  Vestibular dysfunction/vestibular migraine
•  Strength and balance training
•  Dry needling

Dr Peter Park is a Consultant Neurologist and Clinical Researcher at the North Canberra Hospital, previously known as Calvary Public Hospital Bruce. He completed his medical training in Neurology at multiple tertiary teaching hospitals including Royal Melbourne Hospital, Liverpool Hospital and The Canberra Hospital.

Having trained at major stroke centres under the leadership of Prof Helen Dewey, Prof Bruce Campbell and Prof Mark Parsons, Dr Park has a particular interest in both haemorrhagic and ischaemic stroke diagnosis, management and prevention. Apart from stroke, Dr Park has broad interest in other areas of neurology including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, neuro-otology and headaches.

He is an active member of various organisations including Australian and New Zealand Association of Neurologists (ANZAN), Neuromuscular Society of Australia and New Zealand (NMSANZ), and Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP). He is a Fellow at Australasian Stroke Academy (ASA).

Dr Park is passionate about clinical research to develop and provide best patient care. He has built track records of research publications in high impact journals such as Neurology and Stroke, with nominations for RACP Trainee Research and ANZAN Young Investigator Awards in 2020 and 2021, respectively.

Dr Park is equally passionate about teaching in undergraduate and postgraduate settings. He has served as a conjoint associate lecturer at University of New South Wales and assists in teaching RACP physician trainees.

Qualifications

MD 1998, Specialist in Internal Medicine 2003, MRCP (UK) 2013, Specialty Certificate in Endocrinology and Diabetes RCP (UK) 2016, FRACP 2019.

Experience

• February 2024 to August 2024 Endocrinology Trainee – Austin and Northern Health – Melbourne
• October 2018 to January 2024 Staff Specialist General Medicine – John Hunter Hospital included Endocrinology Trainee Feb 2022 to Feb 2023
• 2010- 2017 Specialist Internal Medicine – Dubai Hospital.

Dr. Naeel’s passion is focused on providing high quality care based on patients’ needs and their participation to reach the best outcome together.

Dr. Naeel Mohammad is a specialist physician with vast experience in general medicine, endocrine, and chronic disease management. He is an internationally qualified physician; he was granted the Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians in June 2019. In his home country of Syria, he received training in internal medicine and received his specialty certificate in 2003. He continued his education and was granted the membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians, UK, in 2013 and the Specialty Certificate in Endocrinology and Diabetes from the Royal Colleges of Physicians, UK, in 2016.

Before he moved to Australia in 2017, Dr. Mohammad worked for 7 years as a specialist in internal medicine at Dubai Hospital, one of the main tertiary hospitals in Dubai.

He has practiced acute and general medicine at Hunter New England Health over the past 6 years and started working as a staff specialist in general medicine at John Hunter Hospital in October 2018.

Dr. Mohammad is well known for his expertise in managing patients with multiple comorbidities, chronic diseases, and complex medical conditions.

Dr. Mohammad has a special interest in diabetes and endocrinology and has completed his training in endocrinology and diabetes. He is passionate about diabetes and diabetes complications. He prides himself on the quality of care he provides to his patients. He is involved in perioperative care, working with surgeons to ensure optimal care of medical conditions during the preoperative and perioperative periods.

Megan moved to Canberra in 2011 to complete her degree at the University of Canberra. Following her completion, Megan worked within ACT Health as a Physiotherapy Assistant before transitioning over to the role of Physiotherapist.

Megan has a passion for working predominantly in the neurological rehabilitation aspect of physiotherapy and her interests in rehabilitation includes traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and spinal cord injury. Megan also has experience working with lower limb amputees.

Megan has specific qualifications in being able to run programs such as LSVT BIG, GLA:D and MS Get a Head Start Programs. She holds a level 1 Dry Needling qualification and is proficient in needling neurological populations for a variety of impairments.

Megan’s current working days are Monday at ACT Neurology Centre in Deakin and Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at the Bruce Momentum clinic.

Dr. Mihi Abeywickrama is a Neurologist with subspecialty interests in neurophysiology, neuro-otology, general neurology, stroke, and headache. She completed her neurology training at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Concord Repatriation Hospital, Liverpool Hospital, and Campbelltown Hospital in Sydney. Currently, Dr. Abeywickrama serves as a VMO neurologist at Campbelltown Hospital and will soon begin her role as a staff specialist at North Canberra Hospital.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

• North Canberra Hospital – ACT – Staff Specialist – Neurology
• Campbelltown Hospital – NSW – VMO – Neurology

REGISTRATION NUMBERS AND PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

• Australia and New Zealand Association of Neurologists (ANZAN)
• Australia and New Zealand Headache Society (ANZHS)
• American Academy of Neurologists (AAN)

Dr. Krish Santhirakanthan is a Consultant Physician in Rehabilitation Medicine based in Canberra. He completed his medical degree at James Cook University, where he spent six years training in rural and remote regions, gaining a deep understanding of healthcare delivery in diverse settings. He completed his specialist training in Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Canberra Hospital, where he currently serves as a Staff Specialist.

Dr. Santhirakanthan is passionate about neurological rehabilitation, with a focus on stroke, Parkinson’s disease, neurodegenerative disorders, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. He is proficient in spasticity management, including ultrasound-guided botulinum toxin injections, and delivers care across both inpatient and outpatient settings.

He also serves as a VMO Staff Specialist in Rehabilitation Medicine at The National Capital Private Hospital and Calvary John James Hospital, where he holds admitting rights. His areas of expertise include:

• Neurological rehabilitation, including post-stroke care, Parkinson’s disease, and neurodegenerative disorders
• Spinal cord injury medicine
• Traumatic brain injury rehabilitation
• Orthopaedic and trauma rehabilitation
• Reconditioning post-surgery and medical illnesses
• Amputee rehabilitation and prosthetic prescription
• Management of musculoskeletal conditions

In addition to his clinical roles, Dr. Santhirakanthan is an Associate Lecturer at the ANU Medical School and has completed an Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA). He is committed to mentoring the next generation of doctors while integrating cutting-edge research into his practice to optimize patient outcomes.

Dr Agnihotri is an Australian-trained specialist in Infectious Diseases, with Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

After completing undergraduate studies with First Class Honours at the University of Cambridge in the UK, Dr Agnihotri attained his postgraduate medical degree from the University of Sydney. He subsequently gained diverse clinical experience in both metropolitan and regional healthcare environments, undertaking advanced training in Infectious Diseases in Sydney, Melbourne and the Northern Territory.

Since early 2024 Dr Agnihotri has been based in the ACT where he holds Infectious Diseases consultant appointments at The Canberra Hospital and North Canberra Hospital. He also contributes to medical education through his position as a Clinical Lecturer at the Australian National University.

Dr Agnihotri’s areas of expertise include: preventing and treating infections in people with immune compromise, managing blood-borne virus infections, and optimising antibiotic treatment courses.
He has a special interest in mitigating the risk of infection in the peri-operative setting, and managing post-operative infections to promote the best outcomes for patients after surgery.