OUR TEAM
High-Quality Healthcare You Can Trust
Our practice is led by talented and experienced practitioners committed to sustaining a high-performing healthcare system responsive to the needs of the community Ballarat Doctors serve.
Dr Vani Peddi
MBBS, FRACGP
Medical Director | General Practitioner
Dr Vani Peddi is a highly experienced General Practitioner and Medical Director, with over 15 years of clinical practice providing comprehensive, patient-centred care across diverse communities.
As a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP), Dr Vani is committed to providing evidence-based, holistic healthcare with a strong focus on prevention, early intervention, and long-term wellbeing. She is known for her warm, approachable manner and her ability to build trusted, lasting relationships with her patients.
Dr Vani has a special interest in comprehensive family medicine, with particular expertise in:
- Women’s health and menopause care
- Pregnancy and antenatal care
- Diabetes and chronic disease management
- Elderly and complex care
- Contraception, including Implanon insertion & removal and Mirena
- Preventative health and lifestyle medicine
She is passionate about empowering patients to take control of their health and works collaboratively to create personalised care plans tailored to each individual’s needs.
Fluent in English, Telugu, and Hindi, Dr Vani provides culturally sensitive care and connects easily with patients from diverse backgrounds.
Dr Afshan Mehboob Shariff
MBBS, FRACGP, DCH
Dr Afshan Mehboob Shariff completed her medical degree in Bangalore, South India, graduating from Karnataka University in 2007. She holds a Diploma in Women’s Health and speaks fluent Hindi and Urdu.
After many years working in Mildura, Dr Afshan has now settled in Ballarat, where she enjoys the sense of community that regional living provides. She has a special interest in women’s health, children’s health, chronic condition management, and skin cancer medicine, with expertise in IUD insertions, PCOS management, and antenatal and postnatal care.
Dr Afshan is also involved in medical education, mentoring GP trainees and promoting patient health literacy to support informed and holistic care.
Dr Wyatt Ng
Wyatt Ng is the ED In-Charge and Senior Medical Officer at Grampians Health – Horsham, with over five years of experience in rural and regional emergency and critical care across Victoria, including Albury, Wodonga, Traralgon, Wangaratta, Hamilton, and Horsham. He also has two years of telehealth experience managing common GP presentations.
He holds a Bachelor of Medical Science and a Doctor of Medicine (MD), and has completed advanced training programs including APLS, ALS, ETM, and both foundational and intermediate emergency medicine training.
Outside of medicine, Wyatt enjoys tennis, basketball, hiking, and traveling to experience new cultures. He is particularly passionate about preventive medicine and skin cancer care, and has a love for exploring world cuisines.
Dr Samaneh Hassannataj
General Practitioner,
Female
MBBS, FRACGP
With over 15 years of experience in healthcare, including 7 years practicing as a General Practitioner in Australia, Dr Sami/Samaneh is committed to delivering thorough, patient-centred care. She takes a holistic approach to medicine, focusing on long-term health and wellbeing for patients of all ages.
Her particular areas of interest include Women’s Health, Antenatal Care, Chronic Disease Management, Mental Health and Paediatrics. Known for her approachable and compassionate manner, Dr Sami/Samaneh builds strong, lasting connections with her patients. She believes in open communication and shared decision-making, ensuring that every patient feels comfortable, respected, and supported.
Outside of the clinic, Dr Sami/Samaneh enjoys exercise, cooking, reading books and values spending time with her family.
Dr Thushara Jayalal
Specialist General Practitioner and Accredited GP Supervisor
FRACGP , MD, MBBS
Dr Thushara Jayalal is an experienced Specialist General Practitioner with over 20 years of medical experience, including 11 years in Australia, of which 7 years have been as a Specialist GP. He originates from Sri Lanka, where he completed his MBBS and MD and worked as a Consultant Physician before relocating to Australia.
After moving to Australia, he obtained his FRACGP, the nationally recognised specialist qualification for GPs in Australia. Dr Thushara provides comprehensive general practice care and is known for his calm, thorough, and patient‑centred approach.
Before entering general practice, he worked as a Senior Medical Officer in Emergency Departments across Sydney South West, including Campbelltown, Fairfield, and Camden Hospitals, where he also led ED teams. This background enhances his ability to manage acute presentations in general practice.
As an accredited GP supervisor, he enjoys teaching and mentoring GP registrars.
Outside of work, he loves spending time with his family and enjoys every moment with his dog.
Clinical Interests:
- Chronic Disease Management
- Paediatrics
- Sexual Health
- Skin Conditions ,Skin Cancer Checks and Skin Cancer Surgery
- Mental Health
- Weight Management
- Men’s Health
- Geriatric Health
- Travel Medicine
- Immunisation (adult, childhood, travel, catch‑up)
Dr Sofia Rahman
FRACGP with MBBS
General Practitioner
Dr. Sofia has 8 year experience in practicing as GP in Australia. Before this period she has had 7 years of practicing in Medicine, Maternal health, Reproductive health, Sexual health, Child health in overseas.
Prior to joining in Ballarat Doctors, she was working successfully in Tristar Medical Group in Sebastopol, Ballarat.
Here areas of interest in practice:
- Women’s health
- Pregnancy Management
- Sexual Health
- Contraception (Suegical implant on insertion/removal, injectibles, IUD removal, Medical oral contraception)
- Child & Adolescent health
- Mental health
- Diabetes, kidney, heart, thyroid disease
- Weight management
- Wound Care
- Skin
- Geriatric health
- Travel and Immunisation advice
- Men’s health
Dr. Suresh Punithalingam
General Practitioner
Dr. Suresh Punithalingam is a GP Registrar with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners with over 15 years of extensive experience in surgery, medicine, obstetrics & gynaecology, and emergency care in Sri Lanka, along with more than 10 years in general
practice. In Australia, he has served as a Senior Registrar and Registrar in Emergency Medicine and as an RMO in emergency, medicine, and surgery.
He holds an MBBS and a FEMTP in Emergency Medicine (ACEM – Australia). Dr. Punithalingam’s key areas of expertise include emergency care, chronic disease management, elderly care, child and adolescent health, wound care, minor procedures, weight management, and travel and immunisation medicine.
He is deeply passionate about teaching, lifelong learning, and patient-centred care, while also engaging in community health promotion and public health awareness campaigns. Known for his strong work ethic, teamwork, and ability to lead under pressure, he continues to advance his professional skills, currently pursuing an Advanced Diploma in Dermatology.
Outside of work, Dr. Punithalingam enjoys spending time with family, watching movies, and playing badminton and volleyball.
Dr Praveen Chandra
Senior GP
Dr Praveen has been practising as a General Practitioner offering all aspects of general practice health care with the following special interests:
- Paediatric Health
- Depression and Anxiety Management
- Diabetes Management with care team involvement
- Men’s Health check
- Pregnancy counselling and care.
- Cardiac health check-up,
- Health checks
- Weight loss management
- Musculoskeletal pain management.
- Contraception advice and counselling
- Elderly care
- Overseas Student Health Care
- Endocrinology Telehealth
Dr Rahul Jain
MD(Physician) Dch
Dr. Rahul Jain {MD (Physician), DCH & Fellow in Neonatology (India)} is registered with Medical Board of Australia and is a GP Registrar with Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
Before moving to Australia, he was a Consultant in Paediatrics and Neonatology in India and subsequently has worked at Monash health and in Western Australia in Pediatrics & Neonatology. With his decade long services in Paediatrics, he has acquired both skills and expertise in Paediatrics & Neonatal medicine.
He has also developed keen interest in women’s health and is enrolled with Royal Australian and New Zealand college of Obstetrics and Gynecology for a certificate course.
Never stopping at one specialty, Rahul Jain continuing with his ongoing professional development with chronic disease managements with Diabetes, hypertension, respiratory disorders in adults and pediatrics
population.
He is well versed with different cultures and gels naturally with all communities, ethnicities and genders.
He is a keen follower of cricket and tennis. And loves to go for a social run.
Areas of interest
Pediatrics, Neonatology, Women’s health (Contraception & Menopause)
Languages – English, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Armenian
Dr Seif Ali
MBBS (UK), BBiomedSc (Hons) (Aust)
Dr Seif Ali has recently moved from the UK. He has gained extensive experience before becoming a general practitioner. Have worked in UK and Australia gaining a variety of experience in Emergency medicine, Respiratory medicine, surgical, psychiatry and more. He believes that a holistic approach to health issues is the path towards better physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Dr Seif Ali has a special interest in the following areas:
- Mental health manager planner
- Diabetes management
- Elderly care
- Management of chronic diseases
- Child and adolescent health
- Weight management
- Travel and immunisation medicine
- Wound care
Dr Seif’s hobbies are swimming, hiking, keeping up to date with medicine/economy/politics.
Dr. Khalid Parvez Sajad
General Practitioner
With over 15 years of experience across Australian and international healthcare settings, Dr. Khalid Parvez Sajad is a highly skilled General Practitioner dedicated to delivering comprehensive, patient-focused care. His diverse expertise spans general practice medicine, hospital-based care (emergency, cardiology, and paediatrics), and advanced medical ultrasound techniques, including ultrasound-guided biopsies and injections.
Currently practicing at a psychiatric rehabilitation centre, Dr. Sajad integrates clinical excellence with a compassionate, patient-centred approach, ensuring that every individual receives the highest standard of care.
Special Interests:
Sports-Related Injuries – Diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation strategies.
Pain Management – Tailored solutions to enhance quality of life.
Women’s Health – Including contraception counselling, Implanon insertion/removal, and IUD management.
Men’s Health – Proactive and preventative healthcare.
Diabetes Management – Supporting patients in effective lifestyle and medical control.
Mental Health – Integrating physical and emotional well-being.
Aged Care – Specialised focus on geriatric health and complex chronic conditions.
Fluent in English, Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, and Kashmiri, Dr. Sajad ensures effective communication with patients from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, fostering trust and understanding in every consultation.
Dedicated to holistic, evidence-based medicine, Dr. Sajad prioritises personalised treatment plans that align with each patient’s unique health goals, empowering them to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Dr. Anum Zehra
General Practitioner
Dr. Anum Zehra is a highly skilled General Practitioner with over a decade of diverse clinical experience spanning women’s health, general medicine, psychiatry, and pediatrics. Her expertise lies in conducting comprehensive breast and pelvic examinations, managing antepartum and postpartum care, providing lactation counseling, and emphasizing preventive care. She is certified in both Basic and Advanced Life Support, ensuring preparedness for both routine and emergency medical situations.
Dr. Zehra’s holistic and evidence-based approach to care is deeply rooted in patient education and long-term wellness. She has extensive hands-on experience assisting with obstetric and gynecological procedures, including cesarean sections and laparoscopic surgeries, and takes an active role in both pre- and post-operative care. Her strong background in mental health allows her to effectively identify and manage mood and behavioral disorders, including postpartum depression, with compassion and professionalism.
She holds an MBBS degree and the MRCGP (International) qualification from the Royal College of General Practitioners, UK. Committed to lifelong learning, Dr. Zehra actively participates in CPD activities across Asia to stay current with evolving clinical practices.
Currently managing a busy clinic with up to 50 patients daily, she also runs a welfare outpatient department to support underserved communities. Her dedication to healthcare extends beyond the clinic, as she played a key role during the COVID-19 response and in managing severe heat stroke cases. Her distinction in gynecology and obstetrics during her medical studies reflects her academic excellence.
Outside of work, Dr. Zehra enjoys spending quality time with family, attending events, conducting research, and reading about advancements in patient care. She is passionate about furthering her medical education and aims to pursue additional prestigious qualifications. Known for her warm demeanor, empathy, and exceptional communication skills, she fosters strong bonds with her patients—always accompanied by a genuine smile.
Dr. Hina Ashfaq
Dr. Hina Ashfaq is a highly accomplished General Practitioner with over 25 years of experience in delivering comprehensive healthcare across various clinical settings. She is a Member of the Royal College of General Practitioners (MRCGP INT, UK, 2016), and holds a Diploma in Child Health (DCH) from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (2013). She also received Ultrasound Training and Certification from the Institute of Ultrasound Imaging in Karachi and earned her MBBS from Dow Medical College in 1998.
Throughout her career, Dr. Ashfaq has successfully managed over 200,000 patient consultations, with a strong focus on chronic disease management, preventive care, and ultrasonography. She has independently performed and interpreted thousands of ultrasound scans, including abdominal, pelvic, breast, neck, and musculoskeletal studies. Her clinical skills extend to minor procedures, diagnostic acumen, and advanced clinical decision-making. She is also experienced in triage, emergency response, medication management, and the use of digital clinical tools.
Known for her empathy, resilience, and cultural competence, Dr. Ashfaq is a dedicated team player and respected mentor. She has trained residents under the Oman Specialty Board and made significant contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her ability to adapt to new technologies and maintain a high standard of care has earned her recognition, including a “Best Doctor Award” and a Letter of Appreciation from the Armed Forces Medical Services of the Sultanate of Oman, as well as a Commendation Certificate from the Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman.
Dr. Ashfaq is passionate about building long-term, trust-based relationships with her patients and empowering them through education and shared decision-making. She balances her professional life with personal accomplishments, such as learning Arabic to better communicate with patients and embracing digital tools like telemedicine. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, exploring new cultures, mentoring young doctors, solving puzzles, and watching documentaries. A fun fact about her: she has visited over 15 countries and enjoys discovering different cuisines, cultures, and local experiences.
Dr Gajaharan Gangasuthan
Areas interests:
- Internal Medicine
- Emergency Medicine
- Chronic disease management such as Diabetes, Heart Condition, Kidney disease, thyroid disease, and weight gain.
- Mental health
- Wound Care
- Men’s Health
- Child and Adolescent Health
- Bone, joints and fracture management
- Skin Conditions
- Skin cancer diagnosis and management
- Geriatric Medicine
- Travel Advice
Dr Dhanushka Hemachandra
MBBS, Certificate of Child Health (Sydney Child Health Programme)
Dr Dhanushka Hemachandra is a caring and experienced Medical Practitioner with 11 years of clinical experience, including 5 years in General Practice and hospital settings in Australia. She originates from Sri Lanka, where she completed her MBBS and worked for six years as a GP and hospital doctor before moving to Australia.
She has worked at Ballarat Base Hospital and Echuca Regional Health, gaining strong experience in Emergency Medicine, General Medicine and Surgery.
Dr Dhanushka is known for her calm, approachable manner and her ability to listen attentively, helping patients feel supported and understood.
Special Interests
- Women’s Health – family planning, sexual health, cervical cancer screening, Implanon insertion/removal, menopause care, HRT
- Chronic Disease Management – hypertension, diabetes, respiratory conditions
- Paediatrics
- Men’s Health
- Skin Conditions
- Mental Health
- Weight Management
- Geriatric Health
- Travel Medicine
Outside of work, she enjoys movies, music and spending time with her family.
Dr Najia Asim
MRCGP
Dr Najia Asim graduated from Rawalpindi Medical College (Pakistan). She completed her MRCGP (INT) from Royal college of General Practitioners. She also obtained post graduate diploma in dermatology from University of Plymouth. Dr Najia is currently an active member of Royal college of General Practitioners and WONCA. She holds an active registration of Dubai Health Authority UAE and General Medical Council UK. Dr Najia has outstanding diagnostic and clinical skills with 10 years of experience in Dubai and Pakistan .She provides holistic care to patients that not only caters the physical aspects but at the same time emotional wellbeing and overall health of her patients.
Fluent in English, Urdu ,Hindi and Punjabi.
Her expertise include management of;
- Acute infections including respiratory, gastrointestinal and urinary infections
- Chronic diseases including diabetes ,hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, hyperuricemia
- Common skin disorders including dermatitis, allergies, fungal infections and urticaria
- Periodic Health checks
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Acute traumas including suturing of minor wounds, drainage of small abscess, stabilization of fractures.
- Child and adolescent health
- Telehealth Services
