Providing comprehensive
cardiac care and peace of mind.

Our Doctors

Dr. Kristian Lee Prados

BAppSc (Hons I) MBBS FRACP FCSANZ AFRACMA

Dr. Kristian Lee Prados is the founding Director of the Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory at Port Macquarie Base Hospital and led the establishment of the region’s first local interventional cardiology service. He is a general adult and Interventional cardiologist with over a decade of consultant experience, completing his Interventional Fellowship at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney and gaining Fellowship with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians in 2010. He also holds an Associate Fellowship with the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators.

Since establishing the region’s first cardiac cath lab, Dr. Prados has contributed to the expanding local access to advanced cardiac care, including coronary angiography (to diagnose blocked coronary arteries), angioplasty and stenting (to open blocked coronary arteries), right heart studies (to diagnose complex heart and lung conditions), insertion of implantable loop recorders (to investigate unexplained syncope, blackouts or intermittent arrhythmias), and other specialised invasive procedures.

His clinical focus remains broad, combining interventional procedures with a full range of non-invasive diagnostics such as transoesophageal echocardiography, electrical cardioversion (to restore normal heart rhythm), stress testing, rhythm monitoring (including use of Holter and Event monitors), and device checks. This allows Dr. Prados to diagnose and manage complex heart issues relating to ischaemic heart disease, heart failure, valvular heart disease, structural heart disease and heart rhythm issues.

Registration
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) — NSW Medical Board

Professional Memberships
Fellow, Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP)
Associate Fellow, Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators (AFRACMA)
Fellow, Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (FCSANZ)
Member, Australian Medical Association (AMA)

Hospital Appointments
Visiting Medical Officer and Interventional Cardiologist, Port Macquarie Base Hospital
Visiting Medical Officer, Port Macquarie Private Hospital
Visiting Medical Officer and Interventional Cardiologist, Eastern Heart Clinic, Prince of Wales Hospital (Sydney)
Visiting Medical Officer and Interventional Cardiologist, Lingard Private Hospital (Newcastle)
Visiting Medical Officer and Interventional Cardiologist, Baringa Private Hospital (Coffs Harbour)

Academic and Leadership Roles
Conjoint Senior Lecturer, University of New South Wales (UNSW)
Examiner, Royal Australasian College of Physicians (since 2012)
Secretary, Medical Staff Council (MSC), Port Macquarie Base Hospital
Federal Councillor, Australian Medical Association (AMA) Council of Private Specialist Practice (CPSP)
Councillor, Australian Medical Association (NSW) Council – New England and North Coast Representative

Education, Advocacy, Research and Professional Development
Dr. Prados is involved in medical education across all levels, including medical students, junior doctors, medical registrars and cardiology advanced trainees. As a senior clinician and academic, he brings a depth of clinical insight and governance experience to every teaching interaction. He is also involved in medical research and part of the regional research network involved in several Australian and international clinical trials. He is a strong advocate for sustainable health care, integrity in system governance, and accountability in public service.

Professionally, Dr. Prados regularly participates in national and international cardiology meetings and conferences. He also contributes to local professional development and educational events within the wider community, including general practitioners, nurses, allied health and paramedical professionals.

Outside Work
Dr. Prados is a proud Port Macquarie local who along with his wife and four young children enjoy the coastal lifestyle that the Mid North Coast has to offer. He has competed in many long-distance triathlons (including nine Ironman distance events) since 2014 and values endurance sport for the resilience and discipline it brings to both the mind and body. He remains focused on preventive care and ensuring all patients have access to safe, high-quality cardiology services.

“Every person is different. There is no such thing as one size fits all. I aim to make sure I find the right approach for you.”

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Jaki Bowden

MEDICAL RECEPTIONST
Jaki has always been a people person and has been working in medical administration and reception since 2010. Working at the Private Hospital and specialist practices over the years she has gained invaluable knowledge and disseminates her knowledge to give a better understanding of processes to the unknown.

Jaki finds delight talking with our diverse range of patients about their life experiences. She is an active person, who you may see around town walking her dog and enjoys sighting the wildlife of Port Macquarie.

Jill McKittrick

MEDICAL RECEPTIONST
Jill has been working in medical administration and reception for over twelve years which has enabled her to gain a vast and diverse skill set. Over this time, Jill has gained her knowledge across both general and specialist practices and she is keen to share this experience with her colleagues and patients at Coast Cardiology.

Jill is excited to provide all patients with an efficient and friendly experience in their dealings with Coast Cardiology. Jill and her family have lived in Ellenborough, west of Port Macquarie, for over twenty years and she looks forward to greeting you all when you visit the practice.

Marella Edwards

MEDICAL RECEPTIONST/NURSING ASSISTANT
A Lifelong Passion for Helping others.

Marella’s journey began during high school, where she volunteered working at a local nursing home. From this experience, Marella then felt drawn to the healthcare field.

Growing up in Port Macquarie, she was surrounded by natural beauty and a strong sense of community. Her caring nature and desire to help others led her to pursue a career in healthcare.

Marella has medical knowledge and training in Electrocardiogram (ECG's) Holter Monitors and much more, which she uses to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. Playing an integral role in patient care, the information she provides helps doctors determine appropriate treatments and courses of action.

Marella feels fortunate to do work that is both personally fulfilling and contributes value to the community. Marella’s path in healthcare has truly been a ‘hearts calling’.

Jaala Buckmaster

RECEPTION TEAM LEADER

Jaala is an experienced and dedicated professional with over 14 years of experience in the specialist medical field as a medical secretary and receptionist, with 13 of those years focused specifically on cardiology. Her passion for this field began when she started working as an administrator in cardiology right after completing high school, and she has continued to develop her expertise and knowledge ever since.

As a senior medical administrator, Jaala has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the cardiology field. She has received training in Electrocardiogram (ECG's) and Holter Monitors and is always ready to assist patients within her practice. Her attention to detail and patient-focused approach have earned her a reputation for providing high-quality care and service.

Jaala has lived in the Camden Haven for the past 16 years, establishing a long-term home for her young family. She takes pride in supporting the local community in various endeavors, reflecting her commitment to making a positive impact wherever she goes.

As an Office Manager, Jaala's experience, knowledge, and dedication is invaluable. She is detail-oriented, patient-focused, and has a deep understanding of the medical field. She is eager to bring her skills and expertise to any new challenge and is committed to making a meaningful contribution to her new team.

Michelle Hoy

SONOGRAPHY TEAM LEADER

Michelle began her career in cardiology in 1996 and leads the team of Cardiac Sonographers at Coast Cardiology.

Michelle completed her bachelor degree at Wollongong University. She continued her cardiology training at Westmead Hospital, where Michelle was involved in working with pacemakers in the cardiac labs in addition to being involved in cardiac research. At Coast Cardiology, she performs echoes, stress testing and has a special interest in electrophysiology.

Michelle is an enthusiastic member of the team and enjoys supporting the community of the Mid North Coast.

Karen Hillcoat

CARDIAC SONOGRAPHER
Diploma in Medical Ultrasound (Cardiac), AMS

Obtaining her Diploma in Medical Ultrasound (Cardiac) in 1994, Karen has been instrumental in establishing imaging cardiac investigation services in the region. Karen has been a cardiac sonographer for almost 40 years and has been an examiner for the Queensland Ultrasound of Technology course. For more than 20 years , Karen has been performing echoes, stress echoes and other cardiac investigations in the Mid North Coast area.

Committed to supporting the local community, Karen has also been involved with an indigenous cardiac clinic in Kempsey since 2017.

In addition, Karen regularly attends cardiac conferences, learning the latest developments in diagnostic cardiac ultrasound, and has organised and presented at regional professional meetings.

Karen is passionate about teaching echocardiography and has been actively involved in the training of echo technicians and medical students, as well as doctors at the Port Macquarie Base Hospital and other hospitals.

Melinda Prados

BUSINESS MANAGER

Melinda oversees the business operations at Coast Cardiology. With two postgraduate degrees extensive experience in corporate, business and retail financial management experience, Mel ensures we continue to function efficiently and safely - delivering the best possible care for our patients keeping costs as low as possible without compromising quality of care.

Mel enjoys spending time in the community with her young family. She is actively involved in long distance triathlon events, ultra trail running, and promoting healthy living to improve long term health outcomes.