Providing comprehensive
cardiac care and peace of mind.

Visiting Specialists

Dr. Julia Isbister

Consultant Cardiologist

Dr. Julia Isbister studied Medicine at the University of Sydney and undertook specialty training in Cardiology at Prince of Wales and St George Hospitals, becoming a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians in 2018. In addition to her clinical cardiology work, Julia has completed her PhD in cardiogenetics and is an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Sydney.

Dr. Suresh Singarayar

Procedural Cardiologist
Qualifications

MBBS – Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
FRACP – Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Physicians

Specialties
Cardiac electrophysiology

A/Prof. Sze - Yuan Ooi

Procedural Cardiologist

Associate Professor Sze-Yuan Ooi is a procedural cardiologist with extensive clinical experience and expertise in the fields of coronary intervention and cardiac device (pacemakers and defibrillators) implantation. He obtained his bachelor degree in medicine and surgery with honours from the University of Queensland in 1997 and was awarded a doctorate in medicine with commendation through the University of Leeds in 2008. Sze-Yuan is a Senior Staff Specialist at the Prince of Wales Hospital, the current Director of the Coronary Care Unit and is a visiting medical officer at the Eastern Heart Clinic.

Sze-Yuan holds a Conjoint Associate Professor position with UNSW and is the Clinical Lead for Connected Health, Tyree Foundation Institute of Health Engineering UNSW Sydney. His research interests include novel device technologies and digital health innovations including mHealth.

Qualifications MBBS – Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
MD – Doctor of Medicine
FRACP – Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Physicians
FCSANZ – Fellow of the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand

Dr. Gwilym Morris

Electrophysiologist
Dr Morris trained in medicine at the University of Oxford, his postgraduate Medical and Cardiology training was undertaken in Manchester, UK. He advanced his skills in cardiac ablation and pacing through a clinical fellowship in Pacing and Electrophysiology at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. During this time he received intensive training in advanced arrhythmia management and ablation, and performed research into mechanisms of atrial fibrillation. Dr Morris has an ongoing research interest in atrial fibrillation, sinus node disease and arrhythmias in athletes. He is widely published and has been invited to speak at meetings across the world on these topics. He is part of the Cardiac Electrophysiology Research Group at the University of Manchester who are world leaders in the science of heart rhythm disorders, and is working with the team at the John Hunter Hospital to expand their cardiac arrhythmia clinical and research programs. He performs a large number of cardiac ablations each year and was among the first cardiologists in Asia-Pacific to start using pulsed field ablation technology for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. He has been invited to travel around the world to teach novel atrial fibrillation ablation techniques to other cardiologists. More information is available at www.CardiacRhythmClinic.com.au.

Dr. Zakir Akhunji

Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Dr. Akhunji is a cardiothoracic surgeon. He has been providing his services to the patients of the Port Macquarie region for more than 15 years. Dr. Akhunji has been providing a consultation service locally since last 10 years. He has admitting and operating rights at The Prince of Wales Public and Private Hospitals in Sydney. Dr. Akhunji has extensive experience in Cardiac surgery, in particular coronary artery bypass surgery (including off pump), complex valvular surgery with repair and replacement, aortic aneurysm surgery and redo cardiac surgery. Dr. Akhunji is an active member of a multidisciplinary cancer care team that coordinates care for people with cancer. His interests extend to Thoracic surgery, including surgical management of lung cancer and Video assisted surgery for coin lesion in lungs, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, lung biopsy, management of thoracic trauma, mediastinal tumour, and empyema.

Qualifications
MBBS - Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
MS
DNB Mch FRCS
FRACS - Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons

Dr Lynn Khor

Consultant Cardiologist
Dr Lynn Khor is a non-invasive cardiologist who has completed subspecialty training in Structural (Valvular) Heart Disease at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. She continues to expand upon her expertise, currently pursuing an Advanced Heart Failure/Heart Transplant fellowship at St. Vincent’s Hospital. Lynn’s clinical interests include valvular heart disease, advanced heart failure, and INOCA (Ischaemia with No Obstructive Coronary Arteries) – a relatively nascent field of reduced blood supply to the heart muscle without blockages in large coronary arteries. Lynn co-leads the INOCA Clinic at RPA and is completing her PhD in coronary microcirculation (smaller vessels of the heart) at the University of Sydney.

Contact us to schedule your appointment today

PHONE (02) 6584 3548

New patients are always welcome. A referral is necessary for your first cardiac consultation.

For general enquiries relating to bookings, referrals and patient care, please email
admin@coastcardiology.com.au

For all other correspondence, including feedback and employment opportunities at Coast Cardiology, please email
generalmanager@coastcardiology.com.au

Major event sponsors of the Beach 2 Brother Trail Running Festival, with proceeds raised proudly supporting Hastings Little Wishes.

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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 was lucky enough to move to Port Macquarie 20 years ago.

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 and over 15 years of 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 moved to Port Macquarie 11 years ago and enjoys spending time in the community with her young family. She is actively involved in long distance triathlon events and promoting healthy living to improve long term health outcomes.