Providing comprehensive
cardiac care and peace of mind.

Visiting Specialists

LK- 1 (002)

Dr Lynn Khor

Consultant Cardiologist
Dr Lynn Khor is a Sydney-trained cardiologist who has completed subspecialty training in structural (valvular) heart disease at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. Her clinical interests are valvular heart disease, women’s heart health and INOCA (Ischaemia with No Obstructive Coronary Arteries) which is a condition that can cause chest pain without the usual blockages in the heart’s arteries. Dr Khor co-leads a dedicated INOCA Clinic at RPA and Concord Hospitals. She is completing her PhD in coronary microvascular function and has been part of the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand working group on vasomotor disorders since its establishment. Dr Khor is also accredited as a Level A CTCA (CT Coronary Angiography) specialist and is able to review her patients’ scans in order to provide better clinical context and more personalised care.

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 17 years. Dr. Akhunji has been providing a consultation service locally since last 12 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. Gwilym Morris

Electrophysiologist

Dr Morris is a highly experienced cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist (heart rhythm specialist) based in Newcastle, Australia. Before moving to Australia, he worked at Manchester University Foundation Trust in the UK. 

He specialises in both interventional and medical treatments for heart rhythm disorders, with a particular focus on atrial fibrillation (AF) and sport cardiology. His expertise includes performing ablations to correct heart rhythm issues and implanting pacemakers and defibrillators. Dr Morris is at the forefront of pioneering new technologies for atrial fibrillation treatment in Australia, improving both success rates and safety. He has trained cardiologists worldwide in advanced techniques, including pulsed field ablation and cryoballoon ablation. 

With additional extensive experience in advanced cardiac mapping, he tailors the best approach for each patient’s condition. As an early adopter of pulsed field ablation, Dr Morris is one of Australia’s most experienced specialists in the technique. He was also among the first to integrate it with the next-generation mapping technology, Faraview, further refining precision and outcomes in heart rhythm treatment. Further information is available on www.CardiacRhythmClinic.com.au

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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.