Our people

Amy is the Pelvic Health Physiotherapist at Jean Hailes for Women’s Health. Amy works closely with the other health professionals at Jean Hailes and external referrers to ensure your care is comprehensive and managed as part of a team approach.

Amy has worked in the area of women’s health and continence for over 30 years. Amy worked for 17 years at The Mercy Hospital for Women and was involved in direct patient care and clinical research in gynaecology, urogynecology and obstetrics. At the Mercy Hospital Amy was an Advanced Practice Physiotherapist in the Urogynaecology Unit.

Amy has been involved in research investigating transcutaneous tibial and sacral nerve stimulation for treatment of overactive bladder. Amy uses this treatment with appropriate patients in her clinic. Her other research involvement has been the role of physiotherapy management before and after Botox to the pelvic floor muscles.

Amy enjoys teaching undergraduate physiotherapy students and is also involved in tutoring on the Masters of Pelvic Health, and the Post Graduate Pelvic Floor and Continence courses at The University of Melbourne.

Special interests
Amy has special interests in persistent pelvic pain, endometriosis, bladder pain, voiding dysfunction, urinary and faecal incontinence, overactive bladder, pelvic organ prolapse management, vulval pain, sexual pain, as well as pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation during the pregnancy/postnatal period, perimenopause/menopause and older age. Amy fits vaginal pessaries for pelvic organ prolapse.

Associate Professor Pav is an Advanced Minimally Invasive Gynaecological Surgeon with specialisation in endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts, laparoscopic transabdominal cerclage, abnormal uterine bleeding and complex hysterectomy using laparoscopic and robotic approaches.

Pav acquired her medical degree at Monash University, Melbourne which included an honours year in research as a RANZCOG Research Foundation Scholar. She undertook her internship and residency at The Alfred Hospital prior to her Obstetrics and Gynaecology training at The Royal Women’s Hospital. Pav completed a 2.5 year AGES-accredited fellowship in advanced minimally invasive surgery at Epworth Hospital.

Pav works through Jean Hailes Women’s Health and operates at Epworth Freemasons. She is also one of the consultant surgeons with the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Unit and a Clinical Lead of the Ambulatory Gynaecology Unit at The Royal Women’s Hospital. She is a RANZCOG training supervisor and has received national awards for her work in mentorship, wellbeing, teaching and research.

Pav is passionate about Women’s Health and is a founder of “The Birth Bundle Project”, an initiative providing medical supplies to hospitals in developing countries. She is a strong believer in the value of education, both of future and current medical practitioners, and also in empowering her patients to make informed decisions. Pav has facilitated health professional courses, developed simulation programs, created online educational tools and is actively involved in media engagement as a platform to improve health literacy.

In her spare time, Pav loves cooking, travelling, hiking and going on adventures with her three wonderful children.

Make an appointment
To make an appointment, please call us. If you’re a new patient, you’ll need a referral.

Dr Amanda Newman is a specialist women’s health general practitioner (GP) at Jean Hailes Clinic in the Melbourne CBD.

Amanda is a general practitioner with many years’ experience working with women at Jean Hailes. She aims to help women clarify their knowledge of their health issues and prioritise their concerns, paying attention to the impact of their home and work environment on their health conditions.

When she’s not at work, Amanda practices yoga, sails, and climbs small hills. She stays connected with friends and spends time with her husband, adult children, and young grandchildren.

Dr. Ann Watt is a compassionate healthcare professional with over 30 years of experience in women’s sexual health. She has worked at Family Planning Victoria, the Royal Women’s Hospital, and a Community Health Centre specialising in endometriosis. Dr. Watt is a member of the Australian Menopause Society, the Pelvic Pain Foundation, and the Medical Acupuncture College.

Specialising in laser acupuncture, she effectively treats pelvic pain and other conditions with a holistic approach. Dr. Watt also helps patients with weight loss through an evidence-based lifestyle approach, supported by weight loss medications when needed.

She holds certification with SCOPE in obesity management and is a member of NACOS. Additionally, Dr. Watt has training in very low energy ketogenic diets, low carb Mediterranean diets, and Health Management Coaching. Ann runs a dedicated weight loss clinic on alternate Fridays.

Her focus is on providing personalised, non-judgmental care to help patients reach their health goals.

Dr Anne Connell is a specialist women’s health GP at the Jean Hailes Melbourne CBD clinic and an active member of the Australian Menopause Society (AMS).

Anne’s professional passions lie in women’s health and skin cancer – two areas that often intersect in the management of vulval conditions. She is proud to be part of the dedicated vulval clinic team at Jean Hailes.

She is also able to offer support in the broader area of menopause management and to provide contraceptive options, including the insertion of IUDs (Mirena, Kyleena, copper) and Implanon devices.

Anne brings an attentive ear, a discerning eye, and a respectful, compassionate approach to every consultation. She firmly believes that women deserve to feel comfortable and confident in their own bodies at every stage of life.

Originally from Scotland, Anne completed her medical training there before settling in Melbourne in 2008. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active, playing guitar, and reading. She also cheerfully manages the men in her life – her husband and two adult sons. Her happy place is on a bicycle in rural France or Italy.

Dr Bridget Dickenson offers a range of services such as contraception advice, pregnancy planning, menopause management and IUD insertion.

Dr Dickenson aims to provide thorough and thoughtful care, addressing the unique health needs of each patient. She is dedicated to preventive health measures, striving to maintain and improve overall patient wellness through early detection and health education.

Dr Bridie Mee is a specialist women’s health general practitioner (GP) at Jean Hailes in Melbourne CBD.

Bridie is excited to be joining the vulval clinic team and feels very passionately about providing thorough and collaborative care for vulvovaginal concerns. She has a broad background and enjoys all aspects of women’s health including sexual health, pregnancy management, contraception, menstrual management, hormonal concerns and peri/menopause.

Bridie graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2010 and trained as a GP with special interest in women’s health, working previously at the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre and obtaining her Diploma of Obstetrics and Gynaecology while working at the Royal Women’s Hospital.

Outside work, Bridie enjoys exploring nature with family, playing in orchestras and catching the local gig scene.

Dr Cely Goeltom is a Specialist Women’s Health GP, at Jean Hailes Clinic in the Melbourne CBD. She has over 30 years’ experience in Women’s Health.

She has expertise across all aspects of women’s health and has a particular interest in:

• menopause and perimenopause
• menstrual problems
• pelvic and vulval problems
• polycystic ovary syndrome (pcos)
• sexual health.

She also a mentor and examiner for Women’s Health subject at Monash University. She speaks fluent Indonesian.

When not at work Dr Cely enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren. Her other hobbies include travelling and involvement in community work.

Elizabeth is a gynaecologist at Jean Hailes for Women’s Health Melbourne CBD clinic.

As a founder of Jean Hailes, it has been important to Elizabeth to continue Jean Hailes’ legacy. She believes the power of Jean Hailes for Women’s Health is its multidisciplinary structure.

Elizabeth worked at Queen Victoria Hospital and Prince Henry’s Hospital, which merged in 1987 to form the Monash Medical Centre. There, she was appointed Head of the Menopause Unit. Elizabeth served patients for more than 30 years across the three organisations. She now consults at Jean Hailes in Melbourne CBD and also at a monthly clinic at the Foster and Toora Medical Centre, Foster.

Elizabeth enjoys being a role model for younger professional women, encouraging them to find a passion in their work and provide healthcare and education for our community. She finds working with women a profound privilege.

Elizabeth visits Mongolia each year with a multidisciplinary group of health professionals to teach, give lectures and provide clinical services, including surgery. The group has established a fellowship funded by Epworth Freemasons to bring two doctors from Mongolia to Australia for three months each year. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health provides clinical attachments across our disciplines. In 2018 Elizabeth was appointed Visiting Professor, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences.

In 2009, Elizabeth was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for service to medicine in the field of women’s health, particularly obstetrics and gynaecology.

Dr Emily Clarke completed her medical degree at Monash University in 2012 and then moved to Victoria’s north east to undertake training in General Practice. Emily worked as a GP in a variety of roles, including family medicine, remote rural practice, indigenous health, student health and addiction medicine. Emily has a Master of Medicine in Sexual and Reproductive Health and is currently retraining to be a Sexual Health Physician.

Emily believes in unhurried and judgement-free consultations. She is passionate about empowering women to achieve their health-related goals through education and joint decision making.

Emily is particularly interested in assisting people with:

• contraception
• IUD insertion/removal
• Implanon insertion/removal
• sexual function, including painful sex
• vulval conditions
• recurrent vaginal discharge
• menstrual problems
• medical abortion
• sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as HIV management and prevention (PEP and PrEP), syphilis, herpes, genital warts etc
• chronic hepatitis B/C.

Dr Gela is a Procedural General Practitioner with over 15 years of experience, focusing on women’s health. She’s particularly interested in managing:

• menopause/perimenopause
• menstrual problems
• sexual health
• mood disorders related to menstrual cycles/PMDD
• polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• pelvic pain/endometriosis
• pregnancy options counselling
• contraception (including IUD and Implanon insertions)
• colposcopy.

Dr Gela is committed to a holistic approach, valuing shared decision-making to achieve the best outcomes for each individual patient.

When not at work, Dr Gela enjoys spending time with her young family and practicing solfege.

Dr Gemma Pasco is a Women’s Health General Practitioner (GP) at Jean Hailes Melbourne CBD clinic.

Judith has been a general practitioner for many years, and her primary interest is in all aspects of women’s health. She enjoys helping women of all ages to understand their bodies and how to maintain their optimum health.

When a woman has a health concern, Judith sees her role as helping to define the nature or cause of that concern and then assisting each woman to make an informed decision about how best to manage that concern.

Dr Karina Severin is a specialist women’s health general practitioner (GP) at Jean Hailes in Melbourne CBD.

Karina graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2004 and trained as GP with a special interest in sexual and reproductive health. She has worked in Western Australia, Papua New Guinea and London, UK before returning to Melbourne. She holds a Diploma of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and a Masters of Public Health.

Karina inserts and removes IUDs (Mirena/Kyleena and copper) and Implanon, and can advise and prescribe other methods of contraception. She also has a special interest in sexual health and sexual difficulties including pain, libido, relationship issues and recovery from unwanted sexual experiences.

Karina has expertise across a broad range of general women’s health issues including vulval and vaginal complaints, menstrual problems, PCOS, pelvic pain and perimenopause/menopause. As a GP she likes to take a holistic approach to explore all the factors that may be contributing to chronic and complex problems.

Karina is a mum to two young boys and enjoys hiking and being outside in green spaces.

Dr Kate Rassie is an endocrinologist at Jean Hailes Clinic in Melbourne, with a subspecialty interest in women’s hormonal health. She believes in medicine that is evidence-based and holistic, acknowledging social and psychological complexity.

Kate graduated from the University of Auckland in 2012 and completed her physician training in Auckland and Melbourne. Dr Kate is currently undertaking PhD studies at Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI), Monash University. She also works clinically as a consultant endocrinologist in the diabetes unit at Monash Health.

Kate focuses on treating disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome, menopause and perimenopause, premature ovarian insufficiency, hypothalamic amenorrhoea, premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, thyroid conditions and obesity/weight management.

In the spare time that Kate has, she loves reading, cooking, hiking, running and Pilates, and is a mother to a very energetic toddler.

Dr Katie Weatherhead is a specialist women’s health GP at Jean Hailes Melbourne CBD clinic.

She is an experienced GP who enjoys looking after women of all ages and stages of life and is passionate about holistic, patient-centred care and empowering women with knowledge to informed decisions about their own health and wellbeing.

As well as all aspects of women’s health, Katie has particular interest in managing menstrual disorders, contraception and menopausal health.

Dr Lucy Donovan is a passionate Sexual Health Physician working at Jean Hailes Melbourne clinic.

Dr Donovan completed a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Adelaide in 2012. She subsequently completed a Master of Public Health and Tropical Medicine at James Cook University. She has completed her post graduate training as a Sexual Health Physician in Victoria’s leading sexual health centres; Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Sexual Health Victoria (formerly Family Planning Victoria), Prahran Market Clinic and Marie Stopes International.

In addition to private practice at Jean Hailes clinic, Dr Donovan is a teaching associate for Monash University where she lectures medical students in sexual health.

Dr Donovan has particular interests in caring for people with:

• HIV
• HIV prevention strategies (PrEP and PEP)
• syphilis
• STIs
• herpes
• chronic hepatitis B/C
• recurrent vaginal discharge (thrush and bacterial vaginosis)
• vulval pain (vulvodynia)
• contraceptive needs
• IUD insertion/removal
• Implanon insertion/removal
• painful periods.

Dr Lynda is a warm and passionate specialist general practitioner who enjoys working with people of all ages, genders and backgrounds. She offers whole person care with a weight-neutral, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive lens.

Dr Lynda is an experienced women’s health / sexual and reproductive health practitioner. She is excited to be working at Jean Hailes where she can meet and care for a diverse range of patients. She is experienced at managing early medical abortion care, menstrual problems, pelvic pain, perimenopause and menopause. As a GP psychotherapist Dr Lynda has a keen interest in managing PCOS and PMDD, with many of her patients presenting with these diagnoses in the context of neurodiversity / ADHD. She offers consultations for contraception as well – including Implanon / IUD insertion and removals.

Dr Lynda is fascinated by how peoples’ stories, and those of their loved ones, shape who they are and how they arrive to each moment of their lives. She tries to find out about her patients’ stories, not just their medical problems.

Outside of work Dr Lynda cares for her young family, makes time for joyful movement / exercise and also enjoys cultural experiences in Melbourne. Dr Lynda feels very lucky to be able to indulge in her own culture in the city, while exploring all the fascinating cultures and delicious foods that make up Melbourne – including of course that of the Kulin Nations peoples, the Traditional Custodians of our wonderful city and surrounds.

Dr Marlo Roberts is a specialist women’s health general practitioner (GP) at Jean Hailes Melbourne CBD clinic.

Dr Marlo Roberts studied postgraduate medicine at the University of Queensland, graduating in 2008. She completed General Practice training in Melbourne and gained Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners in 2013. Marlo also has a Diploma in Child Health (DCH) from University of Sydney, and is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

Marlo is an experienced General Practitioner with a longstanding focus on women’s health. She is dedicated to caring for women through all life stages, including menstrual disorders, preconception and postpartum care, and menopause. Marlo believes in a holistic approach, taking the time to understand her patients’ unique health needs and empowering them to be their best selves.

Outside of medicine, Marlo enjoys spending time with her family, getting lost in a good book, and cooking delicious food to share with loved ones.

Dr Melanie Hemsley is an experienced GP who is passionate about assisting women to enjoy good health through the life stages and life transitions.

Melanie holds a Diploma of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and has undertaken additional training in sexual health and reproductive medicine. Melanie is trained in Mirena/Kyleena IUD and Implanon insertions.

When not at Jean Hailes or in her own private practice, Melanie is likely to be found planning her next family holiday.

Natasha is Specialist Women’s Health General Practitioner (GP) with extensive experience. She has worked at the Jean Hailes clinic since 2016 and also works at the Epworth Freemasons Breast Clinic.

Natasha speaks English and Croatian. She has expertise across a broad range of general women’s health issues of any age groups, especially in perimenopause/menopause. She likes to take a holistic approach to self-care, educating and helping women achieve their best health.

Natasha is also a medical acupuncturist, an educator, mentor and examiner for acupuncture training for medical doctors in Australia. Acupuncture is a helpful tool for multiple women’s health conditions and can be combined with any medication or treatments.

When not at work, Natasha enjoys spending time with grandchildren, baking and crafting, and traveling.

Dr Penny Hundt is a GP with a strong commitment to Women’s Health.

She graduated from Melbourne University in 2001, before undertaking 4 years of residency at St Vincents and Geelong Hospitals. In 2005, she attained a Diploma of Obstetrics and Gynaecology before undertaking specialist General Practice training in Melbourne. She has nearly 20 years of experience in General Practice in Australia and Canada.

Penny joined Jean Hailes in 2022. Her areas of expertise include; menopause, mental health, obesity, PCOS, painful periods, contraception, preconception, antenatal and postnatal care. She also works casually in antenatal care at the Mercy Hospital and also at the Epworth Breast Clinic. Penny inserts and removes implanon and mirenas.

Outside of work and caring for her husband, 3 teenage children and cavoodle, Penny enjoys pilates, theatre, tennis and swimming.

Dr Ruth Spencer is a specialist women’s health GP at Jean Hailes Melbourne CBD clinic.

She is passionate about all aspects of women’s health, and has specialist interests in menstrual problems, vulval conditions and in supporting women through the menopause transition.

Ruth is originally from England and lives rurally with her husband and young family.

Please note Dr Davison is not accepting any new patients at this time.

Dr Sonia Davison is an endocrinologist at the Jean Hailes Medical Centre and her interests include gynaecological and general endocrinology.

She is also a Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Women’s Health Research Program, Monash University where her research focus is on women’s health which includes health issues at mid-life and beyond.

Dr Davison completed her PhD in the Department of Biochemistry, Monash University in 2006. Her PhD and postdoctoral research examined sex steroid physiology in women, including measurement of androgens and their relationships with age, mood, sexual function and cognition.

Dr Davison was awarded the 2007 Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation Fellowship in conjunction with the Research and Education Foundation of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, to further her research. Dr Davison has presented her research nationally and internationally.

Dr Davison is the Past-President of the Australasian Menopause Society (AMS).

Dr Tanja Bohl is a dermatologist who works at Jean Hailes clinic where she is part of the specialist vulval clinic. She also works in private practice in Gippsland in Victoria.

She is Immediate Past President of the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease, and Past President Australian and New Zealand Vulvovaginal Society (ANZVS).

Dr Tina Amies is an experienced GP who has held senior clinical positions in various organisations specialising in sexual and reproductive health.

Dr Amies graduated with Honours in Medicine from the University of Queensland and has postgraduate qualifications in Women’s Health. She has previously held the position of Statewide Medical Officer at True (Family Planning Queensland). Most recently Tina was appointed to a consultant equivalent position at QE 2 Hospital in Brisbane.

She is an experienced colposcopist and has an interest in helping women with abnormal cervical screening results and abnormal menstrual bleeding. In her previous role Tina has mentored GPs, medical students and junior doctors. She is an experienced IUD and Implanon NXT inserter having previously trained GPs in both procedures.

Dr Tina Sutton is a women’s health general practitioner (GP) at Jean Hailes in Melbourne CBD.

Tina graduated from Flinders University in 2000. She is an attentive doctor, with longstanding interests in women’s health, sexual health and preventative medicine.

Tina enjoys helping to educate women so they can make informed decisions about their medical care. She has particular interests in:

• menopause/perimenopause
• menstrual contraception
• pregnancy planning
• PCOS
• endometriosis, pelvic pain, premature ovarian insufficiency and breast health.

Dr Yvonne Chow is an endocrinologist who manages a diverse range of endocrine diseases including type 1/type 2/gestational diabetes, thyroid conditions, osteoporosis, adrenal and pituitary disease.

She has a special interest in women’s health and is passionate about treating women with polycystic ovary syndrome, menopausal symptoms and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Yvonne graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2009 and completed her medical training at the Austin, Western and Alfred hospitals. She has a clinical appointment at Western Health and is the clinical lead of the Young Adults Diabetes Service at Sunshine Hospital. Yvonne is actively involved in teaching and is a tutor for the MD program at the University of Melbourne.

Helen Luntz is an experienced Counselling Psychologist and Clinical Family Therapist and works collaboratively within the Jean Hailes Clinical Team in Women’s Health.

In a collaborative and consultative style, Helen draws on a variety of therapeutic approaches to suit your situation, with the use of evidence-based practices, which may include Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Family Systems, Narrative Therapy and other approaches. She offers sessions by telehealth video-link.

Helen’s special focus may include:

• women across the lifespan 18+, all ages
• relationship issues
• vulvodynia and dyspareunia
• anxiety and stress
• low mood and depression
• grief and loss
• adjusting to illness
• adjusting to change
• managing family relationships and couple issues
• women’s health, including PCOS, endometriosis, menopause, perimenopause, illness, cancer
• life transitions and change
• parenting support.

Medicare rebates or private health rebates may apply to assist with the costs of the consultation.

Please note, Professor Ebeling is not accepting new patients at this time.

Professor Peter Ebeling is an Endocrinologist at Jean Hailes Melbourne CBD clinic.

Sandra Villella is a naturopath and herbalist who has been in practice for more than 25 years.

She is keen to bridge the gap between natural therapies and conventional medicine to achieve true complementary health and has enjoyed working collaboratively with the other health care professionals as part of the Jean Health team since 1999. She uses herbal medicine, as well as nutritional supplements and dietary advice in her practice.

Sandra’s interest is women’s health, across the life stages, particularly in the management of PMS/PMDD, PCOS and menopause. Sandra also consults as part of the team in the persistent pelvic pain clinic.

Sandra is driven by a desire to make a difference, particularly encouraging women to make positive changes with nutrition and lifestyle and this is exemplified in the recipes she creates for the Jean Hailes kitchen, with the educational messages accompanying the “simple nutritious, and delicious” recipes.

As a dedicated general psychologist, Vicki is committed to fostering a therapeutic atmosphere that is warm, collaborative, and free of judgment. Her areas of interest include women’s pain, particularly focusing on pelvic pain, perimenopause, and menopause-related challenges, anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues.

With a compassionate and empathetic approach, Vicki aims to create a safe and supportive environment where women feel empowered to discuss their concerns openly. In supporting women through the transitions of perimenopause and menopause, recognising the profound impact these life stages can have on women’s mental health and overall quality of life. Her therapeutic interventions are informed by evidence-based practices and tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual she works with.

In addition to her passion in women’s health, Vicki is also deeply committed to understanding and supporting neurodiverse individuals. She recognizes the unique challenges that neurodiversity can present in the context of women’s health and is dedicated to providing inclusive and affirming care to all of her clients, regardless of neurodevelopmental differences. Beyond her clinical practice, Vicki is a vocal advocate for women’s health issues and neurodiversity awareness, actively promoting inclusivity and understanding in her community.