Building trusted relationships
Supporting high standards
team
Internationally-renowned experts
We bring together internationally renowned specialists from a variety of healthcare fields under one roof.
PhD, BSc, HUNT, PG Dip Diet (Distinction), NZRD
Leigh O'Brien
Dietitian
Doctor of Medicine 2009; FRNZCGP 2020
Dr. Sridevi Lamba
General Practitioner
MB ChB 1970 Otago; M 1974 F 1977 RACP
Dr Philip Parkin
Neurologist
BSc, HUNT, PG Dip Diet (Distinction), NZRD
Sarah Munn
dietitian
MB ChB 1991 Otago; FRACP 2000
Dr John Fink
Neurologist
MB ChB 1992 Otago; FRACP 2001
Dr Deborah Mason
Neurologist
MBChB (Otago) FRACP (Neurology) Level 3 Clinical Neurophysiology Accreditation (ANZAN)
Dr Zoe Woodward
Neurophysiologist
MB BS 2000 Manipal; FRACP 2020
Dr Vivek Thayaril
Gastroenterologist
MBChB (Otago), FRACP, PhD
Dr James Beharry
Neurophysiologist
MBChB (Otago) 1992, FRACP 2002; PhD (Sydney) 2006
Professor Catherine Stedman
Gastroenterologist
MD 2004, MRCP 2010, FRACP 2018
Dr Jan Kubovy
Gastroenterologist
MBChB (Otago), FRACP, PhD
Dr Jeffrey Jing Hieng NGU
Gastroenterologist
MB ChB, FRACP, PhD
Professor Richard Gearry
Gastroenterologist
MBChB (Otago), FRACP, PhD
Dr John Elliot
General Physician and Geriatrician
MRCP, FRACP, FRCPath, PhD
Dr Ignatius Chua
immunologist
MBChB, DTM&H, Dip Trav Med, FRACP
Dr Haur Sen (James) Yew
Infectious Diseases & Internal Medicine
BMedSc 1993, BMBS 1995, MRCP (UK) 2000, MD 2009
Dr Teresa Chalmers-Watson
Gastroenterologist
MBChB (Otago) 2000, FRACP 2009
Dr Gary Lim
Gastroenterologist
areas of expertise
- Diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, microscopic colitis)
- Coeliac disease
- Colorectal cancer surveillance
- Anaemia and gastrointestinal bleeding
- Capsule endoscopy
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
Richard is a born and bred Cantabrian having attended primary, intermediate and secondary school in Christchurch before spending three years in Dunedin at the University of Otago. His clinical training continued at the University of Otago, Christchurch before graduating MB ChB from the University of Otago in 1995. After working at Nelson hospital as a house surgeon, he undertook Physician and Gastroenterology training at Christchurch Hospital graduating with his FRACP in 2004. In 2006 he graduated with a PhD from the University of Otago and subsequently completed Fellowships with Professor Peter Gibson at Box Hill Hospital (Melbourne, Australia) and St Mark’s Hospital (London, United Kingdom).
He is currently a Professor of Medicine at the University of Otago, Christchurch and a Consultant Gastroenterologist at Christchurch Hospital. He is a Medical Advisor to Crohn's and Colitis New Zealand, Deputy Chair of the Gut Foundation and a board member of Crohn's Colitis Cure. He has previously been Medical Director of the New Zealand Nutrition Foundation. Richard is the only New Zealander to have ever been a member of the International Organisation for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.
In addition to his clinical interests, Richard is passionate about research having published over 420 scientific papers, given invited lectures nationally and internationally and undertaken clinical trials of new pharmaceuticals. He was awarded an Early Career Award for Distinction in Research by the University of Otago in 2010 and in 2015 became the youngest ever Joint Clinical Appointment to receive the Gold Medal for Research at the University of Otago, Christchurch. In 2016 he was awarded The Rowheath Trust Award and Carl Smith Medal for outstanding research performance by the University of Otago. Richard actively supervises PhD and Master's students undertaking post-graduate research in Gastroenterology and related fields.
Richard also takes an active role in teaching Medical Students, Trainee Interns, House surgeons, Registrars and General Practitioners. Richard teaches in Gastroenterology, Endoscopy and General Medicine at the University of Otago, Christchurch.
MB ChB, FRACP, PhD
Dr Richard Gearry
Gastroenterologist
areas of expertise
- Gastroscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Advanced therapeutic endoscopy
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s disease)
- Colorectal Cancer Screening
- Liver disease
- Coeliac disease
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Anaemia and gastrointestinal bleeding
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
- Barrett’s oesophagus and early oesophageal cancer
- Early gastric cancer
- Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy
Gary was born and raised in Christchurch and graduated MBChB from the University of Otago in 2000. After completing two years of Gastroenterology training in Christchurch, he completed his 3rd year of training at Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, working in the South Australian Liver Transplant Unit
In 2009 Gary completed a fellowship in advanced therapeutic endoscopy at Royal Brisbane and Women’s hospital, training in techniques such as Barrett’s oesophagus resection and ablation, GI stenting, endoscopic ultrasound, ERCP, large polyp resections and small bowel enteroscopy. Gary completed his training in these fields with a 2nd fellowship in 2010 at Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane.
Gary currently is a full-time Gastroenterologist at Christchurch Hospital and Clinical Lecturer in Medicine at the Christchurch Clinical School. He has a keen interest in endoscopic research as well as novel endoscopic techniques and is one of three New Zealand members of ANZELF (Australia New Zealand Endoscopy Leaders Forum)
Gary is a Southern Cross Affiliated Provider.
MBChB (Otago) 2000, FRACP 2009
Dr Gary Lim
Gastroenterologist
areas of expertise
- Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy
- Autoimmune liver diseases
- Viral hepatitis B and C
- Fatty liver disease
- Cirrhosis and chronic liver diseases
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Coeliac disease
- Bowel cancer surveillance and screening
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
Jeffrey graduated from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB). He completed advanced specialist training in Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Christchurch and was admitted as a fellow of Royal Australasian College of Physician (FRACP) in 2010. He underwent PhD study at the University of Otago (2010-2013) examining the epidemiology, clinical and molecular aspects of autoimmune liver diseases.
Jeffrey has received several awards for his research works and has published several significant original scientific papers. His PhD thesis was awarded ‘Thesis of Exceptional Quality’ status by the Division of Health Sciences, University of Otago (2013). Jeffrey is also a member of the International Gastrointestinal Bleeding Consortium that has published several important original research works on gastrointestinal bleeding. Jeffrey remains active in academic research in the field of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. His main research interests are in the fields of autoimmune liver diseases, viral hepatitis, fatty liver diseases, liver cancer and gastrointestinal bleeding.
After completion of his training, Jeffrey has worked as a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist in Singapore General Hospital (2013-2017). He was adjunct Assistant Professor of Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School and Clinical Lecturer of Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore during his tenure at Singapore General Hospital. He has returned to Christchurch in 2017 working as Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist at Christchurch Hospital.
Jeffrey is a skilled Endoscopist. He is a passionate clinician and academic. He is experienced in conducting medical consultation in several languages including English, Mandarin and Malay following his working experience in Singapore.
Jeffrey is an active member of several professional societies including the New Zealand Society of Gastroenterology, the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and the European Association for the Study of the Liver.
Jeffrey is a Southern Cross Affiliated Provider.
MBChB (Otago), FRACP, PhD
Dr Jeffrey Jing Hieng Ngu
Gastroenterologist
areas of expertise
- Hepatology (liver disease)
- Diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy- (gastroscopy and colonoscopy)
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Coeliac disease
- Anaemia and gastrointestinal bleeding
- Bowel cancer surveillance and screening
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
Catherine is a specialist Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist at Christchurch Hospital, and Clinical Professor of Medicine for the University of Otago. She studied medicine at the University of Otago and completed medical specialist training (FRACP) in several specialties including gastroenterology, hepatology and clinical pharmacology in Christchurch. She completed PhD studies at the University of Sydney, Australia , and was involved in research at the Salk Institute (California), worked for an Asia Pacific Drug Safety and Surveillance Centre, and undertook a clinical fellowship including both liver and endoscopy clinics at Westmead Hospital in Sydney.
Catherine is the first New Zealand female gastroenterologist ever to be promoted to Professor of Medicine in recognition of her research, teaching and service contributions. She has undertaken world leading research in the area of hepatology (liver disease), with key roles in the development of effective oral antiviral drugs for hepatitis C, as well as research in autoimmune liver diseases. She also convenes 4thyear medical student teaching at the University of Otago Christchurch.
Major leadership roles have also included being President of the New Zealand Society of Gastroenterology and the first female Clinical Director of Gastroenterology at Christchurch Hospital from 2020 to 2025. She is actively involved in many specialist societies, including the New Zealand Society of Gastroenterology and the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. She regularly contributes papers and speaks at conferences, and is a member of the Pharmac Gastrointestinal Advisory Committee .
Catherine is involved in clinical trials of new pharmaceuticals and is passionate about providing excellence in all aspects of patient care.
Catherine is a Southern Cross Affiliated Provider.
MBChB (Otago) 1992, FRACP 2002; PhD (Sydney) 2006
Professor Catherine Stedman
Gastroenterologist
areas of expertise
- Gastroscopy and colonoscopy
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease)
- Colorectal Cancer Screening and Surveillance
- Anaemia and Gastrointestinal Bleeding
- Coeliac Disease
- Liver disease
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
Teresa is a Consultant Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist at Christchurch Hospital and a Clinical Lecturer for the University of Otago. She was born & raised in Edinburgh, graduated from the University of Nottingham and then underwent Specialty Training in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine in London, UK.
She previously worked in the Royal Free Hospital Liver Unit and the Royal London and St Bartholomew’s Hospital, where she was involved in research and training as a clinical fellow. She completed her doctoral studies at University College London in the Aetiology of Crohn’s disease before moving to Christchurch in 2005 with her husband and has subsequently had 3 proud Kiwi children.
Teresa is passionate about improving gastrointestinal health in New Zealand and particularly reducing the high rates of colorectal cancer. She is the Clinical Lead for the National Bowel Screening Programme in Waitaha, Canterbury, since 2020 and Te Waipounamu since 2025. She is also a Medical Advisor to the New Zealand Familial GI Cancer Service and has been an active member of the New Zealand National Bowel Cancer Working Group since 2012 which aims to improve the prevention, screening and the treatment of colorectal cancer across New Zealand.
Teresa continues to be actively involved in research and teaching of medical students, junior doctors and GPs and is a member of several professional societies, including the British Society of Gastroenterology and the International Society of Gastrointestinal Hereditary Tumours.
BMedSc 1993, BMBS 1995, MRCP (UK) 2000, MD 2009
Dr Teresa Chalmers-Watson
Gastroenterologist
areas of expertise
- Diagnostic gastroscopy and colonoscopy
- Polyp and bowel cancer surveillance
- Advanced therapeutic endoscopy
- National Bowel Cancer Screening Program endoscopist
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome/Functional gut disorder
- Liver disease
- Coeliac disease
- Iron deficiency anaemia
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
- Helicobacter pylori
- Capsule endoscopy
Jan is born and bred in Prague, where he graduated in 2004 from the renown Charles University. He has spent his junior physician years in Prague and subsequently UK. During this time, he also undertook postgraduate studies at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, opening doors to medical volunteering overseas. He eventually grew disenchanted with NHS and relocated to New Zealand in 2011, completing specialist gastroenterologist training in 2018. He went onto clinical fellowships in Auckland,
Christchurch and eventually in eminent overseas centres in Amsterdam and Portsmouth (UK). Since 2021, Jan works full time as a consultant gastroenterologist in Christchurch Hospital, where he is also actively involved in research and teaching as a senior clinical lecturer.
MD 2004, MRCP 2010, FRACP 2018
Dr Jan Kubovy
Gastroenterologist
areas of expertise
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Ulcerative Colitis & Crohn’s Disease)
- Gastroscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Bowel Cancer Surveillance
- Colorectal Polyp Resection
- Coeliac Disease
- Liver Disease
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome/Functional Gut Disorder
- Iron Deficiency Anaemia
- Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease
Vivek is a consultant gastroenterologist at Christchurch Hospital with special interest in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Originally from India, Vivek moved to
New Zealand in 2011 after spending a few years at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester doing molecular research in Gastroenterology. After doing his General Medicine training in Wellington, he then went on to do his advanced training in Gastroenterology before returning to the Mayo Clinic for an Inflammatory Bowel Disease fellowship.
Upon his return to New Zealand, he moved to Christchurch to join the gastroenterology team at Christchurch Hospital. He is actively involved in teaching students at University of Otago and runs IBD clinical trials at Christchurch Hospital. Outside of work, Vivek enjoys spending time with his family, gardening and maintaining his marine aquarium.
Vivek is a Southern Cross Affiliated Provider.
MD 2004, MRCP 2010, FRACP 2018
Dr Vivek Thayaril
Gastroenterologist
BIo
Services offered
Consultations in Infectious Diseases and Internal Medicine.
James grew up in Malaysia and came to live in New Zealand in the 1990s. After obtaining his medical degree with Otago University, he completed his Infectious Diseases and Internal Medicine specialist training while working in Dunedin Hospital and Christchurch Hospital. He subsequently worked as a consultant physician at Mackay Base Hospital, Queensland (Australia) and then the Communicable Disease Centre of Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore. He returned to Christchurch in 2018 with his family and is now settled here.
MBChB, DTM&H, Dip Trav Med, FRACP
Dr Haur Sen (James) YEW
Infectious Diseases and Internal Medicine
James is a Neurologist with subspecialty training in Neurophysiology, Neuroimmunology and Stroke. He graduated from the University of Auckland Medical School in 2013 and completed his initial Neurology training at Christchurch Public Hospital. He completed a Stroke Fellowship at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, followed by further fellowship training in Neurophysiology and Neuroimmunology at the Austin Hospital in Melbourne.
James also practices as a Consultant Neurologist at Christchurch Hospital and is actively involved in academic research.
MBChB (Auckland) - 2013
FRACP (Neurology) - 2021
Level 3 Clinical Neurophysiology Accreditation (ANZAN) - 2023
Dr James Beharry
Neurophysiologist
Zoe is a Neurologist and Clinical Neurophysiologist. After graduating from Otago University Medical School she undertook Physician and Neurology training in Christchurch, Auckland, Melbourne and Darwin. Zoe completed a Fellowship in Neurophysiology and Neuroimmunology at Austin Health, Melbourne, and gained ANZAN accreditation in Clinical Neurophysiology in 2018.
Zoe practices as a Consultant Neurologist at Christchurch Public Hospital where she is supervisor of training in Peripheral Neurophysiology.
MBChB (Otago) - 2006
FRACP (Neurology) - 2018
Level 3 Clinical Neurophysiology Accreditation (ANZAN) - 2018
Dr Zoe Woodward
Neurophysiologist
Conditions declined as no effective test/treatment I can offer
- Chronic pain Or Chronic fatigue Or Chronic abdominal symptoms
- Patient labelled with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Mast cell activation syndrome as it is an arbitrary label with broad criteria and easy to qualify in patients with chronic fatigue, POTS and EDS
- Allergy screening should not be performed if there is no acute specific trigger
- Eczema is a skin barrier condition best managed by dermatology
- Post vaccination adverse effects
- Immunotherapy to bee or wasp venom is only performed in the public hospital
Typical conditions accepted for management
- Allergic rhinitis for consideration of allergy immunotherapy
- Chronic Urticaria/Angioedema not responding to high dose cetirizine/loratadine
- Assessment for low risk penicillin allergy or tolerance
- Assessment for low risk milk/egg/nut allergy or tolerance
- Acute systemic reactions after food
- Unexplained fever/raised inflammatory markers/ raised globulins
- Chest infection with low globulins
- Polymyalgia and inflammatory arthritis
Dr Ignatius Chua has been a Consultant Immunologist and Immunopathologist based at Christchurch Hospital since 2015. His clinical service manages adult allergic and immunodeficiency conditions with patients coming across the South Island of NZ.
Current chief investigator for CIRCA NZ: Investigation and Research of Patients with Immune Dysfunction. Chair of the NZ Clinical Immunology and Allergy group from 2021-2023.
MRCP, FRACP, FRCPath, PhD
Dr Ignatius Chua
Immunologist
Dr Deborah Mason is a neurologist with a subspecialty interest in neuro-inflammatory disorders and multiple sclerosis. Dr Mason did her general neurology training in Auckland then completed a year in London, England on an Australasian travelling fellowship before completing a further two-year fellowship in multiple sclerosis at the University Hospital in London, Ontario Canada.
Dr Mason is a consultant neurologist at Christchurch Hospital and a clinical senior lecturer at the University of Otago medical school. Her general neurology interests include epilepsy, Parkinsons, vascular disease, motor neuron disease as well as muscle and nerve disorders and migraine. Dr Mason is also the principal investigator for a number of neurology trials done in collaboration with New Zealand Clinical Research.
MB ChB 1992 Otago; FRACP 2001
Dr Deborah Mason
Neurologist
I am a Consultant Neurologist with 25 years experience as a specialist in Christchurch. I graduated from Otago Medical School in 1991 and trained in Neurology in Christchurch and Auckland before completing a research fellowship in Cerebrovascular Neurology in Boston, USA in 2001. I returned to Christchurch in 2001 as a Consultant Neurologist and am now the Clinical Director of the Department of Neurology at Christchurch Hospital. I have been in private practice in Christchurch since 2006 and at Stewart Street from
2014.
I have a broad experience and expertise in diagnosis and management in general neurology including stroke and cerebrovascular disease, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and other gait disorders, MS, peripheral neuropathy and other sensory disorders, headache and functional neurological disorders.
My goal is always to provide expert patient-centred care and to empower colleagues in General Practice with ongoing management of neurology patients in primary care when appropriate.
MB ChB 1991 Otago; FRACP 2000
Dr John Fink
Neurologist
- Bone clinic, managing patients with metabolic bone disease especially osteoporosis and interpretation of bone density scans.
- Older persons health with a particular interest in neurodegenerative disease
- 20 years in General medicine Christchurch Hospital.
areas of work
Specialist physician with particular interests in
- Management of osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease
- Older persons health
- General medicine
MB ChB FRACP
Dr John Elliot
General Physician and Geriatrician
Weight and metabolic health
Women's health
Adult gastroenterology
Sarah has a postgraduate Diploma of Dietetics (Distinction), University of Otago (1999) and a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition, University of Otago.
Sarah is a New Zealand Registered Dietitian and Prescriber Member, a New Zealand Dietitians Gastroenterology Special Interest Group
Member, and is a member of New Zealand Dietitians Women's Health Special Interest Group.
Sarah believes good nutrition should help you feel better and improve your health without being restrictive or complicated. She delivers personalised, practical advice in a down-to-earth and professional manner.
BSc, HUNT, PG Dip Diet (Distinction), NZRD
Sarah Munn
dietitian
Dr. Sridevi Lamba is a general practitioner with extensive clinical experience across New Zealand and Australia. She holds Fellowships with both the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (FRNZCGP) and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP). Dr. Lamba has a special interest in obesity medicine, underpinned by the World Obesity Federation's SCOPE Obesity Certification and a Postgraduate Diploma in Obesity Medicine.
Doctor of Medicine 2009; FRNZCGP 2020
Dr. Sridevi Lamba
General Practitioner
Specialist clinical interests
- Adult gastroenterology, including constipation, diarrhoea and bloating
- Disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI), including IBS
- Diverticular disease
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
- Nutrition in hEDS, MCAS and POTS
- Complex gastrointestinal symptoms and dietary restriction
- Nutrition for older adults
- Nutrition support for people with dementia and Parkinson’s disease
Professional memberships and roles
- New Zealand Registered Dietitian and Prescriber
- Member, Dietitians New Zealand Gastroenterology Special Interest Group
- Member, EDS New Zealand Clinical Advisory Panel
- Member, Ehlers-Danlos Society CORE Network of Excellence – Aotearoa Network
Training and experience
- PhD, University of Otago (2024)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics (Distinction), University of Otago (2003)
- Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition, University of Otago
- Research Fellow, University of Auckland
Leigh is a New Zealand Registered Dietitian with extensive experience in gastrointestinal nutrition and nutrition for older adults. She specialises in developing individualised, evidence-based nutrition strategies to optimise nutritional status, manage gastrointestinal symptoms and support overall health and quality of life.
She has a particular clinical interest in gastrointestinal disorders, including disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI), such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Leigh also enjoys working with people who have hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), particularly where these conditions are associated with complex gastrointestinal and nutritional challenges. Leigh is committed to providing evidence-based, individualised nutrition care, helping people navigate complex gastrointestinal and nutritional challenges while supporting long-term health, independence and quality of life.
Leigh is committed to providing evidence-based, individualised nutrition care, helping people navigate complex gastrointestinal and nutritional challenges while supporting long-term health, independence and quality of life.
PhD, BSc, HUNT, PG Dip Diet (Distinction), NZRD
Dr Leigh O’Brien
Dietitian
Phil is a consultant neurologist whose practice covers the full breadth of the specialty. He is an Otago Medical School graduate who commenced his Neurology training in Auckland, before undertaking more specialised training at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London.
He then returned to take up a consultant neurologist position at Christchurch Hospital and was head of the department for 20 years before then choosing to practice exclusively in the private sector.
MB ChB 1970 Otago; M 1974 F 1977 RACP
Dr Philip Parkin
Neurologist
Ask your GP to refer you to one of our specialists, or contact us to discuss your options and arrange a consultation.
Our specialists are leading experts in their fields. We’re Involved in research, education, public, private and community care. We work across Christchurch Hospital, Southern Endoscopy Centre, and our own clinic, Stewart Street Specialists.
