REHABILITATON PHYSICIANS
DR SAUL GEFFEN
Founder & Director
Rehabilitation Physician BM,BS (Flin) FRACGP, FAFRM (RACP) Senior Lecture, School of Medicine, University of Queensland VMO at Mater South Brisbane, Mater Mackay & Canossa Private Hospital Director of Rehabilitation at Canossa Private Hospital Director of Queensland Rehabilitation Specialists Director of Brisbane Pain Rehabilitation Services (BPRS) Director of Brisbane Hypertonicity Clinic General Medical Assessment Tribunal Member Dr Geffen is an experienced Rehabilitation Physician renowned for his expertise in treating neck pain, migraines, and chronic teeth grinding. His passion lies in understanding and addressing abnormal muscle activity associated with conditions like stroke, cerebral palsy, and brain and spinal injuries. With his specialised knowledge and skills, Dr Geffen offers effective medical interventions to help patients regain function and improve their quality of life. Committed to providing personalised care, he works closely with patients to develop tailored treatment plans that meet their unique needs. Dr Geffen's Clinics: Fairfield Rooms Queensland Radiology Specialists West End - Fortnightly Availability: Dr Geffen is currently acting on a case by case basis and is accepting new referrals through a triage process, to ensure he is the correct professional to cover patients care. Dr Geffen occasionally participates in Medicolegal/ Independent Medical Examinations, as per our triage process. Contact our rooms for more information. |
DR MOSTYN YONG
Rehabilitation Physician
MB ChB (UK), M Eng (Research), FAFRM (RACP) As a Fellow of the Australasian Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine (AFRM), I am deeply honoured to join Queensland Rehabilitation Specialists. By God's grace, the formative years of my training have enriched me with wide ranging and comprehensive clinical experiences and research in the field of Rehabilitation Medicine and Orthopaedic Surgery. The challenges and joys of providing medical oversight for hospital inpatient's needs as well as addressing psycho-social needs of patients, carers and families through education and counselling and spiritual faith-based care is immensely rewarding. My special areas of interest include musculoskeletal rehabilitation, complex neurological conditions including the management of spasticity involving botulinum toxin and baclofen pump management, and reconditioning and optimization of lifestyle for older patients with chronic health conditions. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and participating in sporting activities. Clinics: Wednesday's, Thursday's and Friday's consultation clinics at Fairfield practice. Exact Radiology Canossa (Tuesday's) Consultations, CT Guided and Ultrasound Guided Injections. Availability: Dr Yong is currently taking on new patients. Contact our rooms to book an appointment. |
DR HARMINDER SARAI
Rehabilitation Physician
BSc(Hons), MBBSmMEng, FAFRM (RACP) Dr Harminder Sarai obtained his Medical Degree from the University of Queensland and is a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Physicians Specialising in Rehabilitation Medicine. In addition to this, he has significant experience in Orthopaedic Surgery which has contributed to the success of his interventional techniques. Dr Sarai is actively involved in research, notably having completed a Master's in Engineering at the Queensland University of Technology and has several international publications. Dr Sarai has a public appointment at the State-Wide Spinal Injury Unit at Princess Alexandra Hospital, where he has inpatient responsibilities and is also actively involved in the ongoing education of his junior colleagues and medical students. Dr Sarai's commitment to providing comprehensive, person-centred care extends beyond his direct clinical practice. Dr Sarai's special interests in Rehabilitation include, but are not limited to, Musculoskeletal medicine, Spasticity management, Cardiac rehabilitation, and facilitating return to work. He is passionate about providing personalised care using a multidisciplinary evidence-based approach to support active recovery and independence. Clinics: Dr Harminder Sarai consults at our Fairfield clinic Thursday's and Friday's Availability: Dr Sarai is currently taking on new patients. Contact our rooms to book an appointment |
DR ANGELA WILLS
Rehabilitation Physician
MBBS, FAFRM (RACP) VMO St Vincent Private Kangaroo Point Delegate of the AFRM Policy and Advocacy Committee Member of the AFRM Accreditation Committee Lecturer, School of Medicine, University of Queensland Dr Angela Wills is welcomed to join and get apart of the Queensland Rehabilitation Specialists team as a Rehabilitation Medicine Specialist. Dr Angela Wills is an experienced and approachable rehabilitation medicine specialist with a special interest in chronic pain. She received her medical degree from the University of Queensland and undertook specialist training across Queensland, with her final placement at the Tess Cramond Pain and Research Centre. Dr Wills takes a holistic approach to patient care, providing multidisciplinary treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. She is experienced in performing minor procedures, botulinum toxin injections, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, and ketamine infusions. Dr Wills is involved in research related to chronic pain and rehabilitation medicine. In addition to her clinical practice and research activities, Dr Wills plays an active role in the Australasian Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine (AFRM), serving on both the AFRM Policy and Advocacy Committee and the AFRM Accreditation Committee. With her compassionate and attentive manner, Dr Wills ensures that each patient receives the individualised care they need to achieve the best possible outcome and improve their quality of life. Clinics: Dr Angela Wills consults at St Vincent's Private Hospital Brisbane on Monday's. Day Surgery: Dr Wills works closely with patients to provide a high level care, through patient consultations, Ketamine and Lignocaine infusions. This service is available at St Vincent's Private Hospital. Availability: Dr Wills is currently taking on new patients. Contact our rooms to book an appointment. |
PAIN & REHABILITATION PHYSCIANS
DR BEN MANION
Pain and Rehabilitation Physician
BVSc, MBBS, FAFRM(RACP) and FFPMANZCA Dr Ben Manion is an Australian trained doctor with both Pain Medicine and Rehabilitation Medicine specialisations. He has a progressive and compassionate approach, with an emphasis on returning patients to their best level of function. He is backed by an integrated and multidisciplinary team, and his treatment uses pharmacological, psychological, physical and procedural strategies. Dr Manion is trained in use of neuromodulation, intrathecal drug delivery devices, neuroablation and use of botulinum toxin. He has experience in managing pain and rehabilitation following spinal cord injury and brain injury. Dr Manion is active in patient and medical student education, and he has presented at national conferences on the evolving nature of pain medicine. He is also active in pre-hospital care and has been the chief medical officer at international motorsport and combat sport events. He has an ongoing role in a chronic pain management program. His current interests include the management of chronic back and neck pain, complex regional pain syndrome, and the use of interventional techniques for shoulder and knee pain. Clinics: Dr Manion consults from our Fairfield rooms on Monday's, Wednesday's and Thursday's. Day Surgery: Dr Manion works closely with multiple hospitals to provide surgical intervention options for our patients. These hospitals include:
Availability: Dr Manion is currently taking on new patients, Contact our rooms to book an appointment. |
NEUROLOGISTS
PROFESSOR MICHAEL O'SULLIVAN
Neurologist
BA, MB, BS, PhD, FRCP, FRACP Group Leader at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland Professor Michael O’Sullivan is a consultant neurologist and internationally accomplished neuroscientist. Prof O'Sullivan has a special interest in stroke and brain injury, including sport-related and other types of concussion, and more severe traumatic brain injury. His focus is primarily on rehabilitation and recovery and developing new methods to predict outcome and aid recovery. He is also a leading international authority on the genetic disease CADASIL. He is a senior staff specialist at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, where he is also Director of Research, and is Honorary Professor and Group Leader at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, UQ. Currently, we have urgent appointments available for the following:
Clinics: Prof. O'Sullivan has a fortnightly clinic at our Fairfield rooms on Monday's. Availability: Prof. O'Sullivan is currently taking on new patients. Contact our rooms to book an appointment. |
PAEDIATRIC REHABILITATION PHYSICIANS
DR GAJ PANAGODA
Paediatric Rehabilitation Physician
BAppSc(Physiotherapy), MBBS, FRACP, FAFRM Director of Superkid Rehab Dr Gaj Panagoda is a Paediatric Rehabilitation Physician with extensive experience in rehabilitation. Having worked with both children and adults, he is ideally placed to assist transition from paediatric to adult rehabilitation services. His main areas of interest are cerebral palsy and acquired brain injury. Dr Panagoda accepts referrals from infants to approximately 25 years old, the upper age limit being decided on a case-by-case basis. He performs botulinum toxin injections in clinic under ultrasound guidance. Clinics: Queensland Rehabilitation Specialists - Fortnightly Wednesdays Optimum Movement Cleveland - Fridays (once a month) Availability: Dr Panagoda is currently taking on new patients, contact our rooms to book an appointment. For more information, please visit SuperKid Rehab website or contact our rooms for more information. |
ALLIED HEALTH TEAM
PHYSIOTHERAPISTS
NATHAN CRAIG
Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Bachelor of Exercise Science, Member of APA, MPA, SPA & ADNG Director of Mobilise Physio Nathan Craig is a senior physiotherapist with experience in multiple areas of physiotherapy. He has special interests in persistent/chronic pain, spinal pain, musculoskeletal conditions and sports injuries. His favourite part of being a physiotherapist is that it allows him to help people on a daily basis and to be involved in their health journey. Nathan will work closely with you and other members of your health & wellness team, including family & friends, support workers/carers, other allied health professionals, your general practitioner, specialists and surgeons. Nathan believes strongly in frequent and clear communication with your health team to ensure a cohesive treatment plan with aligned goals towards improving your quality of life. As a previous sufferer of persistent neuropathic (nerve) pain, Nathan also understands the importance of education and self-management to ensure you get the most out of your therapy. Aside from treating clients that are insured through private health or are uninsured, Nathan also has extensive experience in assisting patients with their case management. This includes clients who are utilising the following funding schemes:
Publications: 1. Day, Melissa A, Brinums, Melissa, Craig, Nathan, Geffen, Laurence, Geffen, Saul, Lovai, Miriam and Geffen, Gina (2017). Predictors of Responsivity to Interdisciplinary Pain Management. Pain Medicine (Malden, Mass.), 19(9), 1848-1861. doi: 10.1093/pm/pnx169 2. Day, Melissa A, Oehlerich, Madeline, Chapman, Miriam, Craig, Nathan, Geffen, Gina, Geffen, Laurence, Geffen, Saul, Hobson, Joshua (2021). Large-scale Replication of Psychological Outcomes in a Community-based Interdisciplinary Pain Management Program. Clinical Psychologist, 25(1), 98-106. https://doi.org/10.1080/13284207.2021.1900718 Availability: Nathan is currently accepting new patients and will be available at our Fairfield clinic on Monday's, Wednesday's and Friday's. Contact our rooms to book an appointment. |
PSYCHOLOGISTS
STEVE MCCOSKER
Sport & Exercise Psychology Registrar
PostGradDipMgt, MBA. BPsych. PostGradDipPsych. MPsych (Sports & Exercise) Steve has completed his Master of Psychology in the field of Sports and Exercise and after extensive leadership experience in both corporate and private enterprise is now pursuing a passion working with patients and clients and dealing with: teamwork and team building; leadership and leadership development; high performance cultures; stress and anxiety; injury rehabilitation; and (persistent) pain management. Steve is enthusiastic about the benefits of life experiences and the combination with evidence based psychological techniques and therapies to create connection and trust and make a difference to the lives of patients. Clinics: Monday's and Thursday's at our Fairfield Clinic. Availability: Steve is currently accepting new patients and will be available at our Fairfield clinic on Mondays and Thursdays. Contact our rooms to book an appointment. |
KELLIE FORREST
Psychologist - Behaviour Support Practitioner
BPsych. Kellie Forrest is a registered psychologist with a passion for equality. Kellie has lived experience with disability both individually and within her family. Kellie worked in private practice before commencing work in the not-for-profit area of disability and employment. Working with such a diverse client population provided the opportunity to engage in a wide range of therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution Focussed Therapy, Schema Therapy and techniques such as mindfulness, supportive counselling, crisis support, suicide risk assessment, safety planning and trauma focussed work. Kellie also enjoys diagnostic assessments in line with the DSM 5 and educating clients on psychological and behavioural problems. Kellie's lived and professional experience of disability related issues has influenced her interest in adjustment to illness and disability. Similarly, Kellie has added the area of Positive Behaviour Support to her professional development. Kellie is a firm believer in using functional behaviour assessments to inform positive behaviour support strategies, which improve outcomes for clients, their families and support staff. More broadly, Kellie enjoys helping people with conditions such as depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, autism spectrum disorder, low self-esteem and other common psychological issues. Kellie views the therapeutic relationship as the most important tool in helping people and sees the opportunity to assist others as a privilege. Clinics: Kellie offers telehealth appointment only on Fridays. Availability: Kellie is currently accepting new patients and will be available via Telehealth only every Friday. Contact our rooms to book an appointment. |
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
JEAN CLOW
Occupational Therapist, ALA accredited Lymphoedema Specialist
Jean Clow graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in 1991. Her specialist areas are neurological upper limb rehabilitation and advanced lymphoedema management. Since 2008, she has been working at the Mater Private Rehabilitation Unit. During this time, she spent five years coordinating day therapy. Jean currently provides clinical care, multidisciplinary mentorship and student supervision in both neurological rehabilitation and advanced lymphoedema management. She provides national professional development in adult rehabilitation and functional electrical stimulation for the stroke-affected upper limb. She also provides oedema management and assistive technology workshops for the Australian Catholic University Masters of Rehabilitation program. Clinics: Monday - Friday as per appointment bookings Availability: Jean is currently taking on new patients through referral. Referral/brief consultation history is preferred to gather patient history when receiving referrals. Contact our rooms to book an appointment. |
DEIDRE COOKE
Occupational Therapist, ALA Accredited Lymphoedema Practitioner
Deirdre has worked as an Occupational Therapist, Rehabilitation Coordinator, Stroke Care Coordinator and University Lecturer since graduating from the University of Queensland in 1988. She has spent over 30 years working in hospital and rehabilitation settings working with adults of all ages, with conditions including stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, traumatic brain injury, orthopaedic conditions, lower limb amputation, lymphoedema and conditions of ageing. Deirdre is passionate about being an Occupational Therapist, and working in a team to support people in their recovery from injury and illness to achieve their greatest potential by working towards goals that are important to them. Deirdre’s special interest in rehabilitation and recovery following stroke led her to development an Australian standardised screening tool for use by Occupational Therapists early after stroke to detect problems of visual perception and praxis. This assessment called the Occupational Therapy Adult Perceptual Screening Test (or OT-APST) was the topic of her PhD thesis completed in 2005. In 2013 Deirdre travelled overseas on a Churchill Fellowship observing stroke rehabilitation care in centres of stroke excellence in the USA, Canada, the UK and Sweden. Occupational Therapy Services offered include: · Stroke and neurological rehabilitation · Home safety assessment and home modifications · Assistive equipment prescription · Low vision adaptations · Cognitive rehabilitation · Falls prevention · Lymphoedema management Availability: Contact our rooms to book an appointment with Deirdre. |
ADMINISTRATION TEAM
Miriam - Practice Manager
Nat - Second In Charge
Em - Senior Administration Officer/Medico Legal Administrator
Ashley - Junior Administration Officer
Sophie - Junior Administration Officer
Brooke - Administration Officer
Nat - Second In Charge
Em - Senior Administration Officer/Medico Legal Administrator
Ashley - Junior Administration Officer
Sophie - Junior Administration Officer
Brooke - Administration Officer