Collaborations of the CRETGH

Associate Professor Peter Pockney is a colorectal and general surgeon at Newcastle Private Hospital.  He is an Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Newcastle and at UWA. Peter was previously the senior lecturer in surgery at the University of Newcastle for 10 years and continues as a member of the NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Transforming Gut Health located at HMRI in Newcastle. 

Associate Professor Magnus Halland is an internationally recognised gastroenterologist with subspeciality expertise in oesophageal and motility disorders. He returns to Newcastle after nearly 9 years at Mayo Clinic in the USA where he was a Consultant Physician and Associate Professor of Medicine. He has vast experience with both endoscopic and physiological assessment of luminal gut disorders. In addition to being a full-time clinician A/Prof Halland is a recognised educator and researcher with over 50 peer-reviewed publications. 

Dr Alkesh Zala is a Specialist Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist with clinical experience in managing complex gastrointestinal disorders. Dr Zala completed his training at the John Hunter Hospital and obtained his Fellowship with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP). He currently works as a Senior Staff Specialist at the John Hunter Hospital and is affiliated with University of Newcastle and Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI). 

Dr Lay Gan is an independent clinical Gastroenterologist consulting from Hunter Gastroenterology who practices in general gastroenterology and hepatology, and performs general endoscopy. She has a keen interest in all forms of liver disease, having completed her training in the major liver unit at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney. Alongside her specialised training in hepatology, Lay is also experienced in management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease and other areas of general gastroenterology. Lay provides high quality gastroscopy, colonoscopy, as well as small bowel capsule study via Hunter Gastroenterology.    

Dr Robert Foster graduated in 2003 from The University of London. He moved to Australia in 2005 and undertook specialist training at The John Hunter Hospital Newcastle and St.Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney. He has been a Staff Specialist at the John Hunter Hospital since 2013 with a particular interest in Inflammatory Bowel disease and advanced endoscopy. Dr Foster has been a key member in developing the public open access service across the Lower Hunter region and principle investigator on several clinical trials. He is actively involved in medical education at all levels from undergraduate to specialists and GPs, and including Crohn’s and Colitis Australia patient seminars. 

Dr Kate Napthali is a graduate of the University of Sydney. Kate undertook her training in the NT and finally at the Royal Brisbane and Womens Hospital. Kate moved to Newcastle in 2011 and is a Staff Specialist in General Medicine and Gastroenterology at the Calvary Mater Newcastle. She has played a key role in ongoing clinical trials and research through her involvement with the Department of Gastroenterology at John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle.
Dr Napthali has been involved in youth exchange programs and aid work in Indonesia. 

Dr Potter completed his medical training at the University of Sydney where he graduated with honours, and his physician training in Gastroenterology & Hepatology at the John Hunter and Calvary Mater Hospitals in Newcastle. He was awarded a PhD from the University of Newcastle for his work in one of Australia’s leading gastrointestinal laboratories, with a thesis examining the role of diet in functional and inflammatory bowel diseases. He is actively involved in medical research, illustrated by his ongoing role as a chief investigator on several local and national research grants. He works as a staff specialist Gastroenterologist at John Hunter Hospital, and as a conjoint lecturer in the Faculty of Health & Medicine at the University of Newcastle, where he enjoys teaching medical students and junior doctors. 

Dr Robert Gibson is an independent clinical Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist consulting from Hunter Gastroenterology with a special interest in diseases of the liver. He offers our patients expert management in all areas of Hepatology, as well as general Gastroenterology and Endoscopy.  Robert began his career in health as a Registered Nurse prior to undertaking medical training through the University of Newcastle. After obtaining Fellowship with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, Robert was appointed as a Staff Specialist at John Hunter Hospital in Gastroenterology and General Medicine. He continues as a Senior Staff Specialist in Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Amongst his many clinical duties, Robert is the Coordinator and Chair of the Complex Liver Disease Multidisciplinary Group. He is highly regarded amongst his peers and has previously been awarded “Consultant of the Year” by the junior doctors in the hospital. 

Since her arrival in Newcastle in 2008, Dr Georgia Edwards has formed a supportive relationship with Beechnut’s founder, Dr Kate Napthali and has joined the specialist team in their Hamilton practice. As well as practising Gastroenterology with the Beechnut team, Georgia is also dual trained in General Medicine. Georgia is a Conjoint Fellow with the University of Newcastle; a position which reflects her enthusiasm for medical education and allows for her to contribute to quality improvement across her field. Georgia provides care for a range of outpatients and inpatients including patients admitted to Lake Macquarie Private Hospital via the Emergency Department there. 

Brendan established Coastal Colorectal to provide people with a modern healthcare experience – one that embraces technology, a commitment to customer service and prioritises respect and kindness in patient care.  Brendan specialises in all aspects of colorectal surgery including minimally invasive surgery for colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and pelvic floor disorders. He is also skilled in minimally invasive hernia repair techniques and is an advanced endoscopist performing diagnostic gastroscopy and colonoscopy, as well as endoscopic treatment for a wide range of conditions including polyps and haemorrhoids. Brendan is passionate about improving care for patients with colorectal cancer, and chairs the Hunter Region Multidisciplinary Bowel Cancer Group, ensuring the best treatment is available to patients throughout the region.
He operates from Newcastle Private and Newcastle Endoscopy Centre and consults regularly at Nelson Bay and Salamander Bay as well as Cooks Hill. 

Dr Dane Cook is an independent Gastroenterologist and General Physician consulting from Hunter Gastroenterology who prides himself on a holistic approach to patient care. Dane has interests in high quality diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, gastrointestinal oncology, and other areas of Gastroenterology including Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Hepatology. After achieving dual Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians in 2020, Dane undertook further training in Interventional Endoscopy in 2021 at John Hunter Hospital, with a focus on Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR), luminal stent placement and other specialised procedures. Dane is currently pursuing further training in Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) and looks forward to providing this service to the Hunter region in the near future.    

Dr Daniel Oliver is a Staff Specialist Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist at Calvary Mater Newcastle, with active roles in clinical research, medical education and mentoring. His interests include inflammatory bowel disease, gastrointestinal cancer screening, liver disease, and disorders of gut-brain interaction. With extensive experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions, Dr Oliver is dedicated to providing compassionate care, ensuring patients feel understood, supported and valued throughout their healthcare journey.  Dr Oliver welcomes referrals at his consulting rooms located at Advance Care Specialist Centre, Cardiff. 

Dr Yamini Yadav is a gastroenterologist working with Dr Sean Ferencz at The Heights Gastroenterology. She brings a wealth of experience and expertise in all aspects of gastroenterological care. Dr Yamini Yadav completed her Gastroenterology training at John Hunter Hospital and the Calvary Mater. She then completed a fellowship year at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, honing her expertise in inflammatory bowel disease and gaining competency in intestinal ultrasound.