North Coast Medical Centre Byron Bay - Our Practitioners

Dr Anthony Solomon - Principal GP

Dr Robert Trigger - GP

Dr Bettie Honey - GP

Dr Lee Sui - GP

Dr Mark Scurrah - Psychiatrist

Reine DuBois - Naturopath

Gareth Vanderhope - Naturopath

Paul Orrock - Osteopath

Tomas Leszczynski - Osteopath

Simon DuBois - Psychologist

Peter Keil - Counsellor and Naturopath

Jane Enter - Psychologist and Psychotherapist

Tim Loughnan - Psychologist and Family Therapist

Robyn Grace - Psychotherapist

Ruth Levy - Psychotherapist

Paula Thomas - Psychologist

Karen Potter - Counsellor and Psychotherapist

Lynette Tyrell - Herbalist

Dr Anthony Solomon, MBBS (UNSW), Dip.Paed., Grad. Dip.Rural, FRACGP, FARGP
(GP Available Mon, Thu, Fri)

Anthony is the Principal GP of the North Coast Medical Centre and the clinical director of Dharah Gibinj Aboriginal Medical Centre in Casino NSW. He graduated from UNSW in 1991 and completed post graduate training in Paediatrics and General Practice. Anthony is a Fellow of the RACGP and also Fellow of the rural arm of the RACGP. With 15 years in clinical practice Anthony’s special interests are children's medicine, acupuncture, aboriginal health, addictions medicine, integrative medicine. He is also Co-Director of the Byron Integrative Medicine Conference.

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Dr Robert Trigger, BMBS, Cert.Sports Med
(GP Available Tuesday & Friday)

Rob graduated from Flinders Medical Centre (SA) in 1984 where he completed his intern training. He moved to the Northern Rivers and spent 2 years at Lismore Base Hospital as a Resident Medical Officer. He began General Practice in 1988 in Byron Bay and spent 10 years as a Visiting Medical Officer at Byron District Hospital. He commenced practicing at North Coast Medical Centre in 1998. He has completed a certificate course in Traditional Chinese Medicine and enjoys integrating Western and Complementary approaches to achieve best health outcomes for his patients. More recently he has completed a certificate course at Family Planning Australia and is one of the few accredited GPs in the area to insert intrauterine contraceptive devices ( IUDs). He also has recently completed a training course in intravenous vitamin and nutrient therapy ( including vitamin C, B groups and others). He has worked for many years with the Northern Rivers GP Network (formerly Division of General Practice) as the GP Project Advisor for their Adolescent/Youth health project and has recently published in this area. As well as working as a GP at North Coast Medical Centre he currently works as a Medical Educator for North Coast GP Training teaching and supervising GP Registrars.

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Dr Bettie Honey, MBChB(SA), DCH(Glasgow), DRANZCOG, FRACGP
(GP Available Mon, Tue, Wed)

Bettie has consulted as a GP at North Coast Medical Centre since 2006. Her past experience in Children's Health and Obstetrics and Gynaecology can now be combined with a new found interest in Nutritional Health, all with a commitment to whole family care. Bettie also works one day a week at The Aboriginal Medical Services in Casino.

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Dr Lee Sui, MBBS (Tas), BMedSc (Hons), MSc
(GP Available Mon, Thu, Fri)

Lee achieved his Masters degree in Taiwan researching genetics. After moving to Australia he also joined in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma research and published his finding in the journal, Pathology. After graduating with his medical degree from the University of Tasmania, he has worked at the Gold Coast Hospital, Tweed Heads Hospital and at GP practices in Murwillumbah, Brunswick Heads and now at Byron Bay.
Lee is enjoying his work as a GP and believes good primary care needs to come from a holistic and family based approach, a view also shared by his colleagues at the North Coast Medical Centre. Lee has experience in pregnancy and women’s health and an interest in children’s health.

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Dr Mark Scurrah, MBBS, FRANZCP
(Psychiatrist available Tue, Thurs)

Mark graduated from university of Adelaide in 1987. He treats stress, anxiety, mood, psychosis and drug related issues by working closely with the patient’s treating General Practitioner, Psychologist / Therapist. He focuses on providing a comprehensive assessment and treatment package which may involve a range of therapies. Mark is also a Fellow of the Royal Australian New Zealand College of Psychiatrists

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Reine DuBois, Dip.ND
(Naturopath Available Monday & Tuesday all day, Wednesday & Thursday am only, Tel: 0423 581 198)

Since graduating in 1998 Reine has been a pioneer in the integrative approach to health and healing. She has worked alongside Doctors such as Dr John Ryan (Brisbane), Dr Michael Hayter (Ballina), Dr Rob Trigger (Byron Bay), Dr Anthony Solomon (Byron Bay) and Dr Elizabeth Honey (Byron Bay). She graduated her Homoeopathy study in 2005 with Lesley Meredith. Reine also works with The Sanctuary and as a result has gained invaluable insight into the natural treatment of addictions. She also has a special interest in women's health and infant care and has assisted many women with fertility, pregnancy and natural childbirth.

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Gareth Vanderhope, B.Nat
(Naturopath Available Wed, Thu, Fri, Tel: 0404 227 817)

Gareth completed a Bachelor of Naturopathy degree from Southern Cross University and received awards for highest academic achievement, and clinical and nutritional excellence. Gareth has a passion for finding the underlying causes of ill-health and regularly searches scientific journals for the most cutting edge information. He has reviewed and compiled hundreds of journal articles on health issues including: prostate and breast cancer, prostate enlargement, smoking cessation, iron repletion, insomnia, anxiety, depression and infertility. Thus, if you have ever wondered what foods may reduce your risk of breast or prostate cancer or whether you should take your iron supplement with food or on an empty stomach, Gareth can provide you with a concise and well informed answer. Gareth has also used his investigations to tailor an evidence based natural quit smoking program that provides the structure and support required to succeed. When you come to see Gareth he will take the time to fully understand you and your health concern and will set about tailoring the best natural treatment for you. Gareth also has a deep respect for the traditional knowledge and ancient wisdom that is a part of naturopathic practice. Gareth asserts that the combination of traditional knowledge and modern science makes for true holistic medicine that is compatible with the current needs of our community. In keeping with this philosophy Gareth works closely with the medical doctors and other health professionals at the North Coast Medical Centre to provide patients with what could be regarded as the best integrative health care in Australia.

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Paul Orrock, RN, ND, DO, MAppSc
(Osteopath available Wednesdays Tel: 0408 995 253)

Paul originally trained as a general nurse, and has qualifications in Naturopathy and Osteopathy. He has practiced as a Naturopath and Osteopath for twenty years in Sydney, Melbourne and Byron Bay. He has practiced as an Osteopath at North Coast Medical Centre since 1998 using a broad range of techniques. Paul currently is Senior Lecturer and Head of the Osteopathic Programme at Southern Cross University. During his professional life, he has held many positions within the Australian Osteopathic Association, including State President, Continuing Education developer and Chair of the Research Council. Pauls goal is to ensure that all members of the public have access to safe and effective healthcare from these professions.

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Tomas Leszczynski, M.Ost, B.App.Sc (Osteo), Dip.HealthSc. (MT) Member of the Australian Osteopathic Association
(Osteopath available Mondays Tel: 0416 141 318)

Tomas completed 5 years of full-time university training and graduated with a distinction from the University of Western Sydney. Tomas’ treatments combine a variety of manual techniques that include soft-tissue stretching, massage, and joint mobilisation and manipulation, to help reduce abnormal strains from your muscles, joints and spine, and create a supportive physical environment that facilitates health and wellbeing. As a primary healthcare provider, Tomas is trained to identify health conditions that would best be managed by the patient’s GP. If need be he will refer a patient for X-rays or send them back to their GP for further testing or treatment to ensure the best level of care offered to patients. Tomas treatments are recognised by WorkCover, Medicare and the Department of Veteran Affairs. An initial consultation lasts approximately 1 hour and follow-up consultations are approximately 30 minutes. Concessions and Health fund rebates are available.

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Simon DuBois, Reg. Psychologist, Dip Couns., Grad Dip Psychology.
(Available Monday & Wednesday all day, Friday mornings Tel: 0401 440 329)

Simon has lived and worked in the Byron Shire for the past 10 years. In this time he has cultivated a reputation for his positive work with adolescents and men in the Byron Shire. His specific skills area is working with children ,adolescents and young adults with complaints of anxiety and depression. Simon brings his work experience and expertise to the counseling process creating a relaxed and supportive environment in which personal issues can be explored. Simon works integratively with GP’s, Naturopaths and Psychiatrists at NCMC to improve health outcomes for his patients.

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Peter Keil, M.Sc., B.Nat., Assoc.Dip.Soc.Sci.
(Counsellor and Naturopath available by appointment Tel: 0421 531 248)

Peter Keil has worked as a youth worker and counsellor since the 1970s. His interest in broader health issues led him to become one of the first 18 graduates from the Southern Cross University Naturopathy degree. He has since completed a Masters by research exploring depression recovery strategies. He encourages a personal empowerment approach for those suffering from depression and anxiety, which he supports with sound naturopathic care. Peter thrives in the multi-disciplinary environment offered by the NCMC which allows him to practice as a general naturopath and counsellor and to specialise in particular interest areas such as men’s health, adolescent health and mental health.

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Jane Enter, BA.Eng&Psych, BA.HonsClinPsych, Dipl.Adult Psychotherapy (ANZAP), MAPS
(Psychologist and Psychotherapist available Wed, Thurs Tel: 0401 918 888)

Jane is a psychologist with 18 years therapy experience. She has worked in a variety of settings and in private practice. Jane has special interests in the areas of addiction,trauma, disorders of the self and complex clients. Jane has also completed training in couple counselling and enjoys working with couples and their relationship issues. Jane does both medium and long term work as well as providing individual and organisational supervision. She is also an approved supervisor for psychologist registration through the 2 year supervision programme. Jane works with a self psychology framework using psychodynamic interventions, aspects of cognitive behavioural therapy, pragmatic skill building and places great emphasis on understanding each person for who they are, their particular formative life experiences and valuing each individual without trying to pathologise how they have come to be as they are.

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Tim Loughnan, Psychologist and Family Therapist (MAPS) BBSc.DipEdPsych. MClinFamilyTherapy. GradDipMovement&Dance
(Psychologist and Family Therapist available Wednesday all day, Monday & Friday am only, Tel: 0431 88 1760)

Tim moved to Byron from Melbourne in 2008 with his wife & daughter. He has worked as a psychologist since 1986 in various settings including Odyssey House, Commonwealth Rehabilitation, the Transport Accident Commission, WorkCover, Community Health & in private practice. Tim’s areas of interest & expertise are in addictions, individual & family adjustment to injury or illness, transitional stages of adolescents and midlife, men’s issues, relationships and family issues. He combines psychodynamic insights, mindfulness & systemic family therapy to support change in individuals, couples and families. He is also mindful of the soul expressing its longing through symptoms of anxiety, sadness, anger and alienation. Above all Tim aims to create a safe and non-judgmental space in which issues can be explored and there can be a re-connection to a sense of purpose and meaning.

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Robyn Grace, BA.Dip.Ed.B.Soc.Sc(Psych-Hons), MAPS
(Psychotherapist availalbe Mon, Wed, Thu)

Robyn Grace is a registered psychologist with 25 years counselling experience. She sees couples and individuals for a range of issues including drug and alcohol recovery, sexual abuse, and relationships, for both short and long- term counselling. Robyn has also completed a four year post graduate training with the NSW Institute of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. This is a long-term psychotherapy ideal for people who have done some personal growth work, and are looking for something deeper, to change long-standing patterns within themselves.

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Ruth Levy, BA (Wits), LLB (Wits), Dip Som Psych (AASP)
(Psychotherapist available Fri pm Tel: 0411 236396)

As a psychotherapist, Ruth’s approach to therapy is practical, short-term and inter-subjective aimed at supporting clients through transitional changes by developing perspective and compassion. Ruth Levy worked initially as a Solicitor and then as a Barrister for many years before moving into the Human Resources field and qualifying as a Somatic Psychotherapist. Ruth’s specialises in the facilitation of mediation and conflict resolution processes for relationship and workplace conflicts. She currently works in the area of Human Resources at Southern Cross University facilitating mediations and managing conflicts.

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Paula Thomas, BSc Hons (Psych), MPsych (Clin), MAPS
(Psychologist available Tuesday & Thursday Tel: 0407 312 338)

Paula is a Clinical Psychologist and is certified in Advanced Clinical Hypnosis (through The College of Medical Hypnosis). She works uniquely and intuitively with each individual, combining her clinical psychology skills within a holistic approach. Paula’s warm and accepting presence has a way of making people feel comfortable, safe and supported. After experiencing a period of illness and depression herself, she has developed great trust and belief in the possibility of living a life of greater happiness and freedom. Paula understands that there may be times along our journey through life, where we need the support of someone to walk by our side and help us remember who we truly are. She believes that each person has within them a road map that leads them towards a life of greater happiness and fulfillment and she facilitates people to discover this within themselves. Paula has experience in a range of areas including anxiety and stress, trauma, depression, family of origin issues, parenting, grief and loss, personal development, relationship issues, health related concerns and drug and alcohol problems. She has worked with both children and adults within the public system and in her private practice.

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Karen Potter, BSW, Graduate Diploma Infant/Parent Mental Health, AASW, AAIMH, FSA
(Counsellor and psychotherapist available Tuesday. Tel: 0438 389 829)

Karen has over 13years experience in counselling and psychotherapy with both individuals and couples. Karen specialises in infant-parent work, which encompasses the time from conceiving through till early parenthood (infants/toddlers to 2-3yrs). She also has extensive experience and specialist training in counselling with adults who have experienced childhood trauma, particularly sexual abuse. Alongside her private practice, Karen provides consultant counselling for Sydney IVF and in-home counselling and support to mothers/infants as part of the Lismore Family Support Network’s home visiting program. Karen’s approach to people is about exploring and understanding their inner world of thoughts, emotions and psychological processes. She assists people to gain insight and awareness into themselves, their relationships and/or their infant, and to connect with and process the emotions within a safe, supportive and containing environment. As well as assisting people to develop and maintain their own practical strategies for managing and coping.

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Lynette Tyrell, Adv.Dip.HerbMed
(Herbalist available Wednesday Tel: 0414 974 544)

Lynette’s passion is natural medicine and helping people to optimise their health and wellbeing - using herbal medicine, natural nutritional supplements, Bach Flower essences and healthy eating and lifestyle changes. Lynette was trained in Herbal Medicine by Dorothy Hall and studied at Nature Care College in Sydney. She has also been the Practice Manager at North Coast Medical Centre for 5 years and has been involved in the evolution of integrative medicine in the centre. Her special interests are anxiety, insomnia, depression, hormonal imbalances, chronic fatigue, coughs and colds.

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