Practitioners
General Physicians
Our approach is to deliver the best service every single time you visit us at Shire Doctors and Dentists. We have brought together a highly experienced and very passionate team who share the same vision towards healthcare and patient wellbeing.
Physicians
Dr Maz Gorjipour
Managing Director
After graduating from UTMS in 2001, I have been practicing medicine for almost twenty years. I am currently practicing as an emergency medicine specialist in Sutherland and Liverpool hospitals. I have a special interest in geriatric medicine, cardiology, trauma, and point-of-care ultrasound. Practicing as a GP (overseas) and an emergency medicine specialist in Australia provided me with a great opportunity to understand the value of high-quality primary care services. My focus at Shire Doctors and Dentists is to offer a wide variety of services to address a broad range of medical and health-related issues, helping avoid unnecessary hospital admission where appropriate.
Dr John Rizzuto
Principal Medical Practitioner
I graduated from the University of Sydney in 1975, then followed three years of hospital residency at Concord Repatriation General, Prince of Wales, Bankstown, Westmead and Sutherland Hospitals.
I managed my well respected and accredited solo family medical practice in South Hurstville for over 40 years. My medical interests include general medicine, paediatrics, nutritional medicine, and preventative health.
My wife and I raised and educated our now adult children in the Sutherland Shire and we both still enjoy the outdoor activities on offer here – the beach and the bush, swimming, surfing and walking.
Dr Reinier De Villiers
General Practitioner
I graduated from the University of Pretoria, South Africa in 1987. I moved to Australia in 2008 and attained full Australian specialist family physician registration in 2012. I practised as a GP proceduralist until 2015 in Narrogin, WA and have extensive experience in obstetrics, anaesthetics, and emergency medicine. I moved to the Shire in 2016 and have been practising in Southeast Sydney as a GP since then.
I enjoy all aspects of general practice and my major interests are ear, nose and throat, orthopaedics (sports medicine), and obstetrics (ante-natal, post-natal and shared care, and Implanon and Mirena insertion and removal).
When I am not attending to my patients, I am spending time with my wife and children. I have a passion for music, wine, and travel.
Dr Lana Celi
General Practitioner
Prior to completing my medical degree in 2013, I completed a Bachelor of Health Science at the University of Wollongong. I have a certificate in Women’s Health provided by The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
I have a special interest in family medicine and women’s health.
I grew up in the local area and continue to live locally. I have three children and in my spare time I like to water-ski and swim.
Dr Dien Nguyen
General Practitioner
I graduated from the University of Sydney, and then continued my training at Westmead Hospital and the Children’s Hospital at Westmead during my residency. Following completing my residency program, I joined the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). I completed the specialist GP training program and received the fellowship of RACGP in 1998.
I have special interests in paediatrics, preventative medicine, and the management of chronic illnesses. With my comprehensive experience in practicing as family physician, I enjoy assisting my patients in management of all their general health and medical issues.
Dr Yana Martynova
General Practitioner
I graduated as a medical doctor in 1995 in Russia and specialised in respiratory medicine and cardiology before moving to Australia in 2005.
With extensive experience working in Sydney-based and rural hospitals, emergency departments, and General Practices, I am particularly interested in internal medicine, elderly care, paediatrics, women’s health, and family planning. I believe that patient education, preventive care, and a holistic approach to complex conditions are the key to successful treatment.
Outside of work I enjoy experimenting around the kitchen with various international cuisines, confectionary, chocolate craft and baking. I also enjoy tailoring and am keen to discover and design new garment patterns.
Dr Christene Mikhail
General Practitioner
I am a dedicated healthcare professional with a strong academic background, holding a Master’s Degree in Pharmacy from the University of Sydney and a Bachelor of Medicine with Distinction from The University of Newcastle. My passion for patient care and safety has been the driving force behind my medical journey.
During my internship and residency at St George and Sutherland Hospitals, I advanced my clinical skills and became deeply committed to improving patient outcomes. As Chair of the Innovations Committee during my residency, I led several patient safety initiatives that resulted in significant improvements in care. My work in this area was recognized with a publication in the British Medical Journal, reflecting my dedication to advancing medical practices.
As a General Practitioner, I offer a holistic approach to patient care, with special interests in General Medicine, chronic disease management, preventative medicine, and Women’s Health. My goal is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care to each of my patients, ensuring they feel supported and empowered on their health journey.
Dr Dalia Henss
General Practitioner
I graduated from the University of Western Sydney in 2015 and completed my internship and residency years at St George and Sutherland hospitals, during which time I worked across different specialities including aged care, oncology, and emergency medicine.
I did 6 months of clinical paediatrics at St George Hospital during which time I completed my diploma in child health through Sydney Children’s Hospital.
I have a great interest in skin cancer management including performing skin checks, skin biopsies, and minor excisions for which reason I completed my professional certificate of skin cancer.
My other medical interests include paediatrics, women’s health and antenatal care, mental health, and preventative medicine.
I obtained my fellowship from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners in 2022.
Dr Sherif Francis
General Practitioner
I am a GP with close to 30 years’ experience in General Practice and skin cancer treatment.
I have a special interest in:
- Skin cancer diagnosis & treatment.
- Minor procedures.
I have been a Clinical Supervisor for GP registrars and was also an examiner with the RACGP. In addition, I was a General Practice Clinical Supervisor with the University of New South Wales medicine primary care course, involved in clinical teaching for Medical Students in Years 5 and 6.
I was working as a doctor and medical director at my own group practices until I decided last year to slow down. I now plan to move to the Shire and only concentrate on patient care.
I love nature and the beach and in my free time I look after my 2 dogs and enjoy playing jazz piano.
Dr Jeremy Stephenson
General Practitioner
I am a skilled and dedicated General Practitioner and Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP) since 2021. My educational background includes a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Wollongong and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the Australian National University.
I enjoy working across the diverse scope of general practice, with special interests in acute illness, family planning, and chronic disease management. A significant focus of my practice is on lifestyle improvement and preventive care. I believe that empowering patients to make informed choices leads to lasting well-being. Whether it’s guiding patients through fitness goals, nutritional plans, or stress management, I am passionate about supporting each individual’s journey to better health.
Alongside my clinical work, I am committed to medical education and have been teaching medical students at the University of Wollongong since 2015. With a focus on clinical expertise and empathy, I aim to provide compassionate, high-quality care while actively contributing to the development of future doctors.
Dr Mariam Chaalan
General Practitioner
My name is Dr Mariam: Twin mum to boy toddlers, compassionate GP, and dedicated advocate for women’s and family health! I earned my medical degree from the University of Wollongong in 2013, following my Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours) at the University of Sydney.
With a special focus on empowering women and supporting young families, I hold additional qualifications including a Family Planning Certificate in Sexual and Reproductive Health and a Diploma in Children’s Health. As an Antenatal Shared Care Provider, I collaborate with RPA Women and Babies, and various local hospitals to ensure comprehensive care throughout pregnancy and beyond.
My passion lies in evidence-based preventative medicine and delivering holistic, personalised care. I strive to support women and families at every stage, from preconception planning through pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.
Having experienced infertility and pregnancy loss, I understand the challenges of the fertility journey. I am committed to providing empathetic support to those navigating these experiences. As a practitioner in training with the NDC, I assist families with breastfeeding, sleep issues, and managing fussiness. I am also training to become an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, with a keen interest in breastfeeding medicine.
As a mother of a child with autism, I passionately advocate for early support for children with suspected neurodevelopmental disorders. I believe in the power of improving health literacy, which I promote through my Instagram and TikTok channels under @ask.the.dr.
Dr Naim Samaan
General Physician
I graduated from the University of Alexandria, Egypt in 1986 with MBBS and have been practicing in Australia since 2013. I am a Fellow of the Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and I have also completed a Diploma in Child Health.
My areas of interest include skin cancer checks and management, sexual and reproductive health, children’s health and sports medicine.
Alister Hodge
Nurse Practitioner
I’m a Nurse Practitioner with two decades of experience in both the UK and Australian health systems and am a member of the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners. I’ve worked as a Nurse Practitioner at the Sutherland Hospital emergency department for over ten years, where I managed a diverse range of urgent medical issues, such as:
- Fractures, dislocations, and soft tissue injuries
- Wounds, lacerations, and foreign body removal
- Ear, nose, throat, and chest infections
- Stomach and abdominal pain
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Acute eye problems
- Back or flank pain
- Urinary tract and genital infections
- Skin infections
I continue to see similar presentations at Shire Doctors and Dentists. I have provided a new injury clinic to manage fractures, wounds, and soft tissue injuries – helping our patients to avoid long hours in the emergency department or urgent care centre.
