Doctors
Dr Suzanne Lyon
Dr Lyon is the co-owner of Westside Medical Centre and has practiced at Westside since 2012. Originally from Queensland, she moved to the Mid North Coast to complete her specialty training in general practice and is now proud to call herself a Port Macquarie local.
Suzanne loves the diversity of general practice and caring for all types of patients, from babies through to seniors. As an avid traveller, she particularly loves being able to provide up to date travel and immunisation advice to anyone planning an overseas adventure.
When she’s not working, there’s a good chance you’ll find Suzanne playing some piano, providing taxi services to her children, or reading a good book with a cup of coffee.
- Certificate of Dermoscopy, Skin Cancer College Australasia (2015)
- Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (2014)
- Masters of Public Health and Tropical Medicine - James Cook University (2014)
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery - University of Queensland (2008)
- Bachelor of Pharmacy - University of Queensland (2003)
Dr David Chessor
Dr David Chessor is our other co-owner and came to Westside just after he finished his specialist GP training in 2015. He’s been a resident of the Mid North Coast for over 10 years where he completed his GP training working in Laurieton and Kempsey. David was both GPET Registrar of the Year, and RACGP Rural Registrar of the Year in 2013.
Dr Chessor is a Senior Lecturer at the Port Macquarie Campus of the University of New South Wales where he teaches medical students at all levels and convenes the Primary Care Rotation for senior students. In 2023 he was awarded the University of New South Wales Contribution to Teaching Award.
In 2014 he was the Chair of General Practice Registrars Australia (GPRA) and served on their board from 2013-2015.
With his spare time, David is probably dreaming of his next ski holiday, riding his bike not nearly enough, or wondering what he's forgotten to do to have spare time available.
- Bachelor of Arts UNSW 2004
- Bachelor of Science UNSW 2004
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery UQ 2008
- Master of Public Health and Tropical Medicine JCU 2014
- Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners 2014
Associate Professor Debbie Kors
Associate Professor Debbie Kors is proud to have been the founder of Westside Medical Centre, which first opened in April 2010 and which, despite its growth, has remained true to its vision of offering good quality, personalised care to its patients as well as excellence in medical teaching. She is equally proud to have been able to hand over the reins of the practice to Drs Suzanne Lyon and David Chessor who share the same vision for the practice and are now very capably managing the practice with new ideas and new energy.
Associate Professor Debbie Kors has previously worked in Laurieton for many years, where she successfully ran Camden Haven Medical Centre. She has always greatly enjoyed medical teaching and was the senior medical educator for the Port Macquarie node of North Coast GP Training Ltd from 2004 until 2016. She is Associate Professor of Primary Health Care at the UNSW Rural Clinical School and won the prestigious national award of GP Education and Training Supervisor of the Year in 2010 in recognition of her efforts in medical education.
Debbie loves all aspects of General Practice and is a proud advocate of the profession.
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, First Class Honours, Monash University
- Masters of Family Medicine (clinical), Monash University
- Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
- Diploma of the Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
- Certificate of Family Planning
- Graduate Diploma of Medical Education, Sydney University
Dr Meredith Wyatt
Meredith has been a GP in Port Macquarie since 2004. She enjoys all aspects of general practice especially the opportunity for continuing care of patients and their families over a long period. Getting to know people over time is a real privilege.
Her areas of interest are broad, and she is comfortable looking after babies and young children as well as "somewhat older" patients which chronic and complex disease....and everybody in between. Meredith enjoys her role as supervisor of General Practice registrars who are completing their specialist training in General Practice and teaching medical students.
Meredith has found a good balance between her work and family life working 3 days a week. She has 2 school age daughters and enjoys hiking, geocaching and planning great holidays.
- Bachelor of Medicine, University of Newcastle 1998
- Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (2003)
Dr Evangelia (Valia) Francis
Dr Evangelia (Valia) Francis has been practicing at Westside Medical Centre since February 2014 as a registrar and has never wanted to leave since!
Originally from the coastal town of Kavala, Greece, Dr Francis finished high school in the International School of Karlsruhe, Germany where she had the fortune of meeting her very patriotic scottish biology teacher who convinced her to undertake her medical studies in the beautiful city of Edinburgh. She lived and worked there for 9 years before embarking on a search for warmer weather and a more satisfying career. She found both and so much more in her 'beloved' Port Macquarie where she also had the massive honor of becoming an Australian citizen on Australia day 2014.
Dr Francis enjoys all aspects of General Practice but is especially interested in skin medicine, women's health and medicine of the elderly - Dr Francis regularly visits Mingaletta Nursing Home. She is also involved in teaching medical students as a Conjoint Lecturer in the Rural Medical School of Port Macquarie as well as teaching registrars. It is a very fulfilling aspect of her work that has been greatly inspired and supported by colleagues with an interest in medical education.
When not at work, Dr Francis tries to fight waves with surf or paddle boards (so far they always win!), is training hard to become the next Masterchef winner, and enjoys reading books and learning new languages. And for those who wonder, 'Valia' is a nickname that her older sister gave Dr Francis as a baby and it has stuck with her since!
- Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (2015)
- Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery - Edinburgh 2006
- Bachelor in Sciences (First class Honors in Neuroscience)- Edinburgh 2003
- Diploma in Child Health- Sydney 2013
- Diploma of the Royal College Obstetricians and Gynaeclogists- Scotland 2008
- Diploma of Family Planning & Sexual Health- Sydney 2013
Dr Kate Moriarty
Dr Kate Moriarty grew up in Port Macquarie and has been working here as a GP since 2015. She completed her Bachelor of Medicine at The University of Newcastle and is a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
Kate has a special interest in Paediatrics, Women's Health, and Breastfeeding Medicine. Kate completed her Diploma of Child Health through the Sydney Children's Hospital Network in 2014. She is working towards becoming an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
Kate also has a passion for medical education. She is a GP Supervisor, a Conjoint Senior Lecturer at the University of New South Wales, and a writer for HealthCert Education developing CPD material for GP's.
In her spare time Kate enjoys camping, swimming, and spending time with her husband and kids.
- Bachelor of Medicine (Honours) - University of Newcastle (2012)
- Diploma in Child Health - University of Sydney (2014)
- Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (2017)
Dr Mark Stewart
Dr Mark Stewart graduated with honours from the University of Newcastle in 1998 and has worked in general practice since 2002 and in Port Macquarie since 2004. He is a fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practice and won the Tony Buhagiar and Monty Kent-Hughes Medals for his result in the fellowship exam in 2003.
When asked if he’s going to specialise, he tends to respond “I already have” and if pushed further with “No, you know what I mean, like a heart specialist or something”, he’ll usually say he can’t think of anything more boring. Family medicine is his main interest. Caring for the multitudinous health problems of up to four generations of the same family never leaves room for ennui. He also has particular skills in completing forms for Centrelink, Department of Housing and other obscure government agencies.
Of course, medicine is his part time hobby, with his main interests in life being bushwalking, acapella singing and roaming the country in his caravan with family in tow (they don’t seem to protest too much.)
- Bachelor of Medicine (Honours) - University of Newcastle 1997
- Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners 2005
- Family Planning & Sexual Health Certificate 2003
Dr Sharon Sykes
Dr Sharon Sykes has lived in Port Macquarie since 2007 following 18 years serving in the Royal Australian Air Force. She graduated from the University of QLD Medical School in 2000 and gained her FRACGP in 2010.
She sees her role in General Practice as 'firstly keeping people healthy and secondly treating people when they are sick'. She is highly skilled in preventative health measures including skin checks for early detection of skin cancers as well as managing chronic health conditions.
As a veteran herself, she is determined to improve the overall health of other veterans and supports them in both medical and social spheres. She is active in strategic health planning, sitting on the Board of Directors of the North Coast Primary Health Network. She has previously been a Medical Educator and remains active in teaching and supervising General Practice trainees and medical students.
- MBBS
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Med Lab Sci)
- FRACGP
Dr Elizabeth Ryrie (currently on Sabbatical)
Dr Ryrie is currently on sabbatical from her general practice work due to her ongoing work with the local Community Palliative Care team. We don't have a timeframe for Dr Ryrie's return at this stage and encourage her regular patients to see one of our available doctors for their ongoing care.
Dr Elizabeth Ryrie started practicing at Westside Medical Centre in January 2019. She completed her medical studies at the Australian National University and spent her years as a junior doctor in Canberra. During this time she completed a Diploma in Child Health. Inspired by its reputation of excellence in medical education and the promise of a better climate, she moved to the Mid North Coast in 2015 to undergo her specialist General Practice training.
Dr Ryrie enjoys the variety and continuity of care that General Practice offers. She is particularly interested in paediatrics, women’s health, and palliative care. As well as working at Westside, Dr Ryrie previously worked at the Wauchope Palliative Care Unit.
- Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP) 2018
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (Australian National University) 2012
- Bachelor of Arts and Sciences (University of Sydney) 2007
- Diploma of Child Health 2017
Dr Geoff Arthurson
Dr Geoff (he/him) grew up in regional NSW and studied medicine at UNSW. He completed his hospital training in Port Macquarie before moving back to Sydney to train as a pathologist. Missing the opportunity to meet new people and help them achieve their health and wellbeing goals, he switched specialties and started training to be a General Practitioner. During this time, Dr Geoff also worked as a medical educator with the University of Notre Dame, where he developed a passion for medical education.
Geoff enjoys the breadth of general practice medicine, and has special interests and additional experience in psychological medicine, addiction medicine, and medical education.
Outside of medicine, Geoff enjoys bike riding and running, playing tuba, and eating.
- Bachelor of Science (medicine) Honours — UNSW (2012)
- Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery — UNSW (2012)
- Graduate Diploma of Clinical Education — Flinders University (2020)
- Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (2021)
Dr Carolina Mazur
Dr Carolina Mazur is originally from Argentina, and moved to Australia in 2009. She completed her undergraduate degree at the Australian National University in Canberra, then completed Medical School at the University of Wollongong. She has been working in the Mid North Coast since 2017, completing her Hospital training at the Port Macquarie Base hospital and the Kempsey District Hospital, before starting General Practice training in 2020. Carolina will complete her specialty training in May 2023, and will be staying on to practice from Westside in a permanent capacity.
Her special interests include preventative healthcare, dermatology and skin checks, paediatrics, and chronic diseases. In her spare time, she enjoys watching movies and spending time with her family.
Dr Ryan Barnett
Dr Ryan Barnett grew up in south-east Queensland and studied exercise science before moving to Western Australia to study medicine at the University of Notre Dame. He moved to the mid-north coast in 2018 and has since been based around Port Macquarie, working at the Base Hospital for three years including a year in paediatrics before moving into General Practice in 2021.
His medical interests remain around preventative health and paediatrics however enjoys the variety that general practice brings. Outside of work, Ryan enjoys an outdoor lifestyle including almost any sport, time at the beach, camping, or time in the garden.
Dr Robab Sahaf
Dr Robab Sahaf joined Westside Medical Centre in May 2024.
She is a Medical Practitioner qualified with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) and AMC.
Dr Sahaf is an experienced General Practitioner and has worked overseas and in Australia. She is passionate about all aspects of General Medicine and is particularly interested in Family Medicine, Chronic Disease Management, Women's Health, Travel Medicine, Adult/Older Adults Medicine.
Dr Sahaf speaks English and Persian.
Qualifications:
- Doctor of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Isfahan, IRAN
- Master of Health Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 2004
- PhD of Gerontology and Mental Health, University of Queensland (UQ), 2008
- Endeavour Research Fellowship Certificate, affiliated by the Australia Minister of Tertiary Education, Skills, jobs and workplace relations, June 2011
- Royal Australian Colleague of General Practitioners Registrar, April 2021
Dr Laura Schotte
Dr Laura completed her MD at the University of Queensland and began her medical career with hospital experience in Ipswich, QLD. She then practiced in the communities of Toowoomba and nearby Allora, before a sea change to Port Macquarie, where she now enjoys providing comprehensive care to her patients.
Outside of work, Laura enjoys cooking and other crafty pursuits.
Dr Lize Harrison
Dr Lize Harrison is a fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
She chose to specialise in General Practice to build long-term relationships with patients and their families, and to focus on preventative care and improving overall health.
Lize completed her medical degree at Western Sydney University and has gained experience initially at Northern Beaches, Hornsby, and Westmead Children’s Hospitals, followed by working in GP practices in Sydney and the Blue Mountains. She has also completed additional training in Paediatrics through the Sydney Child Health Program.
Lize has special interests in children’s health, pregnancy care, women’s health, and preventative medicine.
Originally from the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Lize relocated to Port Macquarie with her young family and their dog, Bosley, to embrace a new chapter in a charming community. Outside of work, she loves baking birthday cakes, exploring new places and cultures, and spending time in nature with her family.
Dr Judith Gardiner - Women's Health only
Dr. Judith Gardiner is a GP Obstetrician with specific qualifications and expertise in Women’s Health. Her particular areas of interest are menstrual problems, endometriosis, pre-conception, antenatal and postnatal care, family planning including early medical abortion and IUD insertion, vulval disease, sexual health and the menopause.
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (Honours) - Monash University
- Advanced Diploma Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (DRANZCOG.Advanced)
- Certificate of Family Planning
Dr Rachel Chen - GP Registrar
Dr. Rachel Chen completed her medical degree at University College Cork, Ireland. She worked in Ireland for two years before relocating to Sydney in 2023, where she gained experience at St Vincent’s Hospital.
Through a variety of diverse hospital rotations, Dr. Chen developed a strong passion for holistic medicine and enjoys providing care to patients from all walks of life. She is beginning her first year of GP training at Westside, with specific interest in women’s health and dermatology.
Areas of interest.
- Women's Health
- Dermatology
Dr Madeline Setterfield - GP Registrar
Dr Madeline grew up in the Hunter Valley and completed her medical studies at the University of Sydney. She gained valuable experience as a junior doctor working in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley/New England region.
Madeline enjoys the variety that general practice offers and has special interests in family medicine, aged care, and palliative care.
Outside of work, she enjoys quality time with her family and her beloved dog.