Independent Bulk Billing GPs at Russell and Macleay Clinics
Russell Island
Dr Priyantha Attanayaka ( MBBS, FRACGP, AMC)
Dr Priyantha has returned to BIMS practices as the new owner practitioner.
Graduated from the University of Jayewardenepura in Sri Lanka in 2000(MBBS) and moved to Australia in 2006 after working in several hospitals in Sri Lanka.
He is a Fellow of The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners(FRACGP) and a member of Australian Medical Council ( AMC).
Before becoming a GP in 2013, he worked in several hospitals in Queensland and the Northern Territory getting experience in Emergency, Gynaecology, Obstetrics, Paediatrics and some other departments within the hospital system.
Dr Ali Vaezipour (MD,FRACGP)
Dr Ali has worked with Bayisland Islands Medical Service since 2013. He believes the continuation of care and doctor patient relationship is the most important aspect in primary health care to achieve good health outcome.
He is specially trained in skin cancer care and promotes regular monitoring and skin cancer checks. He has special interest in chronic disease management, minor surgery, child health, mental health, men’s health and all aspects of primary health care including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
Dr Laurinda de Wytt (LRCP & SI, L.M ,DRCOG)
Dr Laurinda was one of the original owners of the practice, and she continues to give her service to the islands for over 20 years .
Her interests are geriatric medicine, palliative care, women’s health, mental health and chronic disease management.
Dr Ahmad Sharafi (MD, AMC)
Dr Ahmad joined BIMS team in March 2022, and has more than 20 years of experience as a medical practitioner. He has worked both in hospital & GP set ups during this time.
Dr Ahmad has special interest in chronic disease management, minor surgery, child health, mental health, men’s health and all aspects of primary health care.
Dr. Bawanthi Galagedara ( MBBS, CCA , GMC )
Dr. Bawanthi Galagedara is a highly qualified and experienced medical professional with a diverse background in various medical specialties. Her journey in the medical field began with her graduation from the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka in 2005. Subsequently, she gained extensive training in Anaesthesia, Intensive Care, and Emergency Medicine.
Dr. Bawanthi’s career took her to the National Hospital of Sri Lanka, where she served for many years before making a move to the United Kingdom. During her time in the UK, she worked as an anaesthetist and an intensive care doctor in three different hospitals in London, showcasing her versatility and adaptability in different healthcare settings.
In 2022, Dr. Bawanthi relocated to Australia, where she initially worked in a hospital setting before transitioning to General Practice with BIMS in October 2023. This shift demonstrates her commitment to providing comprehensive and holistic healthcare, encompassing both acute and primary care.
Her special interests include preventive medicine, chronic diseases, women’s health, and children’s health, reflecting a well-rounded approach to healthcare that spans across various age groups and health concerns.
Dr Sujeewa Patabendige (MBBS, MD (FM-SL), MRCGP (INT) )
Dr.Sujeewa Patabendige is a member of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). She is a highly qualified and experienced medical professional with a diverse background in various medical specialties over 20 years. She completed her primary medical education at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Jayewardenepura in Sri Lanka (2000). Subsequently, she worked in a Mental health hospital, Intensive Care Unit, rural hospital, and emergency department. In 2008, she completed a postgraduate diploma in family medicine. Her deep interest in general practice drove Dr. Sujeewa to take up further studies in the field and in 2018 she completed an MD in Family Medicine degree attached to the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, and MRCGP (INT) attached to Royal college of general practitioners UK in 2019.
Before coming to General Practice with BIMS in April 2024 she worked in the emergency department and Hospital in Home (HITH) at Mackay Base Hospital
She is currently enrolled in the Practice Experience Specialist Pathway of the RACGP fellowship program. Her special interests include preventive medicine, chronic diseases (such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, arthritis, COPD, and Asthma), Mental health, women’s health, and children’s health, approaching holistic healthcare to patients for all age groups.
Dr. Roshimi Gunathilaka (MD, AMC)
Dr. Roshimi Gunathilaka is a dedicated general practitioner at Bay Islands Medical Service, bringing extensive experience in both hospital and general practice settings. She has worked for several years in hospital-based medicine across Australia, including Mater Mothers Hospital and Hervey Bay Hospital, as well as in Sri Lanka.
Her diverse experience spans Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Emergency Medicine, Surgery,Paediatrics,and other key specialties.
Dr. Gunathilaka has a special interest in child health, antenatal care, and women’s health, providing compassionate, patient-centered care to individuals and families. Her broad clinical background allows her to offer comprehensive medical services, including preventative care, chronic disease management, and minor procedures.
Committed to ongoing professional development, Dr. Gunathilaka ensures her patients receive high-quality, evidence-based care. She values building strong, trusting relationships with her patients and supporting their long-term health and well-being.
Dr Gihan Gunawardena FRACGP, MBBS
General Practitioner
Background
Dr. Gihan Gunawardena graduated in 2001 from Sri Lanka and completed his fellowship with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners in 2013 and Advanced Diploma in Obstetrics in 2014. Being a Rural Generalist Obstetrician / ED Doctor currently working part time GP / Part time Senior Medical Officer for QLD Health and Senior Lecturer for School of Medicine – University of Queensland, brings with him a wealth of General Practice, Hospital and Academic / Educational experience. His special interests are in Obstetrics and Women’s Health, Acute Medical Care and Patient Education which leads to better management and outcomes with longstanding / chronic medical conditions. His non-medical interests are Science & Technology, Energy and innovation.
Special Interests
Obstetrics and Women’s Health, Acute Medical Care, Patient Education
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