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 Sherif Francis
Skin Cancer Physician
With close to 30 years of experience in Skin Cancer Treatment and General Practice, I specialise in Skin cancer diagnosis & treatment and Minor procedures.
Throughout my career, I have developed a strong focus on delivering comprehensive skin cancer care, offering both surgical and non-surgical treatments tailored to patients’ needs. In additional to my clinical practice, I have been actively involved in medical education. I served as a Clinical Supervisor for GP registrars and an examiner with the RACGP. I was also a General Practice Clinical Supervisor for the University of New South Wales medicine program, contributing to the training of Year 5 and 6 medical students.
Before transitioning to a more patient-centred role, I was a doctor and medical director at my own group practices. In 2022, I decided to focus entirely on patient care and moved to the Shire to achieve this goal.
Outside of work, I enjoy nature, spending time at the beach, caring for my two dogs, and playing jazz piano.
Dr Christene Mikhail
Skin Cancer Physician
I completed a Bachelor of Pharmacy before pursuing my Medical Degree at the University of Newcastle, graduating with distinction. Afterward, I undertook hospital training at St George and Sutherland Hospitals before completing post-graduate training in general practice through the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
In 2021, I began specialising in skin cancer medicine and surgery, and in 2024, I completed my Master of Medicine in Skin Cancer from the University of Queensland. I also have a strong interest in medical research and have published in the British Medical Journal on a hospital patient safety project.
Qualifications and Certificates:
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) – University of Sydney
- Bachelor of Medicine (BMed, Distinction) – University of Queensland
- Master of Medicine (MMed, Skin Cancer) – University of Queensland
- Professional Certificate in Skin Cancer Medicine – Healthcert/University of Queensland
- Professional Certificate in Dermatoscopy – Healthcert/University of Queensland
- Professional Certificate in Dermatology – Healthcert/University of Queensland
- Fellowship (FRACGP) – Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
Dr Nicole Hall
General Practitioner
I graduated from the University of New South Wales in 2010 and after time in emergency medicine, have worked as a GP in Southwest Sydney since obtaining fellowship with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners in 2015. I am interested in all areas of general practice and really enjoy helping patients achieve their health goals.
Women’s health is my passion, including pregnancy care, contraception (Implanon insertion/removal and Mirena removal), fertility and menopause management. I obtained the Certificate of Women’s Health from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in 2024 and continue to work in high-risk antenatal care in a hospital setting.
As a Mum of 2 children, I enjoy all aspects of paediatric care and have previously worked in paediatric emergency care. Weight management and lifestyle medicine are my other areas of interest, in addition to empowering patients to manage chronic disease.
After growing up in the Shire and continuing to live locally, I enjoy bushwalking, swimming, good coffee and the lifestyle that comes from living in this beautiful area with my husband, children, and our dog.
Dr Seyed Ajjaward
General Practitioner
I am a dedicated family physician with over 25 years of clinical experience, with a deep understanding of the Australian healthcare system. After graduating from Sri Lanka in 1998, I have spent over 17 years serving communities across New South Wales, prioritising patient-centred care.
I have a special interest in chronic disease management, preventive medicine, and skin cancer management. I am passionate about empowering patients through education and proactive health strategies. While these areas are a focus, I cherish the diversity of family medicine and enjoy all aspects of general practice.
I consider it a privilege to support patients through every stage of life with a commitment to providing comprehensive, holistic care to individuals and families addressing their immediate needs and long-term health outcomes.
Outside of medicine, I find balance by immersing myself in reading and tending to my garden.
Dr Catherine Gerges
General Practitioner
I am a compassionate GP with a special interest in women’s and children’s health, and a passion for supporting patients through every stage of life. I offer personalised care that addresses not just physical symptoms, but the emotional and lifestyle factors that contribute to overall wellbeing. Whether guiding young families, supporting women through hormonal transitions, or caring for children, I take the time to listen, understand, and build lasting, trusted relationships.
With a growing focus on weight loss medicine and metabolic health, I take a holistic, team-based approach to help patients achieve sustainable results. I work closely with allied health professionals to create tailored plans that are both realistic and empowering. My goal is simple: to support you in feeling your best—physically, mentally, and emotionally—so you can thrive in every area of your life.
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.
