Team
Dr. Shanti Thumati
MBBS, DRCOG, DFSRH, FRACGP
Dr. Shanti Thumati is a UK-trained general health provider with special interests in women’s health, cosmetic medicine and mental health. She is passionate about providing the best possible medical care taking into consideration the wise words of Hippocrates:
"It is far more important to know what person the disease has than what disease the person has".
She has a special interest in mental health and is accredited to provide Focussed Psychological Therapy. Because she also has a special interest in women’s health, she would be especially delighted to see you if you are planning a pregnancy, currently pregnant, or recently delivered a baby.
Apart from her work as a health provider, Dr. Shanti is a mother to two young boisterous boys and enjoys reading, painting and cooking.
- Child and family health
- Family planning – IUD and implant insertion and removal
- Antenatal care and postpartum care
- Women’s Health
- Cosmetic medicine – http://oliveskinaesthetics.com
- Mental health -current provider of FPS(Focussed Psychological Therapies)
- Dr Shanti is fluent in English, Hindi, Telugu and Urdu.
Dr Preeth Prakash
MBBS, MRCGP, FRACGP
Dr Preeth completed her undergraduate medical training from Chennai, India in 2007, and trained as a medical practitioner in the United Kingdom. She worked in the United Kingdom for 12 years before moving to Australia with her family.
She has experience working with multi-lingual, multi-ethnic population, making her proficient in various languages, like English, Hindi, Tamil, Marwari and Urdu.
She enjoys all aspects of general practice with a special interest in women’s health, antenatal and post-natal care, pregnancy counselling, children’s health, chronic disease management, preventative health checks, workers compensation and CTP insurance claims.
Dr Prakash is currently accepting new patients.
Dr Priyank Jani
BSc, MBChB, DRCOG, MRCGP, FRACGP
Dr Jani was born and brought up in the UK and completed his medical training at the University of Leicester. This was followed by his specialty training across a variety of medical practices and hospitals in London. Dr Jani worked as a medical practitioner in Central London before making the move to Canberra. Having emigrated to Australia, Dr Jani and his family now call Canberra their new home and are thoroughly enjoying life in the Bush Capital.
He has specialist interests in-
- Weight Management and Preventative Care
- Neurodivergence and ADHD (provides ADHD shared care management)
- Paediatrics
- Iron Infusions and Implant Insertion/Removal
- Men’s and Women’s Health
- Chronic Disease Management and Elderly Care
- Worker’s Compensation and CTP Insurance Claims
- Private Driver Medical Assessments
Dr Jani is fluent in English, Gujarati and has a working knowledge of Hindi. Outside of work, he enjoys the outdoors, supporting his soccer club (Chelsea FC), and spending time with his young family. Dr Jani is welcoming new patients.
Dr Sonam Jani-Naik
BSc, MBBS, DRCOG, MRCGP, FRACGP
Dr Sonam was born and brought up in London, UK and qualified from St George’s University of London. She completed her clinician qualifications across various London hospitals before moving to Canberra. She is passionate about providing holistic and patient-centred care. She is currently working towards becoming an accredited Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner.
Dr Sonam enjoys working across all aspects of general practice with a special interest in:
Women’s Health & Hormonal Health
- Contraception including Implanon and IUD insertion
- Pregnancy and Antenatal Care
- Child Health
- Lifestyle and Preventative Medicine
- Weight Management
- Chronic Disease Management
- Mental Health
Dr Sonam is fluent in English and Gujarati. She enjoys reading fantasy and science fiction, cooking delicious plant-based recipes and spending time with her family. Dr Sonam is welcoming new patients.
Dr Asanga Bandara
MBBS, DCH, FRACGP, Dip Skin Cancer Medicine
Dr Asanga Bandara is an experienced general healthcare provider who takes a proactive approach towards the diagnosis and treatment of Skin Cancer. With his experience in the area and qualifications, including a Diploma in Skin Cancer, he is well-equipped to provide top-notch care to his patients.
Considering the serious risks associated with Skin Cancer, he dedicates a significant portion of his work hours to Skin Cancer Management, ensuring his patients receive the attention they deserve.
Dr Asanga accepts new patients for:
- Routine Skin Cancer Checks
- Skin Spot or Mole Checks
- Surgical and Non-surgical Treatments for Skin Cancer
Dr. Saima Mustafa
MBBS, DCH, FRACGP
Dr. Saima Mustafa is a compassionate medical practitioner with over a decade of experience in providing healthcare services. She earned her medical degree from the United Arab Emirates and moved to Australia in 2009, where she began her medical career. She worked in various hospitals in Sydney and completed a Diploma of Child Health with Westmead Hospital. Then, she made her way to Canberra and obtained a fellowship with the Royal College of General Practitioners in Australia.
With a strong commitment to preventive medicine, Dr. Mustafa emphasises the importance of regular check-ups, screenings, and lifestyle modifications to promote overall wellness and disease prevention among her patients. She takes a holistic approach to healthcare and ensures her patients receive up-to-date and evidence-based care.
She enjoys the diverse aspects of general practice and working with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Her special interests include:
- Chronic Disease Management
- Women’s Health
- Children’s Health
- Implant Insertion
- Iron Infusions
- Skin Excisions
Elka Mackinnon
Exercise Physiologists
I’m an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with a Bachelor of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation from the University of Canberra. Growing up in Dubai as a major sport enthusiast, I faced constant rehab from injuries, these experiences sparked my passion for using exercise as a powerful tool for recovery and long-term health.
With experience across a broad range of populations—including, oncology, diabetes, cardio-pulmonary conditions, and paediatrics, I’ve developed a special passion for musculoskeletal health. I firmly believe that exercise is the best medicine, and there’s a perfect exercise modality for everyone.
In addition to my clinical work, I also train AFL players with a focus on sport and performance. I’m committed to creating individualized, evidence-based programs that are not only effective but also enjoyable and tailored to each client’s unique needs. My goal is to empower clients with the knowledge and resources to manage their conditions, recover from injuries, and improve their overall quality of life. When I’m not in the clinic, you’ll likely find me hiking, traveling,or relaxing with a book!
Michelle Davies
Food Specialist
Michelle has been a dietary consultant for 10 years, helping hundreds of clients manage complex medical conditions, improve their metabolic health and lose weight.
She loves helping clients to take charge of their health and create healthy lifestyle habits that allow them to feel their best.
Outside of work, Michelle enjoys staying active, listening to podcasts and exploring Canberra’s food scene.
Special interest areas:
- Reproductive health & fertility
- Peri-menopause and menopause
- Irritable bowel syndrome
Amy Shah
Psychotherapist
B.A., B.Ed., M.A in Counselling Psych, EMDRIA*, ACA, Psychopharma [Harvard Medical School], CRPO
Amy is a trauma-informed psychotherapist with a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology (Canada). She specializes in helping women heal from anxiety, depression, childhood trauma, physical abuse, sexual assault, c-PTSD, and more.
Amy is internationally trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She is also proficient in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and currently bringing in some parts of the Internal Family system (IFS). With additional training from Harvard Medical School (Boston) in Psychopharma, she provides compassionate, empathetic and culturally sensitive care. Amy is committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental space for her clients to thrive.
Special interest areas
- Women’s Mental Health
- Women Issues
- Childhood Trauma or Complex Trauma
- Anxiety/Depression or Grief
- Mind and Body connection into healing
Amy was born in India but is Canadian, completing her Psychology program in Canada and working in the US and Canada, she developed her passion to work with women and being a part of their healing journey.
Outside work, Amy loves travelling and has been to many countries, she loves learning about new cultures and going local in her food choices.
During her days off, she loves watching a series or documentary on Netflix.
Languages: English, Hindi, Gujarati
Dr. Darren Boardman
Psychologist
BPsych(Hons), PhD
Darren has been a registered psychologist since 2004. In addition to working for many years in his own private practice, Darren has worked as an EAP psychologist and as a psychologist with the Australian Federal Police.
Darren has also spent time in academia as a teacher and researcher before moving to Canberra with his family where he has worked in various research and policy roles in the public sector.
Throughout these varied work experiences, Darren has had the privilege of engaging with people from all walks of life. With a straightforward and conversational approach, Darren also has the experience and clinical knowledge to help you develop the tools you need to achieve your wellbeing goals.
