Accredited Training Networks Project

Dr Dan McCarney | FACEM Port Macquarie and Kempsey | NSW co-ATN DEMT

Dan is an emergency physician working at both Port Macquarie Base and Kempsey District Hospitals as well as co-DEMT of the NSW ATN. He completed his FACEM training primarily on the Gold Coast, though his roots are in rural NSW, and he has worked across a wide range of roles and sites throughout NSW and Queensland. Dan has a strong passion for teaching, education, retrieval, and rural medicine, and has held supervisory and educational roles throughout much of his career. He also served as Director of the Kempsey Emergency Department from April 2022 to July 2024 and previously worked in retrieval medicine for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter service in Tamworth. Outside of medicine, Dan enjoys spending time with his family and children. He is an avid golfer and a keen follower of rugby league, reflecting his love of sport and community.

Dr Desiree Jongco | FACEM John Hunter Hospital | Lower Hunter EMTN DEMT | NSW ATN co-DEMT

Desiree is an Emergency Physician currently working at John Hunter Hospital and serving as co-DEMT for the NSW ATN. She completed her FACEM training in the Greater Newcastle area and brings over a year of experience as a DEMT, as well as more than five years as a Local Workplace-Based Assessment Coordinator. A strong advocate for trainees, Dr Jongco has a deep understanding of the structure and requirements of the FACEM training program and is passionate about expanding emergency medicine training opportunities across regional, rural, and remote areas. Outside of work Desiree is an avid dancer and singer.

Dr Geetha Gokul Naidu | FACEM Tamworth | DEMT

Geetha was born and raised in Malaysia and completed her medical studies through a joint program between the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Penang Medical College. After her internship at a major referral hospital in Malaysia, she spent most of her post-graduate years working in rural Malaysia before moving to Australia to pursue Fellowship in Emergency Medicine as an International Medical Graduate. She is now an Emergency Physician and co-DEMT at Tamworth Rural Referral Hospital. Geetha is passionate about highlighting the value of rural emergency medicine within fellowship training and is committed to creating meaningful learning opportunities for trainees. She feels privileged to work alongside a team of like-minded clinicians who share her vision of bringing rural emergency medicine to the forefront of emergency care training.

Dr Karen Coss | FACEM Tamworth | DEM

Karen is the Clinical Director of Emergency Medicine at Tamworth Rural Referral Hospital. Originally from Central Queensland, she studied medicine in Adelaide before relocating to Tamworth to complete her internship and specialist emergency training. For the past five years, Karen has worked as a staff specialist in the department, balancing her career in medicine with family life and farming. She brings a wealth of complementary critical care experience, having previously worked with the Tamworth Helicopter Retrieval Service. A passionate advocate for rural health, Karen has also contributed to Emergency Medicine Education and Training (EMET), supporting the delivery of emergency medical education to rural doctors and nurses.

Dr Digby Hone | FACEM Port Macquarie and Kempsey | DEM

Digby is an Emergency Physician at Port Macquarie Hospital, where he also serves as the Director of Emergency Medicine (DEM). A graduate of the University of Sydney, he brings a strong clinical background and a deep commitment to patient-centred care to his leadership role. Throughout his career, Digby has been actively involved in advancing emergency medicine practices, mentoring junior clinicians, and improving the delivery of acute care services within regional health settings.

Dr Dawn Martin | FACEM Port Macquarie and Kempsey | Network Director Hastings Macleay

Dawn is an emergency physician working across Kempsey and Port Macquarie Hospitals. She studied medicine at the University of Southampton in the UK and now holds several senior academic and leadership positions, including Network Director of the Hastings Macleay Clinical Network, Associate Professor of Medicine at Charles Sturt University, and Head of Campus for the Hastings Macleay Clinical School. She also leads the WBA programme for the Mid North Coast and is a Conjoint Lecturer with the University of NSW.

Dr Andrew Orr | FACEM Port Macquarie and Kempsey | DEMT

Andrew is an emergency physician at Port Macquarie and Kempsey Hospitals, where he also contributes to training as Co-DEMT. He studied medicine at the University of New South Wales and is committed to advancing emergency medicine education.

Dr Sam Tonkin | FACEM Port Macquarie and Kempsey | DEMT

Sam is an emergency physician at Kempsey and Port Macquarie Hospitals and serves as Co-DEMT at Port Macquarie. He studied medicine at the University of Birmingham in the UK and combines clinical practice with a strong focus on supporting trainee development.

Dr David Thomson | FACEM Kempsey and Port Macquarie | DEM

Dave is an emergency physician (FACEM) working in the Hastings Macleay region at both Kempsey and Port Macquarie Emergency Departments. He is currently the DEM at Kempsey Hospital. He did almost all of his ACEM training in the Newcastle region before moving to Port Macquarie with his family 8 years ago. In his spare time, he enjoys hanging out with his family, watching the footy and catching up with friends.

Dr Rory Gleadhill | FACEM John Hunter | DEMT

Rory is an emergency physician at John Hunter Hospital, where he also serves as Co-DEMT. He studied medicine at the University of Newcastle and plays a key role in guiding emergency medicine trainees at the hospital. He is passionate about teaching and takes pride in helping trainees build confidence and competence in the fast-paced environment of emergency medicine.

Dr Tim Cowan | FACEM John Hunter | DEMT

Tim is an Emergency Physician at John Hunter Hospital, where he also serves as Co-Director of Emergency Medicine Training (Co-DEMT), supporting the education and professional development of junior doctors within the department. He completed his medical studies at the University of Auckland in New Zealand and has since developed a career that combines strong clinical acumen with a passion for teaching and mentorship.

Dr Nicholas Dafters | FACEM Calvary Mater | DEMT

Nick is a FACEM and co-DEMT at Calvary Mater hospital originally from Glasgow, Scotland, where he earned his medical degree from the University of Glasgow in 1999. He began his career as a junior doctor in Scotland before completing specialist training in General Practice and working across the Highlands and Islands. In 2007, Nick permanently relocated to Australia and undertook further training in Emergency Medicine, gaining broad experience in paediatrics, obstetrics, intensive care, and retrieval medicine. He plays a key role in training future emergency physicians and has a strong interest in medical simulation and disaster management.

Dr Mustafa Majeed Omar | FACEM Calvary Mater

Mustafa is emergency medicine specialist in Newcastle, NSW. Mustafa previously assisted as the acting DMS at Manning Base Hospital before returning to Calvary-Mater as a staff specialist. He is also an AFRACMA and studying MBA in Healthcare management with Deakin University. Mustafa is also an Executive Member of the Australian Islamic Medical Association central team and president of Newcastle AIMA Chapter.

Dr Hamish Kent | FACEM Tamworth | DEMT

Hamish an emergency physician who has worked in Tamworth Rural Referral Hospital since 2019, where he also works as Co-DEMT. After graduating from UQ, he trained predominantly in SEQ, developing a passion for clinical work as well as teaching and mentoring in emergency medicine. He enjoys assisting junior doctors to strengthen their confidence and skills maintain a healthy work life balance, and career longevity. In his spare time, he enjoys various outdoor pursuits, building surf boards in his shed, and testing them all over the east coast and beyond.

Dr Jonathon Candrick | FACEM Maitland | DEMT

Jonathan is an emergency physician at Maitland Hospital, where he also serves as Co-DEMT. A graduate of the University of Sydney, he combines his clinical work with a strong interest in teaching and mentorship. He’s passionate about supporting trainee doctors as they develop their skills and confidence in emergency medicine.

Dr Jocelyn Keage | FACEM Maitland | DEMT

Jocelyn is an Emergency Physician at Maitland Hospital and serves as Co-Director of Emergency Medicine Training (Co-DEMT). She studied medicine at Monash University and is passionate about providing high-quality, patient-centred emergency care while mentoring the next generation of clinicians. In her role, Jocelyn is actively involved in developing and supporting training programs that foster clinical excellence, professional growth, and resilience among junior doctors.

Dr Ed Irving | FACEM Port Macquarie and Kempsey | DEMT

Dr. Ed Irving is a FACEM based in Port Macquarie and Kempsey, where he also serves as DEMT at Kempsey Hospital. Beyond medicine, Ed keeps life grounded and lively with his three kids, five chickens, and a love for the Sydney Swans. He describes himself as “fairly basic,” but colleagues know him for his approachable style, steady commitment, and genuine care for both patients and trainees.

Dr Bryan Schnabel | FACEM Belmont | DEMT

Bryan started his training in Tamworth and was elected to Fellowship in 2018. He now works part-time at Belmont Hospital as a Staff Specialist, where he continues to provide high-quality emergency care. Additionally, Bryan is a Conjoint Lecturer at the University of Newcastle for the School of Medicine and Public Health. In this role, he is actively involved in teaching and mentoring medical students, helping to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical clinical experience.

Dr Tim Arnold | FACEM FACRRM Belmont | DEM

Tim is an Emergency Physician and Director of Emergency Medicine (DEM) at Belmont Hospital, where he also serves as a Conjoint Lecturer with the University of Newcastle. Also a Fellow of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (FACRRM), Tim brings a broad, multidisciplinary perspective to emergency medicine practice and education particularly in RRR areas. His diverse clinical background enhances his ability to provide comprehensive patient care and to mentor emerging clinicians in developing well-rounded, patient-centred approaches to emergency medicine.

Dr Carla Ceccarelli | FACEM John Hunter | DEMT

Carla is an emergency physician at Calvary Mater Hospital, where she also serves as Co-DEMT. She completed her medical studies at the University of Cape Town in South Africa and is dedicated to clinical excellence and mentoring future emergency physicians. Through her dual focus on frontline care and trainee support, she contributes meaningfully to strengthening the emergency medicine workforce and fostering a culture of learning within the department.

Dr Rachael Gill | FACEM Coffs Harbour | NSW Branch Chair

Rachael Gill is Emergency Physican serving as Deputy Director of Emergency Medicine at Coffs Harbour and Staff Specialist at Macksville District Hospital. She is also the Chair of ACEM’s New South Wales Faculty. Deeply committed to strengthening emergency medicine training in rural, regional, and remote areas, Rachael is actively involved in initiatives that support equitable access to high-quality training, including ACEM's Blended Supervision Project.

Dr Cameron Dart | FACEM Calvary Mater [Newcastle]

Cameron is an Emergency Medicine Physician based in New South Wales with a strong commitment to medical education and workforce development. A graduate of the University of New South Wales, he also holds a Diploma of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Cameron has been pivotal in establishing the NSW ATN and has a particular interest in vocational training pathways. He previously served as HETI’s Director of Training for Network 4, where he played a key role in shaping and supporting the development of future emergency physicians.

Dr Chris Jenkins | FACEM John Hunter Hospital | HETI EM4 Director of Training

Chris is an Emergency Physician at John Hunter Hospital with a strong interest in education and simulation. Originally trained as a dentist, he completed his medical studies at the University of Sydney and undertook Emergency Medicine training across Sydney sites, John Hunter Hospital, and CareFlight. Having worked at John Hunter since internship, he brings deep local experience and a passion for teaching within dynamic team environments. A Newcastle local and Warners Bay High School graduate, Chris values the region’s balance of community and opportunity. Outside work, he’s an endurance sports enthusiast who enjoys running and cycling. He’s excited about the ATN’s potential to create better-supported, flexible training pathways between metro and rural sites, and hopes it will drive stronger advocacy for trainees across both settings.

Liz Jones | FACEM Warrnambool | SW VIC ATN DEMT

Liz is the South West Victoria ATN DEMT and has worked at Warrnambool Base Hospital since 2022 following more than ten years as a FACEM in Tamworth in northwest NSW. Prior to becoming a FACEM Liz trained and worked as a GP in various locations including as a Medical Officer in the Royal Australian Navy. Her experience includes the professional development of both pre-vocational and vocational medical staff as DEMT, EMET lead, Trainee Progression Review panel member, Rural Generalist trainee supervisor and Chair of hospital pre-vocational committees in both NSW and Victoria.

Liz is currently a member of ACEM’s Accreditation Committee, a member of the Regional Rural Remote Training Requirement Working Group and the ACEM representative for PMCV’s Accreditation Committee. Liz has a strong interest in the professional development of junior and middle grade medical staff, including IMGs, and developing skilled and confident regional and rural clinicians. When not at work Liz can be found trying to grow a garden that can withstand the strong coastal winds of the southwest, planning her next walking trip and wrangling two recalcitrant terriers.

Dr Tahnee Dunlop | FACEM Warrnambool | DEMT

Tahnee is an emergency physician based in Warrnambool, Victoria, Eastern Maar country. She is the DEMT of the Warrnambool base hospital. Her work time is split between South West Healthcare and Deakin University, where she is the deputy director of the Centre for Rural Emergency Medicine (CREM). She has been there for five years. She undertook her ED training at multiple sites in Victoria, including St Vincent's, the Royal Children’s Hospital, and ARV, as well as Mparntwe/Alice Springs. Her passion for rural emergency medicine and care for kids in her community has her increasing the PEM focus in her mixed department. She is also a From Other Journals section editor at Emergency Medicine Australasia (EMA). Her other passions include exploring the local beaches with her young children, cooking and cycling.

Dr Tim Baker | FACEM Warrnambool | ATN Stakeholder Group Chair

Tim Baker is an Emergency Physician based on the south-west coast of Victoria, working at Warrnambool Base Hospital and Portland District Health. Passionate about research and medical training pathways, he serves as the Director of Deakin University’s Centre for Rural Emergency Medicine, where he leads initiatives to advance rural emergency care. Tim is also actively involved with ACEM through a range of committees, recognising their value in advocating for and strengthening rural emergency services. His committee work includes contributions to the Rural, Regional and Remote Committee, the National Programs Steering Committee, and the Accredited Training Networks project.

Dr Hayden Richards | FACEM Geelong | Deputy DEM

Hayden is a FACEM at University Hospital Geelong where he currently serves as the Deputy Director of Emergency Medicine. Also a senior lecturer at Deakin University (Geelong), Hayden has key interests in teaching and promoting effective communication.

Dr Anoushka Perera | FACEM Geelong | ACEM DCIC

Anoushka has been a FACEM at University Hospital Geelong since receiving her fellowship in 2012. She is privileged to live work and play on the lands of the Wathaurong people and enjoy the laid back vibe of a beachside lifestyle.

Anoushka has been heavily involved in education and training during registrar and FACEM life and has previously held the positions of local WBA co-ordinator, DEMT and Regional Deputy Censor. She is the current Deputy Censor in Chief for ACEM and therefore sits on the Council of Education and all of its entities. As part of this role, she will be involved in developing the Regional, Rural and Remote training requirement recently announced by ACEM to take effect from the 2027 training year.

Anoushka lived in Broken Hill when she first arrived in Australia in 1982 and ever since that time has enjoyed living, working and travelling in regional, rural and remote Australia. She understands the joys and experiences that result from getting out of the big cities and “going bush”, loving nothing more than jumping in the Troopy with her husband and fur child, driving to some far flung corner of the country, camping under the stars, spending time in nature and disconnecting from all things tech.

Anoushka is excited about the opportunities that await trainees as they venture out from tertiary centres to more peripheral regions – the skills, knowledge and community they find there are sure to bring many positives to their work and lives.

John Daly | FACEM Geelong | co-DEMT

John is co-DEMT at University Hospital Geelong where he has worked for many years. He also works as a coordinator and retrievalist at Adult Retrieval Victoria. Originally from Ireland he has also worked at the Alfred and Royal Children’s Hospitals.

His teaching interests include the APLS courses, the ACEM Primary exams and regional anaesthesia where he is the department lead. When not at work he can often be found trying to play Gaelic Football and Hurling.

Conor Kelly  | FACEM Geelong | co-DEMT

Conor is an Emergency Physician at University Hospital Geelong, originally from Ireland, where he began his journey before completing his training and fellowship in Australia. Currently in the role of co-DEMT in Geelong, Connor has a keen interest in medical education. He has been a Victorian Regional New Fellows Champion and has a strong passion for point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), building on a long-standing interest in ultrasound within emergency and critical care.

Minnie Seward | FACEM Geelong | co-DEMT
Minnie is an Emergency Physician at University Hospital Geelong, Victoria, with previous experience in Ballarat. In the role of co-DEMT, she has a strong interest in staff wellbeing, medical education, and wilderness medicine, and thrives in the fast-paced, team-based environment of emergency medicine. Minnie values the diversity of the ED and the meaningful connections she builds with patients and colleagues, leading by example to foster a respectful, collaborative workplace where every role is valued.
 
She believes respect is central to emergency care, recognising that patients often present on the most difficult days of their lives. With empathy and curiosity, she focuses on the person behind the diagnosis while advocating for equitable care. Outside of work, Minnie prioritises balance by switching off, spending time outdoors, and catching up with friends and family.

Dr Mark Hartnell | FACEM Ballarat | DEM

Mark is the previous Head of Unit for Ballarat Base Hospital and is now more than 25 years into what was originally a two-year plan to work in Ballarat. The things that keep him in Ballarat include: no traffic lights between home and the office; the real estate exchange rate (roughly 4.5 Ballarat Real Estate Dollars to 1 Melbourne); affordable private schools; the Ballarat Tennis Club (one of the only Real Tennis clubs in Australia, a quirky niche sport he’s always happy to talk about); and easy access to what he considers The Good Life. Despite this, he still sees himself as a Big City Person who enjoys Melbourne even more now that he doesn’t live there. Mark is very passionate about EM teaching and currently holds a teaching role with Deakin University (Ballarat). His “subspecialty” is working with frequently presenting and challenging patients—patients who test the usual ways of doing things, though not by intention.

Dr Kath Tomkins | FACEM Ballarat | DEMT

Kath is a FACEM currently working at Ballarat Base Hospital. She began her career in dentistry after completing her studies at the University of Melbourne, before pursuing medicine at the University of Sydney. Drawing on her diverse clinical background, Kath brings a unique perspective to emergency care and medical education. Her work at Ballarat Hospital reflects her commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care within a busy regional health service.

Dr Barry Anthony | FACEM Ballarat | DEMT

Barry is an Emergency Medicine Physician at Ballarat Base Hospital. He completed his medical studies at the University of Queensland and has since built his career in acute care, with a strong commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-focused emergency medicine. Outside of the hospital, Barry is a dedicated coffee enthusiast, bringing the same energy and passion to his daily practice as he does to perfecting the perfect brew.

Dr Peter Carter | FACEM Wimmera [Horsham] | DEM

Peter is the Head of the ED at Wimmera Base Hospital, where he is focused on expanding the department’s medical capability, training capacity, and quality of care. Born and raised in Hopetoun, Peter has strong ties to the region and previously worked as a GP in Stawell for 15 years before training as an emergency specialist in Melbourne, where he gained extensive experience across major hospitals including the Alfred, Monash, and Frankston. Now leading Horsham’s ED, he is committed to improving diagnostic accuracy, decision-making, and access to senior emergency specialists, while also establishing the department as a recognised training site for emergency doctors. Supported by Grampians Health’s investment in staffing, telehealth, and advanced equipment, Peter is dedicated to ensuring the Horsham community receives safe, responsive, and world-class emergency care close to home.

Dr Andrew Trezise | FACEM Wimmera [Horsham] | FACEM

Andrew is an Emergency Physician working at Wimmera Base Hospital. He completed his medical degree at the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom before building his career in emergency medicine. With extensive clinical experience and a strong commitment to patient-centred care, Andrew plays a key role in delivering high-quality emergency services to the Grampians region.

Dr Annelise Staples | FACEM Bendigo | Deputy Chair Victorian Branch

After completing the majority of her training in regional Victoria, Annelise is now deeply rooted in and forever invested in the RRR realm. She is based in the centre and heart of Victoria, Bendigo, where she works in a mixed emergency department. Annelise’s three big passions in medicine are bringing quality paediatric emergency care to her regional community, contributing to the expanding RRR training scheme, and advancing medical education. Outside of work, Annelise can often be found being bossed around by her two husky fur-siblings—usually with encouragement from a toddler—renovating, reading a good historical novel, doing Pilates, or creating content for her fun PEM educational blog, @pemsuff.

Helen Finneran | Victorian Department of Health | Manager, VRGP

Helen has over 15 years of experience in workforce planning, programs, and policy, with a particular focus on strengthening the rural health workforce. She played a key role in leading the workforce planning and analysis that informed the early design and development of the Victorian Rural Generalist Program (VRGP). Returning to VRGP in 2023 as Manager, Helen is dedicated to collaborating with stakeholders to grow and sustain a strong Rural Generalist workforce that meets the evolving needs of rural Victorian communities.

Dr Brendan Condon | GP Warrnambool | Medical Education Deakin University Rural Clinical School

Brendan is the Clinical Education Lead within the Deakin Medical School, Warrnambool - South West and a practising general practitioner. Having grown up in regional Victoria, Brendan brings a heartfelt enthusiasm for the rural and regional focus of the Deakin School of Medicine and a passion to develop rural and regional based medical training, from medical student to fellowship.