OUR SPECIALISTS

Dr Anna Connellan

GP
BE (Chem), MBBS, DCH, FRACGP

    • Perimenopause and menopause

    • Cervical screening

    • Contraception

    • Issues related to menstruation

    • Obesity

    • Addiction

    • Sexual health

    • Mental health management and care plans

    • Breast health

    • Cardiovascular health

    • Preventative care

    • Immunisations

    • Chronic disease management and care plans

    • Travel medicine

Dr Connellan is an experienced GP with a special interest in women’s health. Her love of science and maths initially drew her to complete a degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Sydney. After working in Engineering roles, she realised that she preferred people rather than machinery and went back to the University of Sydney to complete a postgraduate degree in Medicine.

Dr Connellan is a committed professional with over 15 years experience across a range of disciplines. She is a compassionate and diligent GP who works tirelessly to provide the best care for her patients and is recognised by her patients and peers for her clinical skills, judgement, professional conduct and personable communications.

GP
MBBS, DCH, ARANZCOG (P) , MHA, AFCHSM, FGAA, FRACGP

Dr Zinnia Lo

    • Women’s health

    • Mental Health

    • Chronic Disease Management

Dr. Zinnia Lo is a passionate specialist General Practitioner with over 20 years of experience. She obtained a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree from the University of Sydney and a Master of Health Administration with distinction from Monash University. She has a Diploma in Child Health (Sydney Children Hospital) and completed the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists Associate Training Program (Procedural) at the Royal Hospital for Women.

Zinnia has a special interest in women’s health, mental health, and chronic disease management. She is also a member of the Clinical Council at the Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Heath Network.

Zinnia's professional approach revolves around delivering exceptional, person-centred care that is proactive, integrated, and focused on advancing patients' health and well-being. Her multilingual skills—fluent in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese—allow her to connect with a diverse range of patients, ensuring effective communication and personalised care. Beyond her healthcare work, Zinnia is an award-winning gemologist and fine art photographer. Her passion for creativity drives her to explore, create, and share the beauty she encounters in the world, blending her technical expertise with an artistic eye.

盧醫生是一位充滿熱誠的全科醫生專家，擁有 20 多年的診症經驗。她獲得雪梨大學的醫學學士學位和外科學士學位和墨爾本蒙纳士大學的健康管理碩士學位。她擁有兒童健康文憑（雪梨兒童醫院），並在皇家婦女醫院完成了澳洲和紐西蘭皇家婦產科學院助理培訓計劃。

Zinnia 對女性健康、心理健康和慢性病管理特別感興趣。她的目標是提供優質、以人為本、積極主動的護理，以促進患者長期良好的健康和福祉。

Zinnia 能說流利的英語、國語和粵語。她也是一位獲獎的寶石學家和藝術攝影師，熱衷於探索、創造並與世界分享美麗的人和事。

Dr Gaurav Tandon

Psychiatrist
MBBS, DCH, Grad Dip Public Health, FRANZCP

    • Perimenopause and menopause

    • Mood disorders

    • Obsessive compulsive disorders

    • Anxiety spectrum disorders

    • Post-traumatic stress disorder

    • ADHD

Gaurav is a general Psychiatrist and a fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand college of Psychiatrists. Gaurav specialises in the management of mood disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, anxiety spectrum disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. He has a developed a special interest in women’s health and the impact of neuro-hormones in psychiatric conditions. Gaurav has completed a specialist course on Women’s Mental Health developed by the HER Centre Australia at Monash University, under the guidance of Professor Jayashree Kulkarni.

Gaurav has extensive experience working at various major teaching hospitals in Sydney and rural NSW alongside his work in the private sector.

Dr Louise Goodall

Endocrinologist
MBBS(Hons) MMed(Clin Epi) FRACP Endocrinologist

    • PCOS

    • Weight Loss

    • Osteoporosis

    • Menopause

Dr. Louise Goodall is a dedicated endocrinologist with a strong focus on women’s health. With expertise in bone health, hormonal disorders, and their impact on overall well-being, Dr. Goodall offers personalised, evidence-based care to support every patient’s journey to better health.

Dr. Goodall graduated with honours from the University of Western Sydney, where she received the prestigious Derek and Shirley Howes Award for Academic Achievement and ranked among the top three students in her cohort. She completed her Basic Physician Training at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, followed by Advanced Training in endocrinology at The Canberra Hospital, Prince of Wales Hospital, and St Vincent’s Hospital. In 2022, Dr. Goodall was awarded her Fellowship with the Royal Australian College of Physicians (FRACP).

Her commitment to advancing women’s health extends beyond clinical care. Dr. Goodall was leading a research project at St Vincent’s Hospital, focusing on bone health in breast cancer patients. She is also pursuing a PhD at the Garvan Institute, where her research explores how cardiovascular and metabolic health influence cognitive aging, with the aim of improving prevention and management of cognitive decline.

Dr. Goodall is also deeply committed to medical education, having served as a Conjoint Associate Lecturer at the University of Western Sydney and the University of New South Wales, a Clinical Teaching Fellow at the University of Sydney, and a lecturer at Notre Dame University. She brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for teaching to her clinical practice, ensuring her patients benefit from the latest advancements in endocrinology.

With a dedication to continuous learning, Dr. Goodall actively presents her research at national and international conferences, keeping at the forefront of developments in endocrine and women’s health. Her research is published in leading peer-reviewed journals, reflecting her commitment to advancing medical knowledge.

At Ponti Health, Dr. Goodall’s approach is centred around personalised care, collaboration, and a deep understanding of her patients' unique needs. Her expertise, compassionate approach, and commitment to ongoing research make her a trusted partner in managing complex endocrine and hormonal concerns.

    1. Raven LM, Goodall L, Center JR, Muir CA. Teriparatide as Treatment for Severe Osteoporosis in Lung Transplant Recipients. JCEM Case Rep. 2024 Mar 16;2(3):luae026. doi: 10.1210/jcemcr/luae026. PMID: 38495394; PMCID: PMC10943497.

    2. Fernandes A, Goodall L, Jang C, Duncan E. Postmenopausal osteoporosis: is there a role for menopausal hormone therapy Medicine Today 2023; 25(6 Suppl): 28-37

    3. Shoung N, Goodall L, Snaith J. Type 1 diabetes – a guide to current technology. Endocrinology Today 2023; 12(1): 23-27

    4. Fraser AC, Williams SE, Kong SX, Wells LE, Goodall LS, Pit S, Hansen V, Trent M. Public Health Amendment (Vaccination of Children Attending Child Care Facilities) Act 2013: its impact in the Northern Rivers, NSW. Public Health Res Pract. 2016 Apr 15;26(2):2621620. doi: 10.17061/phrp2621620. PMID: 27734063.

Endocrinologist
BSc (Nutrition)(Hons 1), MBBS, MMed(Clin Epi), MSc(Endocrinology and Diabetes), FRACP

Dr Lorraine Pereira

    • Weight Loss

    • Endocrine in Pregnancy (Gestational Diabetes & Thyroid in Pregnancy)

    • Osteoporosis

    • Metabolic Bone Disorders

“Health is a life- long journey, and our role as doctors is to walk alongside our patients, every step of the way. While doctors bring medical expertise, patients bring the wisdom of their own bodies and together we can create a healthier life.”

Dr. Lorraine Pereira is an endocrinologist at Ponti Health. offering expert care in general endocrinology. She is highly skilled in managing a range of conditions, including diabetes, thyroid, pituitary, and adrenal disorders. Dr. Pereira has a particular focus on osteoporosis, metabolic bone disorders, gestational diabetes, thyroid health during pregnancy, and obesity, helping patients manage these conditions with the latest treatments and compassionate care.

Dr. Pereira’s extensive qualifications include a medical degree from the University of Sydney, a Master of Medicine (Clinical Epidemiology) from the same institution, and a Master’s in Endocrinology and Diabetes from Barts University in London. Her clinical training has been shaped by her work at renowned hospitals such as St Vincent’s Hospital, Liverpool Hospital, and Blacktown Hospital. Before pursuing a career in medicine, Dr. Pereira studied advanced nutritional sciences and worked as a dietitian, giving her a unique understanding of the connection between nutrition and endocrine health. This background further enriches her ability to provide comprehensive care tailored to each patient's needs.

Dr. Pereira’s commitment to research, education, and continuous learning ensures that her patients benefit from the most advanced, evidence-based care. She has contributed to research on metabolic bone disorders at the Garvan Institute and is passionate about sharing knowledge. Whether it's through mentoring future medical professionals or staying at the forefront of new developments in endocrinology, Dr. Pereira is always evolving in her practice to serve her patients better.

With a passion for helping patients achieve their health goals, Dr. Pereira has published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at international conferences, and mentored medical students and doctors in their training. She welcomes patients aged 17 and older, offering a compassionate approach to managing your endocrine health with the highest level of expertise.

Aleea Newton

Physiotherapist
B AppSc (Biomedical Science), B Physio

    • General musculoskeletal issues

    • Peri to post-menopausal care

    • Perinatal care

    • Pelvic girdle pain

    • Urinary and faecal incontinence

    • Pelvic organ prolapse

    • Painful intercourse

    • Bladder and bowel dysfunction

    • Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction

Aleea, a former elite athlete, pursued a career in physiotherapy after having experienced a personal journey with musculoskeletal issues. She is passionate about integrating expertise in both musculoskeletal and pelvic health physiotherapy to offer holistic care for women.

Aleea also treats the entire spectrum of peri to postnatal and menopausal care.

Jordy Mitchell 

Exercise Physiologist
B App Sc(Ex&SportSc), M Clin Ex Phys

    • Individualised exercise programs to optimise performance or treat injury/illness

    • Optimising exercise during peri-menopause and menopause

    • Abdominal Separation

    • Stress incontinence

    • Abdominal Cramping

    • Weight Loss

    • Pelvic floor dysfunction

    • Doming

    • Prolapse

Jordy provides services tailored to women, to address common health issues such as: exercising during perimenopause, menopause, your menstrual cycle, stress incontinence, abdominal cramping, weight loss, pelvic floor dysfunction, abdominal separation, doming and prolapse. She has additional qualifications: Cert 3&4 in Fitness; Advanced WAG Gymnastics Coach; Cert II Sports Coaching; Dry Needling.

Dietitian
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science,
BSc (Hons) Dietetics, RD, FHEA

Kara Roberts

    • Peri-Menopause

    • Menopause

    • PCOS

    • Diabetes

    • Cardiovascular disease

    • Intuitive eating

    • Mental health

    • Disordered eating

    • Body image concerns

    • Overcoming weight concerns and chronic dieting

    • Nutrition to support prolapse management

Kara is a dietitian who is passionate about helping women cut through the noise of perimenopause, menopause and weight loss messaging with nutrition support that incorporates behavioural science and intuitive eating. Kara developed an interest in the link between nutrition, exercise and health from a young age due to competing in sport at a high level, completing a degree in sport and exercise science at Exeter University followed by a degree in dietetics at Plymouth University. Kara's career has since spanned both clinical posts (including working as a specialist diabetes dietitian) and higher academia, working as a senior lecturer whilst completing further training in motivational interviewing, behaviour change and intuitive eating counselling.

Today, Kara loves supporting women to harness the huge power that comes with taking a pause to reconnect, understand and create a nourishing relationship with their body and food.  Kara follows an evidence-based, anti-diet and weight neutral approach to nutrition that helps women break free from harmful dieting, instead learning to respect and work in harmony with their bodies. She is deeply passionate about working in collaboration with her patients to ensure they feel both empowered and informed to make meaningful change for their overall health.

Understanding the need for holistic care

Why do I need a specialised GP?

GP’s are the frontline of healthcare for the entire population. The sheer volume of knowledge that they need to do their job, means that most GP’s have areas of medicine that they are more or less confident with. At Ponti Health, our GP’s knowledge and education is focused on women - the aspects related specifically to women, but also preventative health and the range of physical and mental health issues that can arise. 

Why do I need a Psychiatrist? 

The impact on mental health is one of the unspoken challenges of hormonal fluctuations, both while menstruating and through the menopause transition. Shifts in hormone levels and brain chemistry can affect mood and cognition, and can impact quality of life, even in women without a history of major mental illness.

Why do I need an Endocrinologist? 

Endocrinologists specialise in conditions related to the endocrine glands and hormones. Therefore, they are experts in treating thyroid disorders, diabetes, osteoporosis, weight gain and reproductive hormone issues.

Why do I need a Gynaecologist? 

Gynaecologists look after everything to do with the reproductive organs from a medical and surgical perspective. They can help with period issues including heavy bleeding, irregular bleeding or painful periods, pelvic pain, abnormal cervical screening, fertility and contraception. A lot of women think that once you hit menopause, there’s no more need for a gynaecologist, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Oestrogen changes can lead to  gynaecological challenges for women like heavy menstrual bleeding, vaginal dryness and urinary symptoms.

Why do I need a Physiotherapist? 

Physiotherapists are best placed to diagnose muscular and joint issues and to create a management plan to strengthen specific areas. For women, this includes their pelvic floor muscles, which, if they aren’t working well can lead to pelvic pain, prolapse and incontinence - your Pelvic Physiotherapist can help with all of these, and more.

Why do I need an Exercise Physiologist?

Exercise is an essential part of your toolkit. However, in order to avoid injury, it’s important to adapt your regime to meet the requirements of your body. An exercise physiologist specialises in understanding how movement affects the body. They provide specialised guidance on strength training to improve bone health and muscle mass, both vital for preventing osteoporosis and maintaining mobility.

Why do I need an Dietitican?

Dietitians are experts in nutrition, trained to provide personalised guidance and evidence-based recommendations to help you achieve your health goals. They are the only experts qualified to provide nutrition advice for people who are living with health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and gastrointestinal diseases. They can help you navigate complex food-related issues, considering not just your physical health but also the impact of psychology and mindset on your food choices. Dietitians utilise counselling skills to improve your nutritional knowledge and empower you to make sustainable, informed choices by setting clear, actionable goals to support your long-term health.