Our Regional Co-Chair drive and oversee EMUGs activity in their region in collaboration with the Operations Team.
Co-Chairs
DR CRIS ZOLLO
MBBS, Bsc, MRCS(Ed), FACEM, DDU
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
Time is limited in ED: the Ultrasound scan is an extension of my clinical examination and gives me more information to make treatment decisions with. It's also satisfying to get the 'slam dunk' diagnosis that can't be refused!
Why EMUGs?
Always happy to chat to fellow US enthusiasts about how great we are ;0
When I grow up...
I used to dress up as Wonder women when I was 3
Bucket List
I'd love to see the Aurora borealis
Why EMUGs?
Always happy to chat to fellow US enthusiasts about how great we are ;0
When I grow up...
I used to dress up as Wonder women when I was 3
Bucket List
I'd love to see the Aurora borealis
DR CRIS ZOLLO
MBBS, Bsc, MRCS(Ed), FACEM, DDU
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
Time is limited in ED: the Ultrasound scan is an extension of my clinical examination and gives me more information to make treatment decisions with. It's also satisfying to get the 'slam dunk' diagnosis that can't be refused!
DR DAN ANDERSON
MBChB, FACEM, PGCertCPU, CCPU, PGDipMedEd (Dist), Honorary Lecturer (Auckland)
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
POCUS is a game changer - i’m passionate about using ultrasound to improve patient care and train the next generation of enthusiasts.
Training & Education
In a past life i was an advanced trainee in Radiology - but I saw the “light" and came back to Emergency Medicine. I’ve also recently stood down as the Director of EM Training and Education to take up a departmental ultrasound role.
Why EMUGs?
It’s great to catch up with the EMUGs group - they're a very social and supportive community that can help you improve your skills wherever you may be in your journey of learning to scan.
When I grow up...
All Black.
Bucket List
Disneyland adventure with the kids.
Why EMUGs?
It’s great to catch up with the EMUGs group - they're a very social and supportive community that can help you improve your skills wherever you may be in your journey of learning to scan.
When I grow up...
All Black.
Bucket List
Disneyland adventure with the kids.
DR DAN ANDERSON
MBChB, FACEM, PGCertCPU, CCPU, PGDipMedEd (Dist), Honorary Lecturer (Auckland)
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
POCUS is a game changer - i’m passionate about using ultrasound to improve patient care and train the next generation of enthusiasts.
Training & Education
In a past life i was an advanced trainee in Radiology - but I saw the “light" and came back to Emergency Medicine. I’ve also recently stood down as the Director of EM Training and Education to take up a departmental ultrasound role.
The hands on driving force that achieve EMUGs mission in their region.
Committee Members
DR ALASTAIR MACLEAN
MB ChB, FACEM, FRCEM, Pg Cert CPU
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
I have been trying to use USS in ED since a registrar in 2008 when I was first in a department with a portable ultrasound machine. The ability to rapidly alter the trajectory of care with a test I didn't have to beg for was immediately apparent. By being part of EMUGs keeps me honest about my skills (there are far better practitioners than I) and allows me to learn from those same people. There is not a shift (some of my juniors might say hour) I am not trying to benefit my patient's care with sonic beams of loveliness.
Training & Education
Medical school in Aberdeen, Specialist training in Bristol UK, POCUS in University of Otago.
Why EMUGs?
I heard about it but could never attend the meetings. Since the Whatsapp group formed it has been easier to meet up and keep up to date with fellow enthusiasts.
When I grow up...
I think when I was 5 I was very keen to be 6!
Bucket List
The Coast to coast challenge. Each year I fantasise, look at a training plan and put it off till the following year....
Why EMUGs?
I heard about it but could never attend the meetings. Since the Whatsapp group formed it has been easier to meet up and keep up to date with fellow enthusiasts.
When I grow up...
I think when I was 5 I was very keen to be 6!
Bucket List
The Coast to coast challenge. Each year I fantasise, look at a training plan and put it off till the following year....
DR ALASTAIR MACLEAN
MB ChB, FACEM, FRCEM, Pg Cert CPU
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
I have been trying to use USS in ED since a registrar in 2008 when I was first in a department with a portable ultrasound machine. The ability to rapidly alter the trajectory of care with a test I didn't have to beg for was immediately apparent. By being part of EMUGs keeps me honest about my skills (there are far better practitioners than I) and allows me to learn from those same people. There is not a shift (some of my juniors might say hour) I am not trying to benefit my patient's care with sonic beams of loveliness.
Training & Education
Medical school in Aberdeen, Specialist training in Bristol UK, POCUS in University of Otago.
DR MARK REWI
FACEM, MBCHB(Auckland), PGC CPU(Otago), CCPU, PGC ClinED(Canterbury), ACLS instructor.
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
I have been a strong advocate for improving credentialing, equipment acquisition/maintenance, imaging management and education in point of care ultrasound. I would like clinicians to have better access to point of care training to meet high standards of quality and consistency.
DR MARK REWI
FACEM, MBCHB(Auckland), PGC CPU(Otago), CCPU, PGC ClinED(Canterbury), ACLS instructor.
I have been a strong advocate for improving credentialing, equipment acquisition/maintenance, imaging management and education in point of care ultrasound. I would like clinicians to have better access to point of care training to meet high standards of quality and consistency.
DR MICK KILLEEN
FACEM
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
I have realised that POCUS is the most accurate diagnostic tool that I have at the bedside. It I also an essential tool to assist many procedures. The Light bulb moment is the first time you pick up the probe and realise that you can actually see into your patients body and suddenly there is no more guess work anymore. I use POCUS on the majority of my patients , in some form or other. I believe it is now essential as a diagnostic tool and therapeutic guide . Arguably you cannot practice Emergency medicine anymore without POCUS skills.
Training & Education
Irish graduate , FACEM training in NZ
Why EMUGs?
Inspired to join in and build the momentum by enthusiastic colleagues at MMH ED
When I grow up...
Professional Sportsman
Bucket List
Surf more epic breaks
Why EMUGs?
Inspired to join in and build the momentum by enthusiastic colleagues at MMH ED
When I grow up...
Professional Sportsman
Bucket List
Surf more epic breaks
DR MICK KILLEEN
FACEM
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
I have realised that POCUS is the most accurate diagnostic tool that I have at the bedside. It I also an essential tool to assist many procedures. The Light bulb moment is the first time you pick up the probe and realise that you can actually see into your patients body and suddenly there is no more guess work anymore. I use POCUS on the majority of my patients , in some form or other. I believe it is now essential as a diagnostic tool and therapeutic guide . Arguably you cannot practice Emergency medicine anymore without POCUS skills.
Training & Education
Irish graduate , FACEM training in NZ
DR GABBY KING
MBBS, FACEM, Post Grad Cert CPU
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
POCUS has so much potential benefit for our patients. Using it to see what is going on inside our patients helps improve our diagnosis and treatment decisions. Seeing the enthusiasm for POCUS in our trainees as they realise this benefit is what drives me to keep improving access to training in POCUS.
Training & Education
New Zealand
Why EMUGs?
Getting together with like minded colleagues to discuss POCUS. I use the tips and tricks I learn from everyone to continue to improve the way we are doing POCUS and how we are providing training.
When I grow up...
Professional Sportsman
Bucket List
Work in a developing country... using POCUS!
Why EMUGs?
Getting together with like minded colleagues to discuss POCUS. I use the tips and tricks I learn from everyone to continue to improve the way we are doing POCUS and how we are providing training.
When I grow up...
Professional Sportsman
Bucket List
Work in a developing country... using POCUS!
DR GABBY KING
MBBS, FACEM, Post Grad Cert CPU
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
POCUS has so much potential benefit for our patients. Using it to see what is going on inside our patients helps improve our diagnosis and treatment decisions. Seeing the enthusiasm for POCUS in our trainees as they realise this benefit is what drives me to keep improving access to training in POCUS.
Training & Education
New Zealand
DR PHIL YOUNG
MBChB FACEM CCPU Otago CPU PGcert Clin Teaching ACLS and ACME instructor.
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
A 20-year journey into POCUS and ECHO has made me passionate about getting all emergency physicians gaining some accreditation in POCUS. Interests in Clinical Leadership, Paediatrics, Medical Education, Resuscitation and Simulation.
DR PHILL YOUNG
MBChB FACEM CCPU Otago CPU PGcert Clin Teaching ACLS and ACME instructor.
A 20-year journey into POCUS and ECHO has made me passionate about getting all emergency physicians gaining some accreditation in POCUS. Interests in Clinical Leadership, Paediatrics, Medical Education, Resuscitation and Simulation.
DR CLAIRE HESLOP
MD, PhD, FRCPC, MedEdCert
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
POCUS makes my job easier, more fun, and a lot more slippery.
Training & Education
Canadian ER physician with ultrasound fellowship completed at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto, Ontario
Why EMUGs?
Wannabe Kiwi seeks POCUS keeners for long term education shenanigans. Seemed like the right group to join..!
When I grow up...
Was keen to be a racing jockey. Unrealistic for a kid who was 5'9" at age 9...
Why EMUGs?
Wannabe Kiwi seeks POCUS keeners for long term education shenanigans. Seemed like the right group to join..!
When I grow up...
Was keen to be a racing jockey. Unrealistic for a kid who was 5'9" at age 9...
DR CLAIRE HESLOP
MD, PhD, FRCPC, MedEdCert
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
POCUS makes my job easier, more fun, and a lot more slippery.
Training & Education
Canadian ER physician with ultrasound fellowship completed at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto, Ontario
DR GAYNOR PRINCE
FACEM DDU
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
I was senior reg on a night shift at Waikato hospital (busy!) and there was a 72 year old with “renal colic”. The nurse asked me to come and see him because he wasn’t well with a blood pressure of 70/50. I thought...yikes! AAA! Needs theatre. I popped an ultrasound probe on, confirmed the AAA and he was in theatre within an hour. He was discharged 9 days later. POCUS = better patient care!
Training & Education
Undergraduate training in South Africa , FACEM training in New Zealand , DDU training in Perth, Western Australia.
Why EMUGs?
Brian O'Connell...charismatic alright!
When I grow up...
Yip...the last one...always wanted to be a doctor. And I am one of the lucky ones coz I love it! Most days anyway ;)
Bucket List
Circumnavigate Greenland kite skiing. And kiting across Antarctica.
Why EMUGs?
Brian O'Connell...charismatic alright!
When I grow up...
Yip...the last one...always wanted to be a doctor. And I am one of the lucky ones coz I love it! Most days anyway ;)
Bucket List
DR GAYNOR PRINCE
FACEM DDU
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
I was senior reg on a night shift at Waikato hospital (busy!) and there was a 72 year old with “renal colic”. The nurse asked me to come and see him because he wasn’t well with a blood pressure of 70/50. I thought...yikes! AAA! Needs theatre. I popped an ultrasound probe on, confirmed the AAA and he was in theatre within an hour. He was discharged 9 days later. POCUS = better patient care!
Training & Education
Undergraduate training in South Africa , FACEM training in New Zealand , DDU training in Perth, Western Australia.
DR SIERRA BECK
FACEM
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
Ultrasound is the perfect excuse to spend more time at the bedside with patients. Its my favorite tool for patient education.
Training & Education
Trained in Emergency Medicine/Ultrasound Fellowship in US now working for the University of Otago and Dunedin Hospital ED.
Why EMUGs?
Great to have a chance to learn and share notes with some awesome ultrasound champions.
When I grow up...
Purveyor of carnivorous plants.
DR SIERRA BECK
FACEM
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
Ultrasound is the perfect excuse to spend more time at the bedside with patients. Its my favorite tool for patient education.
Training & Education
Trained in Emergency Medicine/Ultrasound Fellowship in US now working for the University of Otago and Dunedin Hospital ED.
Why EMUGs?
Great to have a chance to learn and share notes with some awesome ultrasound champions.
When I grow up...
Purveyor of carnivorous plants.
DR SIERRA BECK
FACEM
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
Ultrasound is the perfect excuse to spend more time at the bedside with patients. Its my favorite tool for patient education.
Training & Education
Trained in Emergency Medicine/Ultrasound Fellowship in US now working for the University of Otago and Dunedin Hospital ED.
Why EMUGs?
Great to have a chance to learn and share notes with some awesome ultrasound champions.
When I grow up...
Purveyor of carnivorous plants.
Dr David Haunschmidt
MBChB PGCertCPU
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
It makes me a better physician. POCUS has such great utility in improving patient care, decision making, and outcomes, when used within the right context. Surely, it won't be long before we are teaching it in all medical schools!
Training & Education
Medical School in Edinburgh. Emergency medicine training in Glasgow to New Zealand. PGCertCPU and Diploma in Child Health from Otago.
Why EMUGs?
A fantastic community of ultrasound enthusiasts and educators in Australasia?! The question is why didn't I join sooner?!
When I grow up...
007 (though not Roger Moore's version)
Bucket List
Always so many more trail-running, ultra, triathlon, and multisport events all over the world I need to do.
Why EMUGs?
A fantastic community of ultrasound enthusiasts and educators in Australasia?! The question is why didn't I join sooner?!
When I grow up...
007 (though not Roger Moore's version)
Bucket List
Always so many more trail-running, ultra, triathlon, and multisport events all over the world I need to do.
DR DAVID HAUNSCHMIDT
MBChB PGCertCPU
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
It makes me a better physician. POCUS has such great utility in improving patient care, decision making, and outcomes, when used within the right context. Surely, it won't be long before we are teaching it in all medical schools!
Training & Education
Medical School in Edinburgh. Emergency medicine training in Glasgow to New Zealand. PGCertCPU and Diploma in Child Health from Otago.
New Zealand
Meet Team
New Zealand
Co-Chairs
Dr Gabriela King
Dr Alistair Maclean
Committee Members
Dr Dan Anderson
Dr David Haunschmidt
Dr Devin Faragasso
Dr Rebecca Dong
Dr Ashleigh Hawley
Dr Amanda Collins
Dr Jennifer Heyes
Dr Willem Van Der Merwe
Instructor Team
Dr Cris Zollo
Dr Claire Heslop
Dr Phill Young
Dr Gaynor Prince
Dr Sierra Beck
Dr Janet Pribble
Dr George Stephenson
Dr Steve Crandall
Central Council Member from NZ
Dr Alastair MacLean
Stacey Davidson
Honorary Advisors in NZ
Dr Mark Rewi
Dr Rex De Ryke
Dr Cris Zollo
Dr Gaynor Prince
Martin Necas
Dr Mick Kileen
Instructor Team
Central Council Member from NZ
Dr Alastair MacLean
Honorary Advisors in NZ
Dr Mark Rewi
Dr Rex De Ryke
Dr Cris Zollo
Dr Gaynor Prince
Martin Necas
Dr Mick Kileen
DR DEVIN FARAGASSO
MD, FACEM, FACEP, PG CPU
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
It is just so cool. You already know that if you're reading this.
Training & Education
I did all my training in Harlem and the Bronx. It was an early education in resource restricted medicine.
Why EMUGs?
The chance to geek-out with some people who are much more accomplished than me.
When I grow up...
A nihilist.
Bucket List
Brew a new kind of beer that is so good it changes the world.
Why EMUGs?
The chance to geek-out with some people who are much more accomplished than me.
When I grow up...
A nihilist.
Bucket List
Brew a new kind of beer that is so good it changes the world.
DR DEVIN FARAGASSO
MD, FACEM, FACEP, PG CPU
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
It is just so cool. You already know that if you're reading this.
Training & Education
I did all my training in Harlem and the Bronx. It was an early education in resource restricted medicine.
DR REBECCA DONG
BHSc(MI), DMU
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
POCUS users are a bunch of enthusiastic, supportive, down to earth and intelligent people! They are too good not to get amongst! I love using my professional skills to help POCUS users to improve and problem solve the 'snowstorm conundrums' that are frequently encountered in daily practice, while meeting new people, connect with friends from across a wide variety of specialties and locations, what's not to love, right?!
Training & Education
Radiography at Middlemore Hospital, sonography at Palmerston North Hospital where I gained DMU and made lots of friends from those 2 years, most of which are life long friendships, super valuable as I love meeting new people! Back to Auckland in 2013 where I've been holding part time positions at both Counties Manukau DHB and ARG.
Why EMUGs?
Dr Jono Henry led me into the world of POCUS! A PM on Whatsapp a few years ago, where Jono introduced himself as a FACEM fellow at the time got me into the POCUS world and I never looked back! He is just one of many lovely POCUS people I have met along the way, and got me where I am now.
When I grow up...
Good question! A florist, a doctor or even a pilot ( for a short time!) But mostly a profession that enables me to work in a hospital... guess that's been ticked off!
Bucket List
Lots! Traveling more ( I am hopeful), run a half marathon, learn French just to name a few.
Why EMUGs?
Dr Jono Henry led me into the world of POCUS! A PM on Whatsapp a few years ago, where Jono introduced himself as a FACEM fellow at the time got me into the POCUS world and I never looked back! He is just one of many lovely POCUS people I have met along the way, and got me where I am now.
When I grow up...
Good question! A florist, a doctor or even a pilot ( for a short time!) But mostly a profession that enables me to work in a hospital... guess that's been ticked off!
Bucket List
Lots! Traveling more ( I am hopeful), run a half marathon, learn French just to name a few.
DR REBECCA DONG
BHSc(MI), DMU
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
POCUS users are a bunch of enthusiastic, supportive, down to earth and intelligent people! They are too good not to get amongst! I love using my professional skills to help POCUS users to improve and problem solve the 'snowstorm conundrums' that are frequently encountered in daily practice, while meeting new people, connect with friends from across a wide variety of specialties and locations, what's not to love, right?!
Training & Education
Radiography at Middlemore Hospital, sonography at Palmerston North Hospital where I gained DMU and made lots of friends from those 2 years, most of which are life long friendships, super valuable as I love meeting new people! Back to Auckland in 2013 where I've been holding part time positions at both Counties Manukau DHB and ARG.
DR ASHLEIGH HAWLEY
BSc, PGDip MedTec, PGDip Cardiac Ultrasound
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
POCUS is an incredibly useful tool for any clinician and as a sonographer I think it is our duty to share our skills with our doctor colleagues so we can all improve in our clinical judgement.
Training & Education
Trained at Auckland City Hospital under the QUT Graduate Diploma in Cardiac Ultrasound framework.
Why EMUGs?
Patrick Foster told me about it and suggested I get in contact as POCUS is something I am interested in. Coincidentally started working with Dr Sierra Beck at Dunedin Hospital around the same time on a SEED role.
When I grow up...
Definitely wanted to be a Marine Biologist working with dolphins and whales until I was about 14!
Bucket List
Would love to go to Mt Everest base camp and go swimming with the humpback whales in Tonga (I still love them even though I don't want to be a marine biologist anymore!).
Why EMUGs?
Patrick Foster told me about it and suggested I get in contact as POCUS is something I am interested in. Coincidentally started working with Dr Sierra Beck at Dunedin Hospital around the same time on a SEED role.
When I grow up...
Definitely wanted to be a Marine Biologist working with dolphins and whales until I was about 14!
Bucket List
Would love to go to Mt Everest base camp and go swimming with the humpback whales in Tonga (I still love them even though I don't want to be a marine biologist anymore!).
DR ASHLEIGH HAWLEY
BSc, PGDip MedTec, PGDip Cardiac Ultrasound
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
POCUS is an incredibly useful tool for any clinician and as a sonographer I think it is our duty to share our skills with our doctor colleagues so we can all improve in our clinical judgement.
Training & Education
Trained at Auckland City Hospital under the QUT Graduate Diploma in Cardiac Ultrasound framework.
DR AMANDA COLLINS
MBChB, PGDipMedEd, PGCertCPU, DCH
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
I became involved with EMUGs after watching the webinars and speaking to a few great members of the EMUGs team. Ultrasound is an important resource for us in ED, and improving education along with the support the team provide is wonderful to be involved with. We’re currently working to tailor more events to trainees, to streamline ultrasound learning.
To anyone wishing to take part, I’d definitely say go ahead! The group is friendly and inclusive, happy to greet new faces.
Training & Education
After attending University in Edinburgh, I moved to Glasgow, working in ED as a Clinical Teaching Fellow after Foundation Training. I travelled to NZ, commenced emergency training, and didn't look back!
Bucket List
Learn to fly!
Bucket List
Learn to fly!
DR AMANDA COLLINS
MBChB, PGDipMedEd, PGCertCPU, DCH
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
I became involved with EMUGs after watching the webinars and speaking to a few great members of the EMUGs team. Ultrasound is an important resource for us in ED, and improving education along with the support the team provide is wonderful to be involved with. We’re currently working to tailor more events to trainees, to streamline ultrasound learning.
To anyone wishing to take part, I’d definitely say go ahead! The group is friendly and inclusive, happy to greet new faces.
Training & Education
After attending University in Edinburgh, I moved to Glasgow, working in ED as a Clinical Teaching Fellow after Foundation Training. I travelled to NZ, commenced emergency training, and didn't look back!
DR JENNIFER HEYES
MB ChB / CCPU
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
Instantaneous, bedside, real time answers to your clinical questions that cause no harm or pain to your patient? Yes please!
Training & Education
Trained between Wellington, New Zealand and The Outback -Alice Springs, Australia. Caught the ultrasound bug working in Alice Springs ICU and was amazed at my new 'x-ray vision' super power. Returned for the Wellington Special Skills ultrasound run.
Why EMUGs?
My clinical director of ultrasound suggested I find out a little more about EMUGS - by the next month I was on the committee and booked in to teach on the next course.
When I grow up...
At age 5 I stood up and declared that I wanted to be a fireman when I grew up and had no idea why my classmates laughed at me.
Bucket List
Live to see the end of gender inequality
Why EMUGs?
My clinical director of ultrasound suggested I find out a little more about EMUGS - by the next month I was on the committee and booked in to teach on the next course.
When I grow up...
At age 5 I stood up and declared that I wanted to be a fireman when I grew up and had no idea why my classmates laughed at me.
Bucket List
Live to see the end of gender inequality
DR JENNIFER HEYES
MB ChB / CCPU
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
Instantaneous, bedside, real time answers to your clinical questions that cause no harm or pain to your patient? Yes please!
Training & Education
Trained between Wellington, New Zealand and The Outback -Alice Springs, Australia. Caught the ultrasound bug working in Alice Springs ICU and was amazed at my new 'x-ray vision' super power. Returned for the Wellington Special Skills ultrasound run.