Our Regional Co-Chair drive and oversee EMUGs activity in their region in collaboration with the Operations Team.
Chair
DR ALLEN WHITEHEAD
FACEM CCPU (OTAGO) CCPU (ASUM) Grad Dip Clin Ed (MELB)
Allan has a passion for utility of POCUS in smaller EDs with no critical care on-site and minimal radiology back-up afterhours. He also sees great scope to increase POCUS training to undergraduate medical students as well as prevocational doctors in Australia and New Zealand not forgetting assisting registrars and senior medical staff to learn and maintain this skill. He has completed CCPU with Otago Uni and also CCPU with ASUM recently, and done a sabbatical in ultrasound with Monash Health Radiology at Dandenong Hospital.
He is inspired by previous and current EMUGs leaders to make a contribution to grow the EMUGs community and build on its great foundations. Allan’s 3 favourite TV shows currently are Storage Wars, Pawn Stars and River Monsters.
DR ALLEN WHITEHEAD
FACEM CCPU (OTAGO) CCPU (ASUM) Grad Dip Clin Ed (MELB)
Allan has a passion for utility of POCUS in smaller EDs with no critical care on-site and minimal radiology back-up afterhours. He also sees great scope to increase POCUS training to undergraduate medical students as well as prevocational doctors in Australia and New Zealand not forgetting assisting registrars and senior medical staff to learn and maintain this skill. He has completed CCPU with Otago Uni and also CCPU with ASUM recently, and done a sabbatical in ultrasound with Monash Health Radiology at Dandenong Hospital.
He is inspired by previous and current EMUGs leaders to make a contribution to grow the EMUGs community and build on its great foundations. Allan’s 3 favourite TV shows currently are Storage Wars, Pawn Stars and River Monsters.
DR ELISSA KENNEDY-SMITH
MBBS FACEM CCPU DDU (Emerg)
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
Because we have the ability to look inside our patients and to work out if our clinical suspicion is backed up by what we are finding. There are too many cases that I can think of where is has made the world of difference in my clinical practice. However, I will never forget my first appendicitis diagnosis- that was FUN!!
Training & Education
Monash University, Alfred Hospital Resident, Emergency Registrar, Royal North Shore Emergency Registrar.
Why EMUGs?
Awesome group of people, and yes, Melody is very charismatic!!
When I grow up...
A vet, a masseuse, a physio....hmm, think thats all.
Bucket List
Bike riding around Tuscany with lots of stop offs for food and wine tasting along the way.
Why EMUGs?
Awesome group of people, and yes, Melody is very charismatic!!
When I grow up...
A vet, a masseuse, a physio....hmm, think thats all.
Bucket List
Bike riding around Tuscany with lots of stop offs for food and wine tasting along the way.
DR ELISSA KENNEDY-SMITH
MBBS FACEM CCPU DDU (Emerg)
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
Because we have the ability to look inside our patients and to work out if our clinical suspicion is backed up by what we are finding. There are too many cases that I can think of where is has made the world of difference in my clinical practice. However, I will never forget my first appendicitis diagnosis- that was FUN!!
Training & Education
Monash University, Alfred Hospital Resident, Emergency Registrar, Royal North Shore Emergency Registrar.
DR LUKE PHILIPS
MB BCh FRCSEd(A&E) FRCEM FACEM DDU(emergency) PGdipCU DipIMC CCPU
Luke is an Emergency Physician at Alfred Health in Melbourne where he is involved in regular teaching and ultrasound accreditation. He believes ultrasound to be an extension of our physical exam and enables us to be better clinicians. He has special interests in the use of ultrasound for critically unwell patients, in trauma management and in the use of ultrasound to improve patient safety during procedures in the ED. He is the creator and editor of the open access education website and blog – pocusgeelong.com, a reviewer for the POCUS section for Life in the Fast Lane weekly review and an instructor with Ultrasound Training Solutions. Luke is currently a Co-Chair of the Victorian branch of the Emergency Medicine Ultrasound Group (EMUGS) and has completed a number of CCPU units through ASUM.
DR LUKE PHILIPS
MB BCh FRCSEd(A&E) FRCEM FACEM DDU(emergency) PGdipCU DipIMC CCPU
Luke is an Emergency Physician at Alfred Health in Melbourne where he is involved in regular teaching and ultrasound accreditation. He believes ultrasound to be an extension of our physical exam and enables us to be better clinicians. He has special interests in the use of ultrasound for critically unwell patients, in trauma management and in the use of ultrasound to improve patient safety during procedures in the ED. He is the creator and editor of the open access education website and blog – pocusgeelong.com, a reviewer for the POCUS section for Life in the Fast Lane weekly review and an instructor with Ultrasound Training Solutions. Luke is currently a Co-Chair of the Victorian branch of the Emergency Medicine Ultrasound Group (EMUGS) and has completed a number of CCPU units through ASUM.
DR STEVE GILCHRIST
MBChB
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
Amazing spectrum of use for both diagnostic & interventional purposes, which can be taken to the bedside (or pitch side!)
Training & Education
Trained in Scotland at Edinburgh University. Several years at the Austin Hospital, and the Alfred Hospital. Involved in sports medicine with various teams, and currently also working in a sports medicine clinic.
Why EMUGs?
Wanting to get involved with a like-minded group to increase knowledge & share experiences of using ultrasound clinically.
When I grow up...
A million different things, but eventually decided on being a doctor
Why EMUGs?
Wanting to get involved with a like-minded group to increase knowledge & share experiences of using ultrasound clinically.
When I grow up...
A million different things, but eventually decided on being a doctor
DR STEVE GILCHRIST
MBChB
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
Amazing spectrum of use for both diagnostic & interventional purposes, which can be taken to the bedside (or pitch side!)
Training & Education
Trained in Scotland at Edinburgh University. Several years at the Austin Hospital, and the Alfred Hospital. Involved in sports medicine with various teams, and currently also working in a sports medicine clinic.
DR MELODY HIEW
MBBS/B MED SCI, FACEM, CCPU
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
I was inspired by the Emergency ultrasound practitioners in Perth - POCUS opens up a world of possibilities for better patient care. Early on in my POCUS journey, I had a case where POCUS helped me diagnose a Hemoperitoneum in a young woman whose pain might otherwise have been dismissed. A simple case, but one that really made me realise how game changing the use of POCUS can be!
Training & Education
Emergency Medicine Physician; trained in Melbourne, Victoria and then did a Ultrasound Fellow position in Perth, Western Australia. Passionate about POCUS since then!
Why EMUGs?
I spoke at the first EMUG Victoria meeting and decided that I wanted to help spread the word and promote the use of POCUS among ED doctors in Victoria! And the rest, as they say, is history...
When I grow up...
OK, it's a bit lame, but 5 year old me wanted to be on the West End... like, a musical theatre star.
Bucket List
The 5 year old inside me still wants to tread the boards some day. Hey, I guess you never know what might happen in the future...
Why EMUGs?
I spoke at the first EMUG Victoria meeting and decided that I wanted to help spread the word and promote the use of POCUS among ED doctors in Victoria! And the rest, as they say, is history...
When I grow up...
OK, it's a bit lame, but 5 year old me wanted to be on the West End... like, a musical theatre star.
Bucket List
The 5 year old inside me still wants to tread the boards some day. Hey, I guess you never know what might happen in the future...
DR MELODY HIEW
MBBS/B MED SCI, FACEM, CCPU
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
I was inspired by the Emergency ultrasound practitioners in Perth - POCUS opens up a world of possibilities for better patient care. Early on in my POCUS journey, I had a case where POCUS helped me diagnose a Hemoperitoneum in a young woman whose pain might otherwise have been dismissed. A simple case, but one that really made me realise how game changing the use of POCUS can be!
Training & Education
Emergency Medicine Physician; trained in Melbourne, Victoria and then did a Ultrasound Fellow position in Perth, Western Australia. Passionate about POCUS since then!
DR TANYA DEAN
MBBS FACEM
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
I love the ability to use ultrasound as an extension of the physical exam. Lightbulb moment? The first case where my bedside ultrasound convinced a surgeon to take an unstable patient to theatre Honestly, I struggle to think of a clinical shift I've worked in recent years when I didn't use ultrasound.
Training & Education
I am an emergency physician based in a major regional centre in Victoria currently working towards my CCPU.
Why EMUGs?
To learn about the great things other ultrasound enthusiasts are doing within their departments and with their trainees to support the development of POCUS
When I grow up...
I think when Jurassic Park came out I wanted to be a Palaeontologist like every other kid. My back-up plan was to be a ski instructor if I didn't get into med school.
Bucket List
I'm not one for bucket lists but I love outdoor adventures and its a big world out there. The more I travel, the more places I want to explore.
Why EMUGs?
To learn about the great things other ultrasound enthusiasts are doing within their departments and with their trainees to support the development of POCUS
When I grow up...
I think when Jurassic Park came out I wanted to be a Palaeontologist like every other kid. My back-up plan was to be a ski instructor if I didn't get into med school.
Bucket List
I'm not one for bucket lists but I love outdoor adventures and its a big world out there. The more I travel, the more places I want to explore.
DR TANYA DEAN
MBBS FACEM
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
I love the ability to use ultrasound as an extension of the physical exam. Lightbulb moment? The first case where my bedside ultrasound convinced a surgeon to take an unstable patient to theatre Honestly, I struggle to think of a clinical shift I've worked in recent years when I didn't use ultrasound.
Training & Education
I am an emergency physician based in a major regional centre in Victoria currently working towards my CCPU.
DR LORCAN TAYLOR
MbChB MSc DTMH MRCA
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
Every one of my ‘best ever’ cases was changed with timely bedside ultrasound.
Training & Education
Trained in the UK. EM trainee with post graduate qualifications in anaesthesia and tropical medicine. Ultrasound addict.
Why EMUGs?
A good friend of mine was heavily involved last year and I’m looking to become involved with ultrasound education in Emergency Medicine.
When I grow up...
Straight up space cowboy.
Bucket List
Travel on every continent and publish a book.
Why EMUGs?
A good friend of mine was heavily involved last year and I’m looking to become involved with ultrasound education in Emergency Medicine.
When I grow up...
Straight up space cowboy.
Bucket List
Travel on every continent and publish a book.
DR LORCAN TAYLOR
MbChB MSc DTMH MRCA
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
Every one of my ‘best ever’ cases was changed with timely bedside ultrasound.
Training & Education
Trained in the UK. EM trainee with post graduate qualifications in anaesthesia and tropical medicine. Ultrasound addict.
DR JANA ALEXANDER
BMBS, FACEM, CCPU
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
I love being able to rapidly assess and diagnose the patient at the bedside. The best part about POCUS is the ability to see the effect of our treatment in real time.
Training & Education
I completed my degree in the UK- University of Exeter and foundation training at King's College Hospital in London. After this I spent two years working in New Zealand and Ireland before settling in Australia and commencing training in Emergency Medicine in 2012. I completed my training in 2019 and now work at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and Royal Women's Hospital.
Why EMUGs?
A friend introduced me to EMUGs, and I was invited to join the committee. I love the events and how we all learn from each other.
When I grow up...
I dreamt about becoming a marine biologist! I still love all things to do with the ocean, especially whales.
Bucket List
Travel to South America and see the Iguazu Falls.
Why EMUGs?
A friend introduced me to EMUGs, and I was invited to join the committee. I love the events and how we all learn from each other.
When I grow up...
I dreamt about becoming a marine biologist! I still love all things to do with the ocean, especially whales.
Bucket List
Travel to South America and see the Iguazu Falls.
DR JANA ALEXANDER
BMBS, FACEM, CCPU
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
I love being able to rapidly assess and diagnose the patient at the bedside. The best part about POCUS is the ability to see the effect of our treatment in real time.
Training & Education
I completed my degree in the UK- University of Exeter and foundation training at King's College Hospital in London. After this I spent two years working in New Zealand and Ireland before settling in Australia and commencing training in Emergency Medicine in 2012. I completed my training in 2019 and now work at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and Royal Women's Hospital.
Victoria
Meet Team
Victoria
Chair
Dr Allan Whitehead
Committee Members
Dr Jana Alexander
Dr Kieran Barr
Dr Michael Dunne
Dr Caleb Lin
Dr Ben Land
Dr Ophelia Wong
Central Council Members from VIC
Dr Luke Philips
Carolynne Cormack
Dr Allan Whitehead
Dr Lexi Nikolsky
Honorary Advisors in VIC
Dr Anthony Wald
Dr Gaby Blecher
Dr Melody Hiew
Dr Elissa Kennedy-Smith
Regional Champions
Central Council Members from VIC
Dr Luke Philips
Carolynne Cormack
Dr Allan Whitehead
Dr Lexi Nikolsky
Anthony Wald
Dr Gaby Blecher
Dr Melody Hiew
Dr Elissa Kennedy-Smith
Honorary Advisors in VIC
Committee Members
The hands on driving force that achieve EMUGs mission in their region.
DR CALEB LIN
MBBS (Hons), PGDipClinUS
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
The increase in certainty for patient care instantaenously and progression to escalation.
Training & Education
Trained in Australia at Alfred and Monash Health
Why EMUGs?
Through the events and seeking to expand it ED locally.
When I grow up...
Sound Engineer
Bucket List
Visit America- East side
Why EMUGs?
Through the events and seeking to expand it ED locally.
When I grow up...
Sound Engineer
Bucket List
Visit America- East side
DR CALEB LIN
MBBS (Hons), PGDipClinUS
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
The increase in certainty for patient care instantaenously and progression to escalation.
Training & Education
Trained in Australia at Alfred and Monash Health
DR OPHELIA WONG
MBBS, BBiomedSc, BEc
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
Inspired by the passionate instructors and Emergency physicians in Monash health. I am amazed by the constantly expanding the practical implications of ultrasound which can be taken to the bedside and how it can aid in better, more efficient patient care.
Training & Education
Trained primarily in Melbourne with Monash Health through my medical career. Studied in Deakin Univeristy as a postgraduate and completed my undergraduate with Monash Univeristy
Why EMUGs?
Expanding my current ultrasound knowledge with others who share a passion for ultrasound. Inspired by Dr Melody Hiew and our amazing sonographers at Monash Health especially Carolynne Cormack and Anthony Wald
When I grow up...
I wanted to be a pilot so I could fly and visit various countries.
Bucket List
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Why EMUGs?
Expanding my current ultrasound knowledge with others who share a passion for ultrasound. Inspired by Dr Melody Hiew and our amazing sonographers at Monash Health especially Carolynne Cormack and Anthony Wald
When I grow up...
I wanted to be a pilot so I could fly and visit various countries.
Bucket List
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
DR OPHELIA WONG
MBBS, BBiomedSc, BEc
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
Inspired by the passionate instructors and Emergency physicians in Monash health. I am amazed by the constantly expanding the practical implications of ultrasound which can be taken to the bedside and how it can aid in better, more efficient patient care.
Training & Education
Trained primarily in Melbourne with Monash Health through my medical career. Studied in Deakin Univeristy as a postgraduate and completed my undergraduate with Monash Univeristy
DR BEN LAND
BMBS FACEM CCPU
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
Any type of patient care you are doing in ED is better with Ultrasound- Diagnosis of undifferentiated patients, performing procedures, critical care, resuscitation... I especially think Echo is cool - seeing the physiology and pathology in action and in amazing detail!
Training & Education
Studied Medicine at the University of Exeter. Worked in New Zealand and London before ACEM training in Melbourne.
Why EMUGs?
I went to one of the awesome events and a friend recommended I get involved
When I grow up...
I played a lot of Hockey when I was younger so I probably wanted to play in the Olympics!
Bucket List
At the moment I'm mainly dreaming of travelling overseas again!
Why EMUGs?
I went to one of the awesome events and a friend recommended I get involved
When I grow up...
I played a lot of Hockey when I was younger so I probably wanted to play in the Olympics!
Bucket List
At the moment I'm mainly dreaming of travelling overseas again!
DR BEN LAND
BMBS FACEM CCPU
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
Any type of patient care you are doing in ED is better with Ultrasound- Diagnosis of undifferentiated patients, performing procedures, critical care, resuscitation... I especially think Echo is cool - seeing the physiology and pathology in action and in amazing detail!
Training & Education
Studied Medicine at the University of Exeter. Worked in New Zealand and London before ACEM training in Melbourne.
DR KIERAN BARR
BBiomed MChD MMed(CritCare)
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
I'm all about trying to make the diagnostic process for patients presenting to emergency more accurate and efficient. Developing competency in PoCUS is therefore essential skill to improve upon for my clinical practice.
Training & Education
Still training - ED Advanced Trainee. Based in Melbourne currently, with intern and HMO1 years in Canberra.
Why EMUGs?
It's a great social community that stretches across multiple health networks Australia-wide with the goal of improving our skill in appropriately using PoCUS in our practice. What's not to like?
When I grow up...
Truck driver in earthworks for sure! Tip-truck with a bobcat and an excavator on the trailer.
Bucket List
Own a classic car - probably a Porsche 964 911
Why EMUGs?
It's a great social community that stretches across multiple health networks Australia-wide with the goal of improving our skill in appropriately using PoCUS in our practice. What's not to like?
When I grow up...
Truck driver in earthworks for sure! Tip-truck with a bobcat and an excavator on the trailer.
Bucket List
Own a classic car - probably a Porsche 964 911
DR KIERAN BARR
BBiomed MChD MMed(CritCare)
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
I'm all about trying to make the diagnostic process for patients presenting to emergency more accurate and efficient. Developing competency in PoCUS is therefore essential skill to improve upon for my clinical practice.
Training & Education
Still training - ED Advanced Trainee. Based in Melbourne currently, with intern and HMO1 years in Canberra.
DR JANA ALEXANDER
BMBS, FACEM, CCPU, GCertClinTeach
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
I love being able to get answers using my skills, and ultrasound has helped me guide management in the most challenging patients & presentations. I also have a passion for education and I really enjoy teaching US at the bedside.
Training & Education
I trained in the UK and since graduating in 2009 have worked in Ireland, NZ and Melbourne. Now working as a FACEM at the Royal Melbourne Hospital & Royal Women's Hospital.
Why EMUGs?
Recommended by a friend, and loved my first event. I'm always learning new tips and tricks from my colleagues through the EMUGs events.
When I grow up...
A marine biologist, I just wanted to snorkel all day & swim with whales.
Bucket List
Easy- visit New York!
Why EMUGs?
Recommended by a friend, and loved my first event. I'm always learning new tips and tricks from my colleagues through the EMUGs events.
When I grow up...
A marine biologist, I just wanted to snorkel all day & swim with whales.
Bucket List
Easy- visit New York!
DR JANA ALEXANDER
BMBS, FACEM, CCPU, GCertClinTeach
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
I love being able to get answers using my skills, and ultrasound has helped me guide management in the most challenging patients & presentations. I also have a passion for education and I really enjoy teaching US at the bedside.
Training & Education
I trained in the UK and since graduating in 2009 have worked in Ireland, NZ and Melbourne. Now working as a FACEM at the Royal Melbourne Hospital & Royal Women's Hospital.
