Our Regional Co-Chair drive and oversee EMUGs activity in their region in collaboration with the Operations Team.
Co-Chairs
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 AMAALI LOKUGE
MBBS FACEM CCPU DDU
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
I love that US allows me to look inside a patient when the physical examination isn’t giving me anything. I also like the pretty pictures you get. And more than that I have always had a passion for teaching and being the clinical lead for US at RMH allows me to pursue this.
Training & Education
MBBS at Adelaide University, FACEM while at The Alfred Hospital.
Why EMUGs?
EMUGs enables those doing Emergency US in different hospitals to come together and share ideas and expertise, allowing the proliferation and expansion of US in emergency.
When I grow up...
I was going to be a lecturer in English and write stories like my mum.
Bucket List
Paint an enormous canvas.
Why EMUGs?
EMUGs enables those doing Emergency US in different hospitals to come together and share ideas and expertise, allowing the proliferation and expansion of US in emergency.
When I grow up...
I was going to be a lecturer in English and write stories like my mum.
Bucket List
Paint an enormous canvas.
DR AMAALI LOKUGE
MBBS FACEM CCPU DDU
Why I'm LOCUS for POCUS
I love that US allows me to look inside a patient when the physical examination isn’t giving me anything. I also like the pretty pictures you get. And more than that I have always had a passion for teaching and being the clinical lead for US at RMH allows me to pursue this.
Training & Education
MBBS at Adelaide University, FACEM while at The Alfred Hospital.
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
Co-Chairs
Dr Allan Whitehead
Dr Amaali Lokuge
Committee Members
Dr Jana Alexander
Dr Scott Taylor
Dr Kieran Barr
Dr Michael Dunne
Dr Caleb Lin
Dr Ben Land
Dr Ophelia Wong
Regional Champions
Dr Luke Philips
Dr Elissa Kennedy-Smith
Dr Melody Hiew
Central Council Members from VIC
Dr Luke Philips
Dr Melody Hiew
Carolynne Cormack
Dr Allan Whitehead
Honorary Advisors in VIC
Dr Anthony Wald
Dr Gaby Blecher