Our Team
High-quality healthcare you can trust
Our practice is led by talented and experienced practitioners committed to sustaining a high-performing healthcare system responsive to the needs of the community Bendigo Doctors serve.
Dr. Salik Shams Memon
MBBS, MRCGP UK, MRCP UK, Diploma in Diabetes
Senior Family Physician
Dr. Salik Shams is a highly experienced Senior Family Physician with over 18 years of medical practice. Holding prestigious qualifications, including Membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners (UK) and the Royal College of Physicians (UK), Dr. Shams brings extensive expertise in family medicine and chronic disease management.
With a special interest in diabetes care, he has earned a Diploma in Diabetes, allowing him to provide comprehensive management and personalised treatment plans for patients with diabetes and other metabolic conditions. Dr. Shams is dedicated to delivering patient-centred care, ensuring the best possible health outcomes for individuals and families.
Fluent in English, Urdu, Arabic, and Sindhi, Dr. Shams is committed to serving diverse communities, ensuring clear communication and culturally sensitive healthcare. Whether it’s preventive care, chronic disease management, or general family medicine, Dr. Shams prioritises patient well-being and long-term health.
Dr. Haris Akhtar
Experienced Family Medicine Physician
Dr. Haris Akhtar is a highly skilled and knowledgeable Family Medicine Physician with over 20 years of diverse medical experience in Dubai and Karachi before relocating to Australia. He is dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centred care for individuals of all ages and genders, ensuring optimal health outcomes through a preventive and evidence-based approach.
Dr. Akhtar has extensive expertise in managing both chronic and acute conditions, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia, respiratory illnesses, gastrointestinal disorders, joint problems, and basic gynaecological concerns. Additionally, he is proficient in minor surgical procedures such as suturing, foreign body removal, and incision and drainage.
With a strong focus on disease prevention, patient education, and family planning, Dr. Akhtar also specialises in immigration medical assessments and overall health management. His commitment to continuous medical education ensures that he remains at the forefront of modern medical practices.Known for his excellent communication skills and compassionate approach, Dr. Akhtar is dedicated to fostering trust and delivering high-quality healthcare tailored to each patient’s needs.
Book an appointment today and take a step toward better health with Dr. Akhtar!
Dr Mohamed Nawras
Specialist General Practitioner
Dr. Mohamed Nawras (MBBS, FRCGP(INT), PG Diploma in Diabetes (Ireland), Fellowship in Diabetes (UK/India), Tobacco Treatment Specialist (TTS) is an accomplished General Practitioner with more than 22 years of clinical experience across Sri Lanka, Oman, and Kuwait. He has worked extensively in general practice, hospital wards, emergency departments, and ICUs.
A graduate of the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka (MBBS, 2002), Dr. Nawras further advanced his expertise by earning an MRCGP[INT] in 2013, a Fellowship in Diabetes (UK/India) in 2015, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Diabetes (Ireland) in 2022. He is also a certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist and has undertaken studies in Geriatrics and Gerontology.
Known for delivering compassionate, culturally sensitive, patient-centred care, Dr. Nawras is fluent in English, Tamil, Sinhala, and Arabic. His clinical interests span chronic disease management (with a particular focus on diabetes), aged care, women’s and men’s health, pediatrics, dermatology, minor surgical procedures, and emergency medicine. He is committed to integrating the latest medical advancements into his practice.
Professionally, he was awarded the FRCGP[INT] (UK) in recognition of his contributions to primary healthcare in Sri Lanka, Oman, and Kuwait. Personally, he has been honoured as a “Patient Experience Hero” for three consecutive years in Kuwait and has received multiple awards from social and religious organisations for his dedication to community health and wellbeing.
Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Nawras enjoys travelling, camping, cycling, and engaging in social service. He is passionate about teaching, mentoring, and promoting personal development — and a fun fact: he speaks four languages!
Dr Jawaria Shuja
General Practitioner
Dr. Jawaria Shuja is a highly experienced General Practitioner with over 20 years of clinical practice, delivering patient centered care with compassion, precision, and integrity. She holds an MBBS and prestigious postgraduate qualifications including MRCGP (UK), MCPS, and MRCP (UK), reflecting her broad expertise and commitment to medical excellence.
Throughout her career, Dr. Shuja has developed a comprehensive understanding of medicine across all age groups and body systems. She is skilled in diagnosing and managing a wide range of acute and chronic conditions, with a strong focus on preventive care, minor procedures, and long-term disease management. Her approach is holistic—considering the physical, psychological, and social aspects of health—to provide personalized and effective care.
A strong communicator and empathetic listener, Dr. Shuja builds lasting, trusting relationships with her patients. She has consistently demonstrated adaptability and sound clinical judgment, especially in high-pressure situations such as her service in a COVID ICU during the pandemic. She is also active in medical education, mentoring future doctors and teaching OSCE and PACES preparation.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Shuja has a passion for gardening and reading. She is deeply committed to empowering patients through education, advocating for preventive healthcare, and making medical care more accessible and humane. Her work reflects a deep dedication to continuity of care, community health, and lifelong learning.
Fun Fact: Dr. Shuja is known for her friendly nature and warm bedside manner, making her a beloved figure among patients and colleagues alike.
Dr Tariq Jan Bhat
Dr. Tariq Jan Bhat is a highly experienced and compassionate Family Physician with over 23 years of clinical practice across India, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. Known for his deep commitment to patient-centered care, Dr. Bhat has built a distinguished medical career rooted in clinical excellence, leadership, and a passion for lifelong learning.
He earned his M.B.B.S from Saint Petersburg State Medical Academy, followed by the prestigious MRCGP International from RCGP-UK and a Fellowship in Diabetes. His professional journey spans the management of both acute and chronic conditions, with a special focus on diabetes care, preventive medicine, and patient education.
Dr. Bhat served as a Medical Director since 2022, having also held the role of Head of Physicians for many years. His leadership extends beyond administration—he chairs the Code Blue Committee and has played a pivotal role in achieving JCI accreditation for his current organisation, Dhaman Health Assurance Hospitals Company.
Fluent in English, Hindi, Arabic, Russian, Urdu, and Kashmiri, Dr. Bhat brings cultural sensitivity and multilingual communication to his diverse patient base. His interpersonal skills, especially his empathetic listening and trust-building, are consistently recognised by colleagues and patients alike.
Dr. Bhat’s professional accomplishments include:
- Leading multidisciplinary teams in creating and executing patient-centered treatment plans.
- Contributing to policy development aligned with Ministry of Health (MOH) standards.
- Being honored with the Best Doctors Award for Primary Healthcare (2014) by the Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia.
- Receiving recognition for valuable contributions to the JCI Certification of Dhaman Primary Health Care Centers.
In his personal life, Dr. Bhat exemplifies balance and ambition. He has pursued advanced education, earning an Executive MBA and a Diploma in Healthcare Leadership while continuing his clinical work. He enjoys travel, beachside barbecues, and cultural exploration, and is passionate about leadership, teamwork, and staying fit through hiking and camping.
A fun fact: Dr. Bhat finds his greatest joy in sharing life’s journey with his wife, son, and daughter, whose love and companionship are his greatest blessings. He lives by the motto: “Live fully in today, for tomorrow is only a promise, not a guarantee”.
Dr. Eyad Khaled
Dr. Eyad Khaled is a dedicated General Practitioner with over 24 years of extensive medical experience. He spent 18 years in Saudi Arabia working in a military hospital and primary health care centers, followed by six years in Qatar, where he continued his service in a primary health care setting. He earned his MBBS from Damascus University in Syria and is a Family Medicine Specialist, also holding the prestigious MRCGP (INT) qualification. Dr. Khaled has developed strong expertise in managing chronic diseases, common pediatric cases, and acute medical conditions, with a solid background in preventive medicine and patient education. His professional journey includes serving as the Medical Director at AlMahrajan Primary Health Care Center in Saudi Arabia, where he successfully contributed to achieving quality accreditation from CIBAHI.
Fluent in both English and Arabic, Dr. Khaled is known for his holistic, patient-centered approach, as well as his calm and positive attitude even in high-pressure situations. Outside of work, he enjoys sports, social activities, and outdoor pursuits, while remaining deeply committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He is happily married, a proud father of two sons and one daughter, and is admired by colleagues for his good sense of humor and ability to foster a stress-free environment.
Dr Vani Peddi
Medical Director
Dr. Vani has been practicing for the past 11 years as GP and has attained her Fellowship of the Royal Australian college of General Practitioners (FRACGP). She is passionate about providing evidence based and patient centered care. Her special areas of interests include:
- Elderly care
- Implanon insertion & removal
- Contraception
- Mirena
- Diabetes management
- Pregnancy care
- Womens’ Health
She is trilingual and fluently speaks English, Telugu and Hindi.
