Our ACNEM Fellows

M.B.Ch.B FRACGP FACNEM
Dr. Ali is an integrative holistic GP with a Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practice (FRACGP), as well as a Fellowship of the Australian College of Nutritional and Environmental medicine (FACNEM). He is an expert in Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, and Medicinal Cannabis. Dr. Ali also has many years of experience in surgical skills. 

Dr. Ali is an empathic soul, caring, dedicated and a patient centred healer. He addresses the main three in each consultation: body, mind, and soul. Dr. Ali uses different techniques to tap into mental health and early childhood traumas and refers patients to a health care team for deeper spiritual release and healing, when and if required. For that reason, Dr. Ali describes himself to be more than a prescriber but a healer as well.

Furthermore, Dr. Ali assesses body nutritional, fat, sugar and mitochondrial energy metabolism, liver detox, gut health e.g. the microbiome, brain and hormone levels such as serotonin, dopamine, female and male hormonal levels etc. all that through functional testing. These tests offer good clues to understanding patient disease and how to best treat them. They aim to improve gut health, and to correct any underlying hormone or chemical imbalances in the body to improve overall well-being. These tests are not the regular blood tests but more of functional tests.

Treatment for each patient is individualised mainly using detailed diet, lifestyle modifications as well as using evidence based natural supplements. Pharmaceutical preparations are used only when and if required. The aim of this treatment approach is to empower and help each person to achieve optimal health and well-being. Dr. Ali feels honored to be part of the patient’s healing journey centred in their power. Skilled in PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma Injections guided by ultrasound machine) holistic very rewarding treatment by taking the patients own blood and extracting platelet rich plasma and re injecting it to the same patient`s bursitis, tendinitis arthritis etc.

MD B Med Sci RN ND
Ann-Mary Amber completed her General Nursing training at Gosford District Hospital in 1984, then gained 12 years experience working in hospitals, private nursing and palliative care, as well as a stint in Saudi Arabia. She then went on to qualify as a Naturopath at Naturecare College, St Leonards, Sydney in 1996. Following this, Ann-Mary completed a certificate in Female Sexual Health with NSW Family Planning in 1998. After nearly 35 years working primarily in a nursing/educator capacity Ann-Mary went on to complete a Medical Degree at University for Newcastle in 2021. With many years experience in applying her training in holistic therapies Ann-Mary ran a number of successful Nutritional Medical Centres in Byron Bay, Mullumbimby and Ocean Shores, Northern Rivers, New South Wales. This included running a busy intravenous therapies clinic utilising chelation therapy and intravenous (IV) nutrient therapies, especially IV vitamin C. Having been a presenter and an Education Committee member for ACNEM (Australasian College of Nutritional & Environmental Medicine) since 1999, by 2007 Ann-Mary accepted the role of Education Co-ordinator with ACNEM, where she was an integral part of their education team and its many programs. This role allowed her to develop and utilise considerable skills as integrative medicine program co-ordinator, group facilitator and lecturer. Through the early 2000’s, Ann-Mary, with then husband Dr Karel Hromek, travelled extensively in Thailand, Malaysia and India, living their passion of Integrative medical education for doctors by supporting the development of integrative medical programs and colleges in those countries. Ann-Mary was also involved in the fitness Industry, completing her fitness leader training with Network Fitness in 1989. She specialised in Aquarobics, presenting nationally and internationally, lecturing at conferences and also participating in the development of the Aquarobics manual for education purposes. She had a very successful Aquarobics business in Hornsby, Sydney, from 1990 until she moved to Mullumbimby in 1996. Only to continue teaching in Byron Bay and Mullumbimby.

Andrew is a member of the Australian Dental Association, the Australasian Sleep Association, Australasian Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, International Consortium of Oral Ankylofrenula Professionals and the Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine. He received two university awards, graduated dentistry with Honours from the University of Queensland and has a postgraduate Masters degree in Sleep Medicine attained through University of Sydney Medical School. Andrew started private practice in 2006 and has a reputation for being a very gentle and caring dentist who enjoys all aspects of dentistry and prides himself in his work. He has particular interests in cosmetics, implant dentistry and has advanced training in treating patients with sleep breathing disorders and chronic pain of the head and neck including primary headaches and migraines. In addition to helping people with these problems, his passion is to pick up on these breathing and muscle dysfunctions early in children so they don’t impact on their health, growth and development later in life. He has completed a master program in implant dentistry through Loma Linda University, California and currently working towards a fellowship in nutritional and environmental medicine. Andrew has previously worked at the University of Queensland School of Dentistry as a clinical supervisor. Outside of work and study, he loves the outdoors, eating healthy, going to the gym, keeping up to date with the NBA and spending time with family.

Dr. Shamistra Barathan has over 20 years of experience as a general practitioner and has specialised in nutritional, lifestyle, and environmental medicine for the last 10 years. She completed the Fellowship with the Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (ACNEM) and also holds the Fellowship with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. In 2021 she held the Vice President position at ACNEM. She graduated from Imperial College School of Medicine in London in 2000 and worked in the United Kingdom and New Zealand before settling in Melbourne in 2011. Dr. Shami founded and runs her private Integrative medical clinic in Melbourne. She has a special interest in gut health and has helped many patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), bloating, and constipation. A holistic approach is key to successfully treating bowel symptoms. She highly recommends the Nerva app to address the mind-gut connection. She also advocates lifestyle and dietary changes. In her spare time, she meditates, sings, practises yoga, is a pianist, mountaineer, an avid traveller and is involved in charity work overseas.

MBBS(Hons) MPH FRACGP FACNEM DRANZCOG
Natalie works within a multidisciplinary clinic in the Yarra Valley, and is also a GP with Headspace and the Doctors in Secondary Schools program. She has previously worked with the Jean Hailes Centre for Women’s Health and Family Planning Victoria. Her professional interests include adolescent and women’s health. “My interest in nutritional medicine began as an undergraduate, as although we had very little formal teaching in nutrition, we were fortunate enough to have some lectures with Professor Avni Sali, who shared his own enthusiasm with us. Years later, one of my patients had a dramatic improvement in her autoimmune disease after changing her diet and lifestyle. She told me what she had done, and I was intrigued. It was not until one of my own children became very unwell however that I really recognised the power of nutritional and environmental medicine to heal. It was life changing for our family and I wanted to change my practice and learn more. “I really enjoyed studying for the fellowship. It took me four years altogether. The flexibility and self-paced nature of the modules was terrific – it fitted in well around work and family life. The content of all the modules and the standard of teaching was excellent. I felt well supported both by ACNEM and by colleagues who were always very generous in sharing their knowledge and experience. “For anyone considering ACNEM Fellowship I’d say to start! I have found the knowledge I have gained through ACNEM has been life changing on both a personal and professional level. You will be well supported, and it is wonderful to see patients become well. Nutritional and environmental medicine are such powerful tools for change, and I’ve found that my work satisfaction has greatly increased since I incorporated this knowledge into my practice.”

MBBS FRACGP FACNEM FASLM
Dr. Ashwini Gana Baskaran is a highly experienced female GP and is the Principal Doctor of Sanctuary Wellness and Medical Centre. She has completed three fellowships, Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Fellowship of the Australian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine and Fellowship of the Australian Society of Lifestyle Medicine. She holds a Certificate in Advanced Dermoscopy and Histopathology and Primary Care Skin Cancer Therapeutics and Professional Certificate in Skin Cancer surgery. She has also completed her Professional Certificate of Aesthetic Medicine and Advanced certificate of Aesthetic Medicine. She also does Medical Acupuncture for patients that may benefit from this treatment option. She is constantly striving to provide the best care for her patients and believes that optimal health and wellbeing is achieved only through a holistic approach to health. This has further led her to continue her academic pursuit in Nutritional and Environmental Medicine and continues to work with her patients with a Functional and Integrated approach to get to root course of their illness and improve their health and wellbeing. Dr. Ashwini Gana Baskaran enjoys the intellectual challenges of being a GP and understands that every patient is unique and important. She always strives to achieve the best health outcomes for her patients. She is a true believer in providing quality care with respect and compassion. Dr. Ashwini Gana Baskaran is a member and examiner of RACGP (Royal Australian College of General Practice) and a member of Australian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (ACNEM) and Australian College of Lifestyle Medicine.

MBBS FACNEM
Dr. Bode graduated from medicine at Adelaide University in 1986. He worked at the Flinders Medical Centre as an intern and RMO, before beginning a 3 months country rotation as a GP trainee in Broken Hill. Dr. Bode fell in love with the area and continued to work at the Broken Hill Hospital as a registrar for several years in the Emergency, paediatrics and ICU / CCU departments.  He also enjoyed some time working with the Royal Australian Flying Doctors Service. Returning to Adelaide, Dr. Bode benefited from working in several practices, gaining invaluable experience and cementing his commitment to general practice. He has worked as a sports doctor with the South Adelaide Football Club for several years and more recently with Boxing SA. Dr. Bode has continuously undertaken further education including hypnotherapy, acupuncture, Chinese medicine and prolotherapy. In the 1990’s, Dr. Bode began doing a lot of work in the area of cancer and palliative care. A program on Euthanasia, featuring one of his patients, made him aware of an underlying desire to provide patients access to information and treatments, otherwise unavailable to them. He was introduced to Nutritional and Environmental Medicine in 1997. This change in direction enabled him to further increase his repertoire of tools, to aid in the treatment of a variety of complex conditions. Dr. Bode became actively involved with the Australian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine. He worked on the board, in education and on the fellowship committees at ACNEM. Dr. Bode has also been actively involved with Autism SA, NIIM and the Cancer Care Centre. In addition, he has trained with ‘Bio balance’. They are a group whose approaches aim to improving the health of people with various neuropsychiatric ailments including autism, depression and schizophrenia. Dr. Bode has lectured for ACNEM, Mindd, Cancer Care Centre, Chronic fatigue association and Autism SA. He has worked as a Director, an Integrative General Practitioner in the Adelaide Hills location of Stirling for many years. More recently Dr. Bode has focused his practice on Integrative Medicine. This has allowed him to again take new patients and to help more families confronted with complex medical problems. His areas of particular interests include, but are not limited to: Cancer support, Heavy Metal Toxicity, neurological conditions, autism spectrum disorder, learning and behavioural disorders, mental health and complex medical problems.

Professor Ian Brighthope has had a lifelong interest in nature. He graduated in Agricultural Science in 1965 and then in 1974 graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. He has travelled widely throughout Europe, the Americas and Asia searching for solutions to the problems created by significant gaps in the medical training of doctors. The Brighthope Clinics and Biocentres were developed in the 1970’s. They specialised in Nutritional Medicine, Environmental Medicine, intravenous therapies including chelation therapy and herbal medicine. As chairman of the Australian College of Herbal Medicine, he developed an early interest in cannabis and other controversial herbs. As founding president of Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (ACNEM) and president for over 26 years, Professor Brighthope pioneered the first post-graduate medical course in nutrition and its related fellowship in Australia. He is now the official ambassador of ACNEM. Professor Brighthope has acted as an advocate for doctors practicing Integrative Medicine for over 35 years. He has had training and extensive experience in Crisis Management, Risk Management and Public/Government Relations. He has also had extensive experience in the pharmaceutical manufacturing and exporting industry as the managing director of a TGA licensed facility. In 2001 to 2003, he was President of the Complementary Healthcare Council of Australia, the peak industry body for Complementary Medicines. He delivered the Telstra National Press Club address in September 2002 on complementary medicines and sustainable health in an ageing population. Professor Brighthope is now the official ambassador to the peak body Complementary Medicines Australia (CMA). He appears regularly in China delivering lectures on best health principles in medical practice and keynote addresses to health authorities. He is currently investigating the production, development and research into medicinal cannabis in the Asian region. In 2016, Professor Brighthope was given the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Indian Nutritional Medicine Association (INMA) and in 2017, he was awarded an Honorary Fellowship in nutritional and environmental medicine of that Association (FINEM). He introduced the importance of medicinal cannabis to INMA. His interest in medicinal cannabis dates back to the early 1980’s when he observed his hospital patients detoxing from alcohol, benzos, heroine and other hard drugs doing better when they remained on cannabis to relieve anxiety and pain. In 1999 and 2000 he witnessed his dear friend and patient the Late Sir William Keys, derive great relief from the unrelenting and excruciating pain caused by extensive mesothelioma, by using cannabis cookies. In 2017, he initiated the establishment and content of Australia’s first RACGP Category 1 CPD points course in medicinal cannabis. This course was a joint effort of NIIM, ACNEM and NICM. Professor Brighthope’s lifelong ambition is to help change the way medicine and healthcare is practiced for the benefit of the public and to see nutrition, nutritional and environmental medicine and herbal medicine become the building blocks and keystones to world health and peace. Contributions to Orthomolecular Medicine, founding director of the Orthomolecular Medical Association of Australia. Founding President of the Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine. Established the first Integrative Medical centres in Australia including the use of HDIVC and chelation therapy and esigned the NEM courses and initiated the FACNEM (Fellowship of the Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine). Invited speakers to Australia such as Abram Hoffer, Alexander Schauss, William Philpott, Carl Pfeiffer and others. PUBLICATIONS - Nutritional Medicine – Australian Family Physician 1991. - Vitamin C and Immune Nutrients – Bio Publishing 1985 (Book). - The AIDS Fighters – Keats Publishing 1986 (Book). - Sleep Soundly Every Night Without Drugs – Bay Books – 1988 (Book). - A Recipe for Health – McCulloch – 1989 (Book). - Fighting Fatigue – The Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Allen & Unwin 1990 (Book). - A Critical Guide to Nutrition and Dietary Supplements in Disease Management. Churchill Livingston 2003. Jamieson (Contributions) - Lecture Notes on Nutritional Medicine – ACNEM Manual. Papers and Reviews on the Nutritional Influences in: - Diabetes Asthma - Arthritis Dementia - Rheumatoid Arthritis Cancer - Leukaemia Autoimmune Diseases - Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Psychiatric Disorders - Pediatric Disorders Learning and Behaviour Disorders - Epigenetics and Nutrigenomics - Listed in the International Authors and Writers “Who’s Who”. - National Press Club Telstra Address “ Sustainable Health in an Ageing Population”. - Regular articles for Australian Pharmacist, National Pharmacy group and many other publications. - FoodMatters feature film and DVD. Appeared as the only Australian in this groundbreaking film, now in over 10 different languages. - The Vitamin Cure For Diabetes – Basic Health Publications 2012 (Book) - The Forces for and Against Health in Australia – OMNS 2012 (Paper) - A chapter in Boundless Plains to Share. - 50 Unsung Business Heroes-Purpose Publishing 2015

Jille received Fellowship of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine in 2018 and Fellowship of the Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine in 2020. A Registered Nurse completing her initial training at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, and then a Bachelor of Applied Science and Post Graduate Diploma in Health Science at Curtin University. Jille is also a Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) and works in private practice at Ellen Health in Fremantle Western Australia. As a Nurse Practitioner the approach is collaborative and holistic with an emphasis on lifestyle medicine. Her special interests are Health Professional Education & Mentoring, Women’s Hormone Health, Nutritional & Environmental Medicine.

BSc(HONS) MBChB PGDipSEM Cert Dermoscopy Cert Homeopathy FACNEM
Medical Director and owner of Dr Wellness Clinic in Timaru, Dr Tracy Chandler is working at the forefront of her field, employing state-of-the-art Integrative (Wellness) Medicine tools and techniques along with the best of conventional medicine. Tracy’s own journey has made her particularly passionate about the incredible benefits of Integrative Medicine. At the Dr Wellness Clinic treatment is not simply a clinical act but is a process that incorporates a deep respect for the individuality of clients.

Professor Robyn Cosford is an integrative medical practitioner with a particular interest in nutritional biochemistry, children’s neurodevelopmental and general health disorders and chronic fatigue syndrome. She lectures regularly at conferences both nationally and internationally, and has written numerous articles for peer-reviewed medical journals and the public. She convened the two international Mind of a Child conferences, in 1999 and 2002, the first in Australia addressing biomedical issues in ADHD and autism. She has also lectured at international Autism conferences and at the prestigious Defeat Autism Now! Conferences. She is also involved in ongoing research into chronic fatigue and children’s neurodevelopmental disorders. As the mother of 5 children, her passion for health and wellness comes from her family and personal life experiences.

"The cure for boredom is curiosity but fortunately there is no cure for curiosity". Dr. De graduated in 1995 from The Royal London Hospital Medical College in the UK, where he also completed his post graduate training in General Practice. He developed an interest in preventative medicine and psychiatry and obtained a further degree in Clinical Hypnosis. He moved to Canada in 2003 and pursued his interest in Nutrition, exploring the holistic mind, body and spirit aspect of healing. He obtained degree in Holistic Nutrition from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition as well as a degree in Advanced Nutrition. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge and lectured at the CSNN and taught medical students from the University of Ottawa. He worked at the Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre with some Naturopathic doctors before eventually moving to Australia as had discovered a wealth of knowledge in Integrative Medicine to learn from. He has completed the BioBalance Mastering Brain Chemistry training, a Fellowship in Lifestyle Medicine and finally a Fellowship at ACNEM. He is completing certification inn Anti-ageing medicine soon.

MS BS (Syd) FACNEM FASLM
Dr. Mark Donohoe graduated from Sydney University in 1980, opening his medical practice on the Central Coast New South Wales in 1983. The patients of his new practice led him into the fields of Environmental Medicine and Nutritional Medicine. He was awarded fellowships from the Australian Society of Environmental Medicine (ASEM), the Australasian College of Nutritional & Environmental Medicine (ACNEM), and more recently the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine (ASLM). Over his 38 years in practice, Mark has specialised in the fields of chronic fatigue syndrome, environmental and occupational toxicology, and sensory sensitivities including multiple chemical sensitivity. Mark works with his wife, Fiona, at Mosman Integrative Medicine in Sydney. While he focuses on causes of illnesses and diseases, Fiona manages the healthcare side of the practice where she and other natural healthcare practitioners provide consultations and classes in yoga, Qi gong, pregnancy yoga, meditation, mindfulness and movement. Mark and Fiona work together with an underlying philosophy that health in all its forms is the best prevention of disease, and that most disease is best managed by clean air, clean food, clean water and a commitment to a diet and lifestyle that is health enhancing.

Andrew is a member of the Australian Dental Association, the Australasian Sleep Association, Australasian Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, International Consortium of Oral Ankylofrenula Professionals and the Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine. He received two university awards, graduated dentistry with Honours from the University of Queensland and has a postgraduate Masters degree in Sleep Medicine attained through University of Sydney Medical School. Andrew started private practice in 2006 and has a reputation for being a very gentle and caring dentist who enjoys all aspects of dentistry and prides himself in his work. He has particular interests in cosmetics, implant dentistry and has advanced training in treating patients with sleep breathing disorders and chronic pain of the head and neck including primary headaches and migraines. In addition to helping people with these problems, his passion is to pick up on these breathing and muscle dysfunctions early in children so they don’t impact on their health, growth and development later in life. He has completed a master program in implant dentistry through Loma Linda University, California and currently working towards a fellowship in nutritional and environmental medicine. Andrew has previously worked at the University of Queensland School of Dentistry as a clinical supervisor. Outside of work and study, he loves the outdoors, eating healthy, going to the gym, keeping up to date with the NBA and spending time with family.

Dr. Shamistra Barathan has over 20 years of experience as a general practitioner and has specialised in nutritional, lifestyle, and environmental medicine for the last 10 years. She completed the Fellowship with the Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (ACNEM) and also holds the Fellowship with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. In 2021 she held the Vice President position at ACNEM. She graduated from Imperial College School of Medicine in London in 2000 and worked in the United Kingdom and New Zealand before settling in Melbourne in 2011. Dr. Shami founded and runs her private Integrative medical clinic in Melbourne. She has a special interest in gut health and has helped many patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), bloating, and constipation. A holistic approach is key to successfully treating bowel symptoms. She highly recommends the Nerva app to address the mind-gut connection. She also advocates lifestyle and dietary changes. In her spare time, she meditates, sings, practises yoga, is a pianist, mountaineer, an avid traveller and is involved in charity work overseas.