Meet the Doctors

Dr John Heinrich

MBBS, FRACGP, FACRRM, Grad Cert Family Medicine, GAICD

Image of Dr John Heinrich
Dr John Heinrich

Dr John Heinrich graduated from the University of Queensland in 1996 with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS).  He completed his residency in Rockhampton, then moved to Blackall to take up a position as the Medical Officer at Blackall Hospital.  After 2 ½ years in Blackall, Doctor Heinrich was invited to become the Medical Superintendent at Mundubbera Hospital.  He stayed in Mundubbera  and ran the Mundubbera Medical Centre till mid-2006, when he moved to Toowoomba.  After working briefly at the Range Medical Centre, he became a Visiting Medical Officer at St Vincents Hospital Emergency Centre.  Doctor Heinrich is married to Linda, and has four beautiful children.  His outside interests include a small cattle property near Toowoomba, wood-working and rifle shooting.  He enjoys escaping on his motorbike whenever possible.

14Dr Maurice Gunhouse  B App Sci MBBS (Qld) FRACGP

Dr Gunhouse is married with children and loves Toowoomba.

Unlike most doctors, Dr Gunhouse did not enter medicine from high school, instead taking a variety of different jobs before returning to study for a Bachelor of Applied Science, majoring in Chemistry and the an unusual combination of a Psychology minor, at Queensland University of Technology. He went on to complete his MBBS in 2001 at the University of Queensland, and completed his intern year at the PA Hospital. The following year saw him doing terms at the Mater Children’s, QE II, Prince Charles and PA Hospitals to broaden his medical experience. Following an interest in internal medicine, he trained as a medical registrar for 2 years at the QE II, Ipswich, and PA Hospitals – training in Cardiology, Geriatrics, and General Medicine. Dr Gunhouse came to Toowoomba in 2006 to study and work in General Practice and achieved college fellowship in 2008. He describes General Practice as the most rewarding job he has ever had. Doctor Gunhouse has special interests in Family Medicine, Aged Care and Men’s Health. He has visiting rights at St Andrew’s and St Vincent’s Hospitals and works part-time for the St Vincent’s Private Emergency Centre.

Dr Ben Griffin MBBS FRACGP

Dr Ben Griffin graduated from the University of Queensland in 1987 and  moved to Toowoomba in 1988. Dr  Ben Griffin is interested in all aspects of General Practice Health Care with special interest in children, aged care and mental health matters. Dr Griffin has visiting rights to St Andrew’s Hospital, St Vincent’s Hospital and the Hospice.  Dr Griffin is an Accredited Trainer for the General Practice Training Program for Queensland.

Dr David van Gend    MBBS  FRACGP  DipPallMed

Dr David van Gend has been a GP in Toowoomba since 1997, raising three sons with his wife Jane. After twenty years at Toowoomba’s oldest medical centre, Mackenzie House, he and Dr Ben Griffin merged their five-doctor practice with The Doctors on Erin St. Since 2002, Dr van Gend has been a Senior Lecturer in the University of Queensland Rural Clinical School of Medicine and for six years he was the representative for GP Queensland on the Queensland Health Working Group for Palliative Care in Children. His special area of expertise is palliative medicine, the relief of suffering in advanced disease, and he serves on the Toowoomba Hospice Medical Advisory Committee. Dr van Gend sees patients in nursing homes and in their own home when needed, as well as both private hospitals. 

Dr Mary Donohue MBBS FRACGP MAFP

Dr Mary Donohue graduated from the University of Queensland in 1981 and then worked in a number of Queensland Hospitals i.e. Townsville, Brisbane, and Redcliffe for a few years before moving overseas to be in the UK. Dr Donohue completed her GP training in the U.K. Following her years in the U.K. Dr Donohue moved to Malaysia where she worked in General and District Hospitals.  Dr Mary Donohue worked at Mackenzie House Medical Centre since 2008. Dr Mary Donohue is interested in all aspects of General Practice Health Care with a special interest in Dermatology.

Dr Harisj Rangappa

Hello and welcome! I’m Dr.Harish Rangappa , a General Practitioner based in Australia with over 15 years of experience in healthcare. I graduated as a doctor in India in 2000, and after moving to Australia in 2006, I completed my GP training in Central Queensland. It’s been a rewarding journey of providing quality care to a diverse range of patients.

I have a special interest in managing chronic diseases, supporting men’s health, and addressing mental health concerns. Paediatrics is another area I’m passionate about, and I thoroughly enjoy working with children to help guide their health journey. I also offer expertise in skin cancer detection and treatment, orthopaedic issues, and work cover injuries .

Outside of my medical practice, I’m an enthusiastic tennis and squash player. I believe in the power of an active lifestyle and enjoy encouraging my patients to incorporate regular exercise into their routines, whether it’s for fitness or rehabilitation.

My approach to healthcare is patient-centred, focusing on prevention, education, and holistic care. If you’re looking for a GP who takes the time to listen, understand, and work with you on your health goals, I’d love to be part of your journey.

Thank you for visiting my page – I look forward to working with you!

Dr Nardine Kilta

Dr Nardine Kilta

Dr Nardine Kilta graduated from Griffith University at the Gold Coast with a Doctor of Medicine. With an interest in practicing in rural areas, she then went on to do her internship at Toowoomba Hospital. She then decided to work at The Northern Hospital in Melbourne and gain some experience in Aged Care as well as Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Dr. Nardine obtained her Certificate in Women’s Health whilst doing her obstetrics and gynaecology rotation. Dr. Nardine has a special interest in Women’s Health, Aged Care, General Medicine and Mental Health. 

Dr Amani Savy

Dr Amani Savy (M.B.B.S, M.P.H., B.Nurs.) graduated from studying Medicine at Bond University in 2016. Prior to this she completed a Masters in Public Health at the University of Queensland and a Bachelor of Nursing at Griffith University.

Dr Savy worked as a Registered Nurse for 15 years before starting her medical career at Toowoomba Base Hospital. From 2017 to 2022 she enjoyed working in rural and remote locations before deciding to live in Toowoomba permanently.

With an interest in Lifestyle Medicine, Dr Savy takes an integrative and functional approach with her patients and particularly enjoys providing education about preventative health strategies. Additionally, Dr Savy enjoys performing skin checks and is skilled at minor surgery when small skin cancers need to be removed.

Dr Savy takes great pleasure in looking after patients long term so conducts home visits when needed and attends various Residential Aged Care Facilities in town. On days off she enjoys spending time on her hobby farm with her family and has an interest in self-sustainable living. 

Dr Sama Akhtar

Dr Sama Akhtar worked in Pakistan after graduating from medical school in 2015. She has been living in Toowoomba with her family since 2021 and worked at Toowoomba Base Hospital in a variety of specialities including cardiology, ENT, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, geriatrics, and emergency medicine. Dr Sama is dedicated to providing caring and evidence-based medicine to improve the health of her patients. She speaks additional languages: Hindi/Urdu and Persian/Dari.

Dr Aqueel Rafique

DR Aqueel Rafique is a dedicated medical professional with a Bachelor of Biomedical Science from Monash University Melbourne, followed by an M.B.B.S from Annamalai University, India. Dr Rafique began his medical career in Australia at Greenslopes Private Hospital Brisbane and then moved to The Sunshine Coast University Hospital, gaining extensive experience across various medical disciplines. With a strong foundation in rural and remote healthcare, Dr. Rafique has managed a diverse range of medical conditions, providing care to patients from different backgrounds across the globe. His special interests include pediatrics, dermatology, and skin cancer management, particularly excisions and biopsies. He takes a holistic approach to medicine, ensuring that treatments are tailored to each patient’s individual needs. Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Rafique is a passionate educator, recognized for his ability to teach and mentor effectively. Outside of medicine, he enjoys cooking and has a keen interest in fitness and combat sports. Known for his dedication, warmth, and enthusiasm, Dr. Rafique is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care

Excellence in Family Medical Care. Previously known as West Toowoomba Medical Centre