Meet The Team

I grew up in Taupo and went to Otago Medical School. I have always had an interest in general practice, and it was always my intention to become a GP once I was trained. After qualifying as a GP, I worked in Tauranga for a few years, until I met my husband Richard who was dairy farming at the time. This prompted a move to Te Aroha and rural medicine, and I joined the practice in 2006. I became a partner in 2010 after having my children and have worked full time since then.

As a female GP, I have developed an interest in women's health and have a post graduate certificate in this subject from Otago. I also have a diploma in child health. Additionally, I have worked in the area of smoking cessation and am passionate about helping people stop smoking and live healthier lives.

I have two children who keep me and my husband busy at home. I also have a passion for patchwork, and my husband is involved in agility training of our fox terriers.

Keegan grew up in Kawerau in the Bay of Plenty. He completed his degree at Auckland Medical School.
Keegan enjoys all aspects of being a GP and being able to help all those who come through the practice. Outside of work Keegan has a keen interest in the gym and almost all sports especially rugby and touch rugby.

Chris is a Physician Associate (PA-C). He has recently moved here with his wife and son from Colorado USA.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biological Science and a Masters degree in Physician assistant studies. he is nationally certified (the C in PA-C) through the NCCPA in the United States. Chris was previously a Physician Associate in Pediatric Neurosurgery for a little over three years, and general family medicine for the last 5 years.

What is a Physician Associate?
Physician associates are highly trained healthcare professionals who work as a part of the medical team. PAs are trained under the medical model like doctors and are hired to work as an extension of a doctor under the doctor's delegation. They have existed in the U.S. since the mid 1960s and are currently working and being trialed all over the world.
PAs typically obtain medical histories, perform examinations and procedures, diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, order and interpret diagnostic tests, refer patients to specialists as required, and first or second-assist in surgery.
Because New Zealand is in the early stages of registering PAs as a medical profession here, there will be limitations on their scope of practice. All PAs’ work at Health Ngatea is checked and signed off by a GP

Tom studied at Cambridge University in London and moved to New Zealand in 2003. He completed his GP training in New Plymouth in 2008. Tom is married with three children and divides his time between working at Health Ngatea and enjoying his lifestyle block in the Kauaeranga Valley. He rates his time working as a Rural GP in this Practice as being fulfilling and a great team environment.

Justine is a Physician Associate ( PA-C ). She recently moved to New Zealand with her husband and son ( and two dogs!) from Vermont in the USA. She feels very fortunate to live and work in beautiful New Zealand. She holds a Bachelor's degree in cultural anthropology and ecology and a Masters Degree in Infectious Diseases. Justine has been a Physician Associate in Family Medicine for over 20 years at the same rural clinic. She has proctored other physician assistants, nurse practitioners and medical students as well as mentored high school students interested in the medical profession. She has been a medical volunteer overseas in Haiti, Guatemala, and Greece. Life at home, is spent with family, hiking, exploring in nature, fishing, gardening and baking.

We are thrilled to welcome Nurse Practitioner Meryl Sharp to our Team at Health Ngatea.
"I am from a farming background, having grown up around the Waikato. I then did my Bachelor of Nursing in Rotorua, before
heading back to the Waikato where I worked in an Emergency Department for approximately 10 years. I then moved to Primary Health Care.
I completed my Master of Nursing through Otago University last year and are planning to complete my Nurse Practitioners Qualifications, later on this year.
I have a real passion for the outdoors and love tramping. I also have an avid interest in photography, having completed a Diploma through the Photography Institute of New Zealand.
I look forward to meeting and working in this Community".