Meet The Team

I live in the country with my wife Rachel and a varying number of children depending on what their studies are doing. I love to ride my bike, any bike but in particular I love to ride on the back roads of New Zealand, preferably gravel. In winter you will find me Telemark Skiing with my friends and family.

I graduated from medical school in 1989. I pride myself in my ability to practically apply theoretical knowledge. I have worked in a number of specialty areas. Orthopaedics, cardiology, infectious diseases, renal and a renal and liver transplant unit. I was a medical registrar for a year as well.

I worked in Emergency departments, often as the senior doctor, from 1988 until 2017.

I love general practice. It is a difficult role. GP’s have the ability to look at people as a whole with a broad base of knowledge so they are able to make the right diagnosis and refer for treatment or not, as often is the case.

I have been involved in sport medicine since 1998. I looked after the Taranaki Men’s Rugby team for 19 years and 199 first class games. I am the regional provider for High Performance Sports NZ and am currently the Black Ferns Team Doctor. I am helping the Taranaki Whio (Women’s Rugby team) as well.

I believe in holistic care and follow the Te Whare Tapa Wha Model of health.

Taha Tenana Physical Health
Taha Wairua Spiritual Health
Taha Whanau Family Health
Taha Hinengaro Mental health

I will always try to do the best for my patients.

Rob graduated from The University of Leicester in 2005, going on to work in both clinical and teaching roles in the city.

He then took up a post in Waikato Hospital in 2007 alongside Jo and enjoyed a range of specialties before moving to Taranaki to commence general practice in 2009.

Rob has been a member of the team at VMC since 2014, sharing work with his wife Jo. Two days per week Rob works at Skin Centre Taranaki pursuing his interest in skin cancer medicine.

Rob enjoys commuting by bicycle, running and spending time with his family - cycling, tramping or in Puke Ariki.

Originally from the North of England, Jo trained at The University of Leicester, graduating in 2005. After practising for 2 years in Leicester both she and Rob moved to New Zealand where she spent 2 years working in varied roles at Waikato Hospital. Together, they moved to New Plymouth in 2009 to undertake GP training.

Since then Jo has worked in several practices around the mountain before joining Rob at VMC.

In addition to her clinic time, Jo thoroughly enjoys her role as a Medical Educator, teaching the new cohort of GPs.

Rob and Jo have 2 kids who take up the rest of their time. Jo enjoys jogging, tramping and exploring Aotearoa.

Judith was born in Auckland. She studied at Otago Medical School and worked in various hospitals in New Zealand & England. She obtained a Diploma in Paediatrics while at Taranaki Base Hospital. After working in England she then moved to Auckland and achieved a Diploma in Obstetrics & Gynaecology while working at National Women’s’ Hospital, then situated in Greenlane. This has since shifted to Auckland Hospital where she worked in the Emergency Department. She also worked at Te Rangimarie Hospice. Judith completed her GP Fellowship in 2011.
Judith enjoys spending time with friends and family, and the family dog!

I was born in Lower Hutt, where I did my schooling. After school, I attended Otago University, where I did a science degree, enjoying some variety in my studies, then went on to study medicine. My clinical years were spent in Wellington, and I finished my studies in 2009.

My first year as a house officer (new grad or junior doctor) was spent at Hutt and Wairarapa Hospital. By this stage I’d met my future husband, who was from Taranaki, and we both eagerly moved to New Plymouth. For me it was a coming home of sorts, as my parents grew up here, and I have ancestry on both sides that goes back some generations. It’s a really special place, and I am glad to be raising our two young boys here.

Clinically, I think GP is the perfect job, as I love people’s stories and marvelling over the human body! I have completed extra studies in women’s health, contraception, sexual health, forensics, and sports medicine. I really enjoy helping people find solutions and improve their quality of life. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, being active, and gardening.

Christina joins our practice 21st August 2023
I grew up in South Auckland, before heading to the University of Otago to complete my medical degree in Dunedin and Christchurch. After graduating in 2014, my husband and I moved to Taranaki. I worked at Taranaki Base Hospital and completed a diploma of Paediatrics through the University of Auckland. After gaining experience in a number of specialties, I left the hospital to pursue a fellowship in General Practice, where I have a special interest in women's health, cardiology and paediatrics. I count it a privilege to walk through people's health journeys with them and value the continuity and relationship my role allows.
Outside of medicine, I enjoy getting into the outdoors with my husband and 3 children. I enjoy running, mountain biking, tramping and skiing.

I am a Registered Nurse having trained in Christchurch Hospital. I have been a Practice Nurse at Vivian Medical Centre since 1994. I love my job in helping people, being kind and compassionate and showing them respect and the continuity of care over the years. In my spare time I enjoy crafts, movies, nice walks and socializing with my friends.”

I have worked at Vivian Medical centre for 14 years.

I completed my nursing degree in Palmerston North and worked in the busy medical ward and the acute medical assessment unit at the hospital there for 3 years before making the move north to Taranaki. I took a short break from nursing to be a stay at home mum. I returned to the workforce in 2014, finding my niche in general practice. After six and a half years at my previous practice, I moved to Vivian Medical Centre in March of this year. I recently completed my first post graduate paper in diabetes. When I'm not at work I'm busy with the kids, seeing friends, spending time with my extended family, reading and cooking.

I joined the VMC team in 2019. I have worked in Taranaki my entire nursing career since graduating from WITT in 1988. I have worked in a number of areas including primary care, emergency medicine, theater, day stay unit to name a few.

Sue joined the team at Vivian Medical Centre February 2022.

I have been with the reception team since 2005. Born and raised in Taranaki. I love time in the outdoors with my family and dog.

I joined the VMC team in 2017 as a medical receptionist. When I’m not welcoming patients, I enjoy time with family & friends.

Joining the team here at Vivian Medical Centre - January 2022. Have spent the previous 25 years working for a Māori Health Provider in Gisborne - supporting whanau in the community to improve health outcomes. My husband is from Opunake, and it was time to support his journey back home. We have 2 teenagers who keep us busy with their interests.