Team

Qualifications

MBBS (Hons) Syd 1996
FANZCA 2004

Senior Staff Specialist at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.
Senior VMO at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Chris O’Brien Lifehouse.
VMO appointments at North Shore Private, Westmead Private, Sydney Private Hospitals

I have been practising as a specialist anaesthetist since 2005 in both paediatric and adult anaesthesia.

I participate in the continuing professional development programme of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) and also oversee quality assurance for the Department of Anaesthetics at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse. I have previously been a supervisor of training for ANZCA and am actively involved in the teaching and supervision of anaesthetic trainees.

My regular practice includes anaesthesia for paediatric surgery, cancer surgery, gynaecology, general surgery and urology.

Qualifications

Dr Alexandra (Lexi) Buchanan completed her medical degree at The University of Sydney, before undertaking her specialist anaesthetic training at Prince of Wales Hospital, The Sydney Children’s Hospital and The Women’s Hospital in Randwick. Her fellowship year was spent at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, where she gained subspecialty experience in anaesthesia for major vascular surgery, neurosurgery, and major upper gastrointestinal surgery.

Dr Buchanan has a special interest in medical simulation, team training, and patient safety. She was the Director of Simulation and Education at Stanford University in California for a 4-year tenure before returning home to Australia.

Memberships:
Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA), the Australian Society of Anaesthetists (ASA) and the Australian Medical Association (AMA).

Qualifications:
FANZCA, MBBS, Bachelor of Medical Sciences (Honours), Graduate Certificate in Clinical Simulation, Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE).

My name is Dr Frank Georgiakakis, and I have been a Specialist Anaesthetist since 1995.

I graduated with Honours from the University of Sydney in 1987. I undertook Anaesthetic training at Prince of Wales Hospital, in both Adults and Children. In 1994, I completed my Anaesthetic training by doing a Fellowship at the Royal Alexandria Hospital for Children.

Since 1995, I have been in Private Specialist Anaesthetic practice in Sydney. I work regularly at the following Private Hospitals Prince of Wales Private St George Private Kareena Private Bondi Junction Private Waratah Private Sydney Day Hospital.

In addition, I also have a commitment to the Public Hospital system, currently working approximately one day a week at Sydney Hospital.

ANAESTHETIST AT MR AND MRS GAS PTY LTD

Dr Matthew Griffiths graduated from Sydney University with a Bachelor of Pharmacy and Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery with first class honours. He also graduated final year with the Harold Ritchie clinical medicine prize.

Dr Matthew Griffiths anaesthetic training was conducted at Prince of Wales and Sydney Children’s Hospital. During his training he spent a significant amount of time in critical care medicine culminating with training at NRMA Careflight performing emergency medical transfer of critically ill patients and Medical rescue work

Since graduating he has gained significant experience in a wide range of anaesthesia. His special interests include:

• Plastic and reconstructive surgery
• Oncology and cancer surgery
• Neurovascular and Endovascular surgery
• Spinal Surgery
• Ear, nose and throat surgery
• Breast/endocrine surgery
• Preoperative preparation of high-risk patients

Kim Hoe Tan M.B.,B.S. , F.A.N.Z.C.A.

A medical undergraduate at University of NSW; Post graduate training in specialty of Anaesthesia at Prince Alfred Hospital, Westmead and Liverpool Hospitals and secondments to St Vincents Hospital and The Alfred Hospital Melbourne.

Dr Tan has practised in a wide field of anaesthesia including ENT, orthopaedics, general surgery, hand surgery, ophthalmic surgery and obstetrics and gynaecology.

Currently a Visiting Medical Officer, Quality Assurance Officer-consultant and Advisory Committee member for selection/allocation of anaesthetic sessions at Sydney Eye and Sydney Hospitals, Macquarie Street.

Qualifications
MBBS (Hons) The University of Sydney
Fellow of Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists

Appointments
Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
Concord Repatriation General Hospital
Macquarie University Hospital
Chatswood Private Hospital
Chris O’Brien Lifehouse

Areas of Interest
Anaesthesia for Interventional Pulmonology
Ear Nose and Throat surgery
Ophthalmic surgery
Vascular surgery
Regional anaesthesia

ANAESTHETIST AT MR AND MRS GAS PTY LTD

Dr Michael Kerr is a Specialist Anaesthetist who is experienced in both paediatric and adult anaesthesia. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists.

Dr Kerr trained in Sydney, Australia. His training included rotations in the St George Public Hospital, Sydney Children’s Hospital network and several rural and remote placements. He has a tertiary appointment at St George Hospital, in addition to several private hospitals in Sydney. He is part of the patient care review committee at St George Private Hospital. He is experienced in dealing with patients who have difficult airways as well as complex patients with multiple medical conditions. As a father of three young children, he understands the importance of building rapport with his paediatric patients, as well as the anxieties parents feel when their children are undergoing surgery.

Dr Kerr has many other interests outside of Medicine including sports, travel and technology.

His primary focus remains safe perioperative care for all his patients.

Dr. Harry Koumoukelis is currently a visiting specialist anaesthetist at the Sydney Children’s Hospital, the Prince of Wales Private Hospital, St Luke’s Private Hospital, Macquarie University Hospital and Kareena Private Hospital, all in Sydney. His anaesthetic specialty training was enhanced by a fellowship in paediatric anaesthesia at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, and neuro anaesthesia at St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Canada. This has led to his major interest in paediatric and adult neuro-anaesthesia and neonatal anaesthesia. He also performs regional anaesthesia for day-only and inpatient adults, undergoing shoulder, hip, and knee surgery. He is a tutor for the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists, a conjoint lecturer with the University of NSW and was a module supervisor for paediatric anaesthesia at the Sydney Children’s Hospital. Dr Koumoukelis serves as the anaesthesia representative on the Medical Advisory Committees of the Prince of Wales Private Hospital, St Luke’s Private Hospital and Kogarah Private Hospital.

The Australian and NZ College of Anaesthetists states that specialist anaesthetists fulfil the roles of a medical expert, collaborator, communicator, health advocate, manager, professional and scholar…not just putting someone to sleep.

Dr Koumoukelis emblazons all these aspects.

From Dr Koumoukelis:

My anaesthetic expertise comes from extensive training in paediatric anaesthesia here in Sydney and overseas, at the prestigious Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. My anaesthetic expertise is maintained by being involved with many complex surgical cases and ongoing education.

I was drawn to paediatric anaesthesia to be an advocate for the child: so not just administering an anaesthetic for complex surgery but providing comfort to a child (and their family) when faced with such difficult life challenges.

Infants and children also have different physiology and so are technically more challenging to anaesthetise, compared to adults - another reason that drew me to paediatric anaesthesia.

My goal is also to make the child’s, or any patient’s, journey through hospital, surgery and beyond as at least traumatic as possible. That would mean establishing a rapport, assessing preoperative anxiety, and supporting the child/patient and their family through the peri-operative period. To do this the best requires me to be a collaborator, a communicator, a manager, and an advocate.

My experience includes having anaesthetised over 15,000 children…

The youngest patient I have ever anaesthetised was 20 minutes old: just born!

Welcome - Information About Your Anaesthetic

You are scheduled for a procedure that requires anaesthesia, and I will be your specialist anaesthetist. My name is Dr. Clarence Kian Lee Lim, and I want to ensure you feel informed and comfortable about this important part of your care.

About Your Anaesthetist: Dr. Clarence Kian Lee Lim

I am a highly experienced Specialist Anaesthetist with over 20 years dedicated to providing safe anaesthetic care. My goal is always to ensure your safety and comfort throughout your procedure and recovery.

• Qualifications: I hold a Fellowship from the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (FANZCA), a Graduate Certificate in Perioperative Medicine (GCHPOM), and graduated with Honours in Medicine and Surgery from the University of New South Wales (BSc (Med) MBBS (Hons). I am also a Conjoint Lecturer at the University of New South Wales.
• Experience: I have extensive experience, including serving as the Acting Director of the Perioperative Department at Prince of Wales Hospital (2019-2021). I currently hold appointments as a Senior Visiting Medical Officer (VMO) at Prince of Wales Hospital and Ryde Hospital and have anaesthetic privileges at Prince of Wales Private Hospital and St George Private Hospitals.
• Special Interests: While I cover all areas of anaesthesia, I have particular interests in anaesthesia for Oral and Maxillofacial surgery, Vascular surgery, Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgery, Head and Neck surgery, and Perioperative Medicine (managing your overall health journey around the time of surgery).

Understanding General Anaesthesia

Anaesthesia is essential for many medical and surgical procedures, allowing them to be performed safely and without causing you distress or pain. Australia and New Zealand are among the safest places in the world for anaesthesia, provided by highly trained specialists.

• What is it? General anaesthesia involves administering medications that induce a carefully controlled state of unconsciousness. This is different from normal sleep. During this time, you will not be aware of the procedure or feel any pain.
• Is it safe? Specialist anaesthetists in Australia undergo extensive training (at least seven years after medical school) to become qualified Fellows (FANZCA). Before your procedure, I will carefully review your medical history and discuss the planned anaesthetic with you to ensure it is tailored safely to your specific needs.
My Role:
• Before Surgery: I will assess your health, discuss the most appropriate anaesthetic plan for you and your surgery, and answer any questions you may have.
• During Surgery: I will be with you continuously, administering the anaesthetic, closely monitoring your vital signs (like heart rate, blood pressure, breathing), managing your fluid levels, and ensuring your wellbeing.
• After Surgery: I will oversee your initial recovery from anaesthesia and ensure you have appropriate pain relief arranged.

Anaesthetic Fees

My practice staff from General Anaesthetic Services will contact you before your procedure to provide a detailed quotation for the anaesthetic fees associated with your care. Please feel free to ask them any questions you may have regarding the costs.

I look forward to meeting you and providing you with safe and comfortable anaesthetic care.

Sincerely,

Dr. Clarence Kian Lee Lim

FANZCA, GCHPOM, BSc (Med) MBBS (Hons)

Specialist Anaesthetist

Dr Keith Liyanagama is a specialist anaesthetist and has been practicing since 1995.
His work includes appointments at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Private Hospital, The Mater, North Shore Private and several other private hospitals.
Dr Liyanagama has extensive experience in orthopaedic, gynaecologic and obstetric practice.
He also regularly provides expert medicolegal opinions and has previously worked with the Medical Council of New South Wales.

Qualifications
Bachelor of Medical Science, University of Sydney, 2009
MBBS, University of Notre Dame, 2013
Master of Medicine (Critical Care Medicine), 2019
Fellow Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists, 2022
Areas of Specialisation
Anaesthesia for colorectal, upper GI/hepatobiliary, urology, and interventional endoscopy

Background
Born and raised in Sydney, I completed my medical degree at the University of Notre Dame in Sydney in 2013. After three junior doctor years, I completed my specialty training through Gosford Hospital, Coffs Harbour Base Hospital, Prince of Wales/Sydney Children’s hospital, and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. I completed my provisional fellowship at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, with subspecialisation in hepatobiliary, colorectal, and orthopaedic surgery. I am currently a VMO anaesthetist at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, Westmead Hospital, and a handful of day surgeries around Sydney.
My aim is to provide high quality and safe anaesthesia for you during your surgery and to minimise your anxiety, pain, and discomfort as much as possible post operatively.
If you have any questions, I’ll be happy to discussed them with you when we meet before your surgery, or call my rooms General Anaesthetic Services on 9327 4817

Dr Kirsten Morgan studied Medicine at the University of NSW graduating in 1996 and worked as a Resident Medical Officer at St George Hospital and affiliated hospitals around NSW. She completed a Diploma of Paediatrics at Sydney Children’s Hospital and then specialist training in Anaesthesia at the Prince of Wales/Sydney Children’s hospitals.

Dr Kirsten Morgan completed a Fellowship in Paediatric Anaesthesia at Sydney Children’s Hospital and was a staff specialist anaesthetist at POW/SCH for several years. She previously worked as a registrar and staff specialist at Careflight carrying out rescues and retrievals of critically ill and injured patients around NSW. Dr Morgan is a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists, and a member of the Australian Society of Anaesthetists. Currently Kirsten has a diverse anaesthetic practice at several Sydney private hospitals. She has a special interest in anaesthesia for:

• Ear, nose and throat surgery
• Paediatrics
• Plastic and reconstructive surgery
• Oncology and cancer surgery
• Breast/endocrine surgery

Dr Bethan Sutton completed her anaesthetic training at St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney and in the United Kingdom, doing her fellowship at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in 2006 specialising in neuroanaesthesia and obstetrics. She has over 15 years’ experience as a consultant and has special interest in neurosurgery (including neurovascular diseases), ENT, paediatrics and breast cancer surgery. She has extensive experience in postgraduate medical education, medical simulation and team training as well as an interest in and clinical neurophysiology.
Current hospital appointments include Macquarie University Hospital, North Shore Private Hospital, The Mater Hospital, Prince of Wales Private Hospital and St Luke’s Hospital.

MD, FANZCA
Senior Specialist Anaesthetist

Fellowships:
Prince of Wales and Sydney Children Hospitals (Sydney)
Royal North Shore Hospital (Sydney)

Since 1984, Prof Tameev's training and clinical work have continuously developed to accommodate patients of all needs. Applying his well-rounded experience to complex surgeries (orthopaedic, cardiovascular, Whipple's procedures, neuroendocrine tumours etc) and medical problems in Anaesthesia, he has established a reliable and high-quality practice.

Undertaking extensive research (equivalent to three years of PhD study) as a part of his training, Prof Tameev looked closely at “The Conditions of the Microcirculation of the Patients With Pathology of the Heart and Main Arteries, Being Operated Upon in the Hyperbaric Oxygenation Environment”. Publishing 17 papers.

Hospital Affiliation - RNSH, Ryde Hospital (Head of Department), North Shore Private, MUH, Mater Private, POWPrivate, Sydney Private, Waratah Private, DBD Hospital, ASD Hospitals.

Dr Satya Varanasi completed his medical degree at The University of Adelaide, before undertaking his specialist anaesthetic training at Royal Prince Alfred and St. Vincent’s Hospital’s with secondment to Westmead Children’s Hospital. His fellowship year was spent at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, where he gained subspecialty experience in anaesthesia for major gastrointestinal surgery, neurosurgery and head & neck surgery. Following this Dr Varanasi completed further training with CareFlight and NSW Ambulance in medical retrieval and trauma.

Dr Varanasi has a special interest in medical education, holding a senior lecturer appointment with The University of Sydney delivering education for post graduate critical care trainees.

Dr Varanasi aims to provide high quality and safe anaesthesia for you during your surgery and to minimise your anxiety, pain, and discomfort as much as possible post operatively. Dr. Varanasi believes strongly in the power of music - if you have any songs that take you to your ‘happy place’ and you’d like to fall asleep to, please let him know!

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch through the lovely staff at General Anaesthetic Services on 02 9327 4817.

Memberships:
Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA)
Australian Society of Anaesthetists (ASA)
Australian Medical Association (AMA)


Qualifications:
Fellowship of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (University of Adelaide)