Meet the Team

Dr. Simon Sung, holding degrees in MBBS, PhD, and FRACP, stands as an eminent neurologist specializing in movement disorders while maintaining a keen interest in general neurological disorders. Graduating from the University of Melbourne, Dr. Sung pursued his basic physician training and advanced training in clinical neurology and neurophysiology at Western General Hospital and Royal Melbourne Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. Currently serving as the Movement Disorders Fellow at the prestigious Royal Melbourne Hospital, he also extends his expertise as a visiting neurologist for the movement disorders program at Western General Hospital.

A distinguished member of professional organizations, Dr. Sung actively participates in the Australia and New Zealand Association of Neurologists, Movement Disorders Society, and Movement Disorders Society Australasia. His particular focus lies in the comprehensive management of Parkinson's disease and associated conditions, dystonia, deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease, and other movement disorders. Additionally, he possesses specialized skills in botulinum toxin therapy for movement disorders and chronic migraine, along with proficiency in the management of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) and strokes.

At the North West Melbourne Medical Specialists, Dr. Sung provides a range of services, including general neurology consultations, specialized movement disorders consultations, and botulinum toxin treatments for both movement disorders and chronic migraines. His commitment to patient care is reflected in his availability for appointments on Saturday mornings, accommodating the diverse schedules of those seeking his expertise.

Dr. Sung's academic journey and extensive experience underscore his dedication to advancing neurology, and his active involvement in professional societies emphasizes his commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments in the field. Patients seeking his services can be assured of receiving comprehensive and specialized care from a distinguished neurologist at the forefront of neurological advancements.

Introducing Dr Daniel Barber MD FRACP- highly skilled neurologist and movement disorders
specialist both at NWMMS and AIM
Dr. Daniel Barber is a distinguished neurologist and clinician researcher, specializing in various
aspects of brain health, including movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, migraine,
headache disorders, and multiple sclerosis.
His journey into medicine began at the University of Melbourne, where he pursued his medical
studies. Dr. Barber underwent rigorous neurology training at prominent tertiary hospitals in
Melbourne, including Western Health, Austin Health, and Eastern Health. Over the years, he
immersed himself in the complexities of neurological disorders, honing his expertise in the field.
Driven by a passion for understanding Parkinson's disease at a deeper level, Dr. Barber embarked on
a Ph.D. journey in systems biology at The University of Melbourne. His research focuses on
unraveling the intricate mechanisms underlying Parkinson's disease, particularly emphasizing the
role of a multi-system approach in early diagnosis and potential insights into disease-modifying
treatments. Under the guidance of Prof. Tissa Wijeratne and a distinguished senior research team
from the Florey Institute, along with Dr. Lakshman Singh from Victoria University, Dr. Barber delves
into the complexities of this debilitating condition, seeking breakthroughs that could transform
patient care.

Committed to nurturing the next generation of neuroscientists, Dr. Barber actively mentors students
in collaboration with Prof. Tissa Wijeratne at the University of Melbourne and Western Health. His
dedication to academic excellence extends beyond clinical practice, shaping the future of
neurological research in Victoria.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Dr. Daniel Barber holds public appointments at Austin Health
and Western Health, further enriching his clinical experience and contributing to the broader
healthcare community.
Patients seeking expert care for neurological disorders can consult Dr. Barber at NWMMS and AIM.
His clinical expertise spans a wide spectrum of conditions, including stroke, with a particular focus on
young stroke and other cerebrovascular diseases. Dr. Barber welcomes referrals for general
neurological conditions such as migraine, dizziness, vertigo, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Post-COVID-
19 Neurological Syndrome (PCNS), and movement disorders.
Dr. Barber also offers Botox toxin therapy for various movement disorders, chronic migraine, and
stroke-related complications, providing comprehensive care tailored to each patient's needs.
Referrals for a broad range of neurological disorders are accepted at both NWMMS and AIM,
ensuring accessible and specialized care for individuals navigating complex neurological challenges.
Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Barber remains actively engaged in mentoring undergraduate students
in neuroscience research through leading universities in Victoria, in collaboration with the Australian
Institute of Migraine. His commitment to education and research underscores his vision of advancing
neurological care and fostering innovation in the field.
In summary, Dr. Daniel Barber embodies a profound dedication to advancing the understanding and
treatment of neurological disorders. Through his clinical expertise, research endeavors, and
commitment to education, he continues to make invaluable contributions to the field of neurology,
enriching the lives of patients and shaping the future of neurological care.

Dr. Dilani Wijeratne (MBBS, MD, FRANZCP) is a highly accomplished psychiatrist with a rich educational background and extensive experience in the field. Graduating from Flinders University in South Australia, Dr. Wijeratne began her medical journey with an internship at Flinders Medical Centre, where her interest in Psychiatry was first sparked.

Driven by her passion for the complexities of the human mind, Dr. Wijeratne pursued advanced training in adult Psychiatry at several prestigious institutions, including Christchurch Hospital in New Zealand, Royal Adelaide Hospital in South Australia, and North Western Mental Health Services in Victoria. Her commitment to excellence and continuous learning led her to become a Fellow of the Royal Australia and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.

From 2006 to 2021, Dr. Wijeratne served as a consultant Psychiatrist at Austin Hospital, Melbourne, contributing 15 years of dedicated service to the institution. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in the field of adult psychiatry, leaving an indelible mark on the hospital and its patients.

Adding to her international recognition, Dr. Wijeratne is also a Fellow of the American Psychiatry Association, showcasing the global impact of her contributions to the field. In 2008, she was honored with an invitation to serve as an international advisor for the Sri Lanka Association for the Study of Pain, highlighting her expertise beyond the borders of her home country.

Dr. Wijeratne specializes in adult psychiatry, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to areas such as ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy. Her holistic approach to mental health care underscores her commitment to addressing the diverse and interconnected aspects of mental well-being.

As a seasoned professional, Dr. Dilani Wijeratne continues to make significant strides in the field of psychiatry, leaving an enduring legacy of compassionate care, groundbreaking contributions, and a steadfast dedication to understanding and treating the intricacies of the human mind.

Dr. Dilantha De Alwis, MB ChB, FRACP, is a compassionate and dedicated healthcare professional specializing in providing comprehensive care for individuals facing various health challenges. With a heartfelt commitment to patient well-being, Dr. De Alwis focuses on fostering kindness and understanding in every aspect of his medical practice.

In the realm of diabetic care, Dr. De Alwis extends a warm and empathetic approach to patients, recognizing the unique journey each individual undergoes in managing their condition. His emphasis on personalized care creates a supportive environment where patients feel heard and valued, fostering a sense of comfort and trust.

With a genuine passion for weight management, Dr. De Alwis approaches each patient's needs with patience and compassion. He understands the sensitivity surrounding weight-related concerns and strives to create a nurturing space where patients can openly discuss their goals, challenges, and aspirations. Through tailored guidance, he empowers individuals to achieve sustainable and meaningful results on their weight management journey.

In the area of osteoporosis management, Dr. De Alwis combines medical expertise with compassionate care. He recognizes the impact that osteoporosis can have on a person's quality of life and is dedicated to developing personalized strategies that prioritize both physical and emotional well-being. His commitment to patient education ensures that individuals are equipped with the knowledge needed to actively participate in their own care.

For patients facing thyroid, pituitary, adrenal disorders, Dr. De Alwis adopts a comprehensive and considerate approach. He collaborates closely with individuals, providing clear explanations and offering unwavering support throughout the diagnostic and treatment processes. This commitment to open communication helps alleviate concerns and ensures that patients feel empowered in their healthcare decisions.

In the realm of gestational diabetes, Dr. De Alwis extends his care to support expectant mothers with kindness and understanding. Recognizing the unique challenges of pregnancy, he works closely with patients to manage gestational diabetes, promoting the health and well-being of both mother and baby.

Dr. Dilantha De Alwis embodies a commitment to kindness, compassion, and patient-centered care in every aspect of his medical practice, creating a healing environment where individuals feel valued and supported on their journey to optimal health.

Dr. Geraldine Ng, MBBS, FRACP, is a highly skilled neurologist with expertise in general neurology and stroke medicine. Her proficiency extends to various areas such as general neurology, headache medicine, stroke and TIA, as well as Parkinson's disease. Dr. Ng honed her abilities in rare and complex neurological disorders during her prestigious ANZAN fellowship at John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK in 2016.

With a continued passion for neuroimmunology, she has a particular focus on multiple sclerosis, autoimmune encephalitis, neurosarcoidosis, and NMO spectrum disorders. Her commitment to these interests persisted through her training at Western Health, Austin Health, and in the UK.

Dr. Ng maintains an active role in the neurology and stroke services department at Western Health, which is renowned as the busiest in Victoria, Australia. Additionally, she contributes to education through teaching assignments at the University of Melbourne, the top-ranked university in Australia. Currently, appointments to see Dr. Ng can be scheduled at North West Melbourne Medical Specialists.

Dr. Sujith Ayyappan, MBBS, FRACP, stands as an esteemed neurologist with exceptional expertise in neurophysiology. Currently practicing at North West Melbourne Medical Specialists, Dr. Ayyappan brings a wealth of qualifications and skills to his role, ensuring the delivery of comprehensive neurophysiology services to his patients.

In his pursuit of excellence, Dr. Ayyappan places a strong emphasis on patient-centered care, understanding that each individual's journey with neurological concerns is unique. Patient-centered care is an approach that revolves around tailoring medical services to the specific needs, preferences, and values of each patient. Dr. Ayyappan goes beyond his clinical qualifications, fostering an environment where patients are active participants in their healthcare decisions.

His commitment to patient-centered care extends to creating a collaborative and empathetic atmosphere during consultations. Dr. Ayyappan takes the time to listen attentively to his patients, valuing their perspectives and input. This approach ensures a holistic understanding of the patient's medical history, contributing to more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans.

Furthermore, Dr. Ayyappan integrates the latest advancements in neurology and neurophysiology into his practice. By staying abreast of cutting-edge research and technology, he ensures that his patients have access to the most innovative and effective treatments available. This commitment to staying informed aligns with the principles of patient-centered care, as it empowers patients with information and options to make informed decisions about their health.

In addition to his clinical responsibilities, Dr. Ayyappan actively engages in continuous medical education, further enhancing his skills and knowledge. This dedication to professional development reflects his commitment to providing the highest standard of care to his patients, as he strives to remain at the forefront of neurology and neurophysiology.

In conclusion, Dr. Sujith Ayyappan is not just a highly qualified neurologist and neurophysiologist, but also a practitioner who places patient-centered care at the core of his practice. His emphasis on tailoring services to individual needs, fostering open communication, and integrating the latest advancements demonstrates a commitment to holistic and patient-centric healthcare. Patients under Dr. Ayyappan's care can trust that they are receiving not only expertise but also personalized attention that considers their unique circumstances and preferences.

Introducing Dr Vimal Stanislaus MD PhD FRACP- highly qualified neurologist and neurophysiologist
both at NWMMS and AIM
Dr Vimal Stanislaus is a highly qualified neurologist and a clinician researcher, with strong
subspecialty interests in brain health encompassing diseases affecting the brain blood vessels such
as migraine, movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, migraine and headache
disorders and multiple sclerosis .
He studies medicine at Flinders University (Adelaide). Dr Vimal Stanislaus completed his neurology
training through major tertiary hospitals such as Western Health, Monash Health, and Alfred Health
in Melbourne over a number of years. He completed a PhD in neurophysiological aspects of
movement disorders from The University of Sydney, studying the role and contribution of reflexes to
various movement disorders including Parkinson’s disease. He is currently supervising a number of
PhD students in partnership with Prof Tissa Wijeratne at University of Melbourne and Western
Health
Dr Vimal Stanislaus holds public appointments at Alfred Health and Western Health in addition to
his academic appointment at Monash University.
Dr Vimal Stanislaus is available at NWMMS and AIM for consults on patients with a wide array of
neurological disorders including stroke, particularly young stroke, and other cerebrovascular
diseases. He also accepts referrals for patients with general neurological conditions including
migraine, dizziness, vertigo , epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Post Covid-19 Neurological Syndrome
(PCNS) and movement disorders. Dr Vimal Stanislaus offers Botox toxin therapy for chronic
migraine and stroke related complications. He is accepting referrals for neurophysiological
investigations such as carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, muscle disorders and tremor
studies at both NWMMS and AIM.
He is also available for higher degree supervision through number of leading Universities in Victoria
in partnership with Australian Institute of Migraine

Dr. Yasmin Sheikh, an accomplished medical professional with qualifications including an MBBS and FRACP, stands as a distinguished Consultant Physician in Geriatric Medicine. With a wealth of expertise, Dr. Sheikh currently serves as a Geriatrician in both the public and private sectors, contributing significantly to the field of healthcare.

Dr. Sheikh's journey in the realm of medicine led her through comprehensive physician's specialty training at prestigious institutions such as Royal Melbourne and Western Health. These experiences have honed her skills and deepened her understanding of medical intricacies, particularly in the specialized domain of Geriatric Medicine.

One of Dr. Sheikh's notable areas of focus lies in Cognition/Dementia and Continence, underscoring her commitment to addressing the unique healthcare needs of older individuals. Her specialization extends beyond routine medical care, encompassing a dedicated approach to Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment and the nuanced management of geriatric syndromes.

In her professional capacity, Dr. Sheikh diligently provides care to older individuals grappling with complex health issues within the community. Her commitment extends to implementing Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment, a holistic approach that considers the multifaceted aspects of an individual's well-being. This involves a thorough evaluation of medical, social, and psychological dimensions to tailor care plans that are not only effective but also aligned with the patient's specific needs and preferences.

Dr. Yasmin Sheikh's dual engagement in the public and private sectors underscores her commitment to making a meaningful impact on the healthcare landscape. By actively participating in the management of geriatric syndromes, she contributes to the advancement of patient-centric and holistic care for older individuals, recognizing the importance of addressing not only immediate medical concerns but also the broader context of their lives.

In summary, Dr. Yasmin Sheikh exemplifies the principles of holistic and patient-centered care in the specialized field of Geriatric Medicine. Through her dedication, specialized training, and focus on comprehensive assessment, she plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for older individuals, reaffirming the importance of personalized and empathetic healthcare in the domain of geriatrics.

Professor Tissa Wijeratne, OAM MD PhD FRACP FRCP (Edin) FRCP (London) FAHA FAAN FEAN, stands as a distinguished senior neurologist, clinician-scientist, advocate, and global health expert committed to advancing global brain health and preventing neurological disorders. His groundbreaking initiatives in World Brain Day and Brain Health since 2010 have left a lasting impact globally, inspiring over a billion individuals to embrace preventive brain health concepts over the past decade.

In his pivotal role as the Director and Chair of the Department of Neurology and Stroke Services at Western Health in St Albans, Victoria, Australia (postcode 3021), Professor Wijeratne plays a crucial role in shaping neurology and stroke services. He holds esteemed professorial positions at the University of Melbourne, La Trobe University, Victoria University, RMIT University in Australia, and the University of Rajarata, Sri Lanka.

Professor Wijeratne's substantial contributions extend to mentoring over 450 basic physician trainees in Australia, with 62 of them advancing to become neurologists since 2006. He remains actively involved in leading train-the-trainer workshops for the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, having conducted well over 100 workshops and trained over 1,000 Australian physicians in supervision skills. With ten supervised PhDs completed, he currently oversees four neurologists engaged in groundbreaking research on various aspects of brain health within the field of neurosciences.

Acknowledging his exceptional contributions to medicine as a neurologist, Professor Tissa Wijeratne received the prestigious Order of Australia Award (Order of Australia Medal) on January 26, 2023, becoming the first Sri Lankan-Australian neurologist to achieve this distinction.

His scholarly impact is underscored by the publication of over 350 papers, boasting a citation index exceeding 110,000 and an impressive h-index of 80. Presently, he holds the title of the highest-cited practicing headache neurologist in Australia.

Pioneering new initiatives, Professor Wijeratne led the establishment of the Australia New Zealand Headache Society in 2014, actively contributing to its constitution, logo design, and the development of its inaugural website. Additionally, he made history as the first Sri Lankan/Australian neurologist appointed as the President of the Asian Regional Consortium of Headache (www.archhub.org). He co-founded and serves as the Medical Director of the Australian Institute of Migraine (www.instituteofmigraine.com.au) and initiated the celebration of World Migraine Day on June 18 (www.steps4migraine.com.au). He is also the founder and Chair of the first-ever migraine-targeted national charity in Australia (www.migrainefoundation.org.au).