Meet our team
In 2001, the Victorian Doctors’ Health Program (VDHP) was established as a not-for-profit and fully independent entity, separate from the Medical Practitioners Board of Victoria (MPBV – now AHPRA) and the AMA Victoria.
Meet our team
In 2001, the Victorian Doctors’ Health Program (VDHP) was established as a not-for-profit and fully independent entity, separate from the Medical Practitioners Board of Victoria (MPBV – now AHPRA) and the AMA Victoria.
Dr Patrick Johnson
Medical Director
MB, BS, MPM, CertChildPsych, FRANZCP
Patrick is a Psychiatrist, Psychotherapist, and Educator. He has worked with medical students, trainees, and medical colleagues across public and private practice.
Patrick started his medical career working predominately in Emergency Medicine. He then changed direction, training in Psychiatry and following this, Child Psychiatry, Patrick’s work has included being the CAMHS Clinical Director for a major regional Victorian Service for just on ten years. This involved collaboration with Paediatricians, General Practitioners, and other Specialists.
A particular focus has been on Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, which he continues as the Psychiatrist in the Anaesthetic Department at the RCH in the Pain Management Service. In private practice Patrick has specialised in Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy for adults, supervision, and secondary consultation.
Patrick has experience in medical education and student welfare. He has been a Honorary Senior Lecturer at Monash University for over thirteen years and was a visiting Honorary Associate Professor at University College Dublin. Patrick has been involved in teaching and lecturing Medical Students, and in College Training and Exams of Local and Overseas Trainees.
Medical Director
MBBS, MPM, Cert Child Psych, FRANZCP
Dr Phillipa Corby
Team Doctor
MBBS, Dip Obs.DA.FRACGP
Supporting colleagues facing professional or personal challenges has long been an interest of mine and something that I find very rewarding. I have been through two Post Graduate training programs and understand the toll this can take on many aspects of one’s life.
I spent the first part of my career training in anaesthesia in the public hospital setting and later in life also gained my GP Fellowship. As well as working with VHDP I also work for the Monash Faculty of Medicine in a student support role as well as part time in general practice. So life is busy!
Outside of work I like to cycle, play the piano and cello badly, and try to be a reasonable mother to two daughters and responsible pet owner to too many dogs and cats.
Team Doctor
MBBS, Dip Obs.DA.FRACGP
Cheryl Wile
Mental Health Clinician – Senior Psychologist
BSocSc(Psych), MApPsych, MAPS
A psychologist by profession, Cheryl has worked at the VDHP since its inception more than 20 years ago.
With huge admiration for the medical profession, she is passionate about assisting medical students and doctors with the numerous health issues they present with, including stress / burnout, mental health and substance use problems.
Cheryl also works in private practice.
She can say the alphabet backwards in 4 seconds.
Mental Health Clinician
Senior Psychologist
BSocSc(Psych), MApPsych, MAPS
Katerina Colakovski
Program Manager
Katerina commenced full time as Program Manager and Executive Support with the Victorian Doctors Health Program in November 2020.
She has worked in various sectors including health, research, not-for-profit and higher education for over 15 years and brings extensive experience in patient care, stakeholder engagement, operations and administration management.
She holds a diploma in Dental Technology, Certificate in Business and Mental Health First Aid. Katerina is passionate about the Victorian Doctors Health Program’s services and appreciates the importance of mental health for the very people that look after the health of our communities.
Program Manager
Dr. Sally Chow
Team Doctor
MBBS, MPsych, FRANZCP
Sally is a Medical Doctor who has completed Psychiatry training. She currently works primarily in the public mental health sector. Her role also includes supervision of registrars and teaching medical students. Her personal experience and professional training has highlighted the importance of supporting the welfare of medical students and doctors and looking at the individual and also systemic factors that are important areas to address for individuals seeking help.
Growing up in Australia with immigrant parents and now raising two young children whilst working has made her very familiar with cultural issues impacting on our professional lives and the juggle of career and raising a family.
Team Doctor
MBBS, MPsych, FRANZCP
Dr Deniz Yaka
Team Doctor
B.Psych, MBBS, M.Psych, FRANZCP
Deniz Yaka is a psychiatrist with clinical experience in the areas of consultation-liaison psychiatry and psychodynamically-informed approaches to holistic healthcare.
Currently, she works in a senior role in the public healthcare system providing psychiatric support to those receiving medical care for cancer illnesses including the palliative stages of treatment. This role includes supervision and education for psychiatry registrars, junior doctors and medical students.
Deniz is a strong advocate for prioritising the psychological well-being of medical colleagues and healthcare professionals, characterised by her role at VDHP.
Team Doctor
B.Psych, MBBS, M.Psych, FRANZCP
Ben McGill
Mental Health Clinician – Senior Social Worker
BSW
Ben is a Mental Health Social-Worker, Psychoanalyst and Artist.
Ben’s experience in working with medical services began as a film and video-maker working directly with surgical teams in filming and producing medical films for training purposes. This experience in video production facilitated Ben in working with Youth Services while pursuing Social Work to assist disenfranchised young people to learn video production as a means of expression and engagement.
Ben has worked in psycho-social support services for over 20 years and for the last 15 years has worked as a Senior Clinician in a state-wide service for Personality Disorders, providing direct treatment while supporting and providing training for Medical Students, GP’s, Doctors and Psychiatrists in public mental health as well as providing clinical leadership and coordination for Emergency Departments, Inpatient Units, Police and Emergency Services.
In private practice Ben provides treatment, supervision, and secondary consultation.
Mental Health Clinician
Senior Social Worker
BSW
Luisa Abbatangelo
Office Manager
Hello, I’m Luisa and I am the Office Manager for VDHP. Within this role I will be your first point of contact.
I have over 15 years’ experience in the health & not-for-profit sector with a background in business. I’m energised by creating and driving innovation to improve business results.
Program Manager
Tuppy
Office Dog
Tuppy has worked over ten years in both public and private practice, and is renowned for her friendliness.
Enjoys the beach, bush walks and snoozing.
Office Dog
After Hours Team
Dr Surya Tipirneni
Dr Antoinette Brennan
Dr Vanessa Andean
Dr Paik-Yee Ng
Dr Christine Longman
Dr Patrick Johnson
Dr Emmanuel Anthony
Meet the Board
Dr Roderick McRae, Chairman
Dr Andrew Rawlin
Prof Brendan Crotty
Dr Lucky De Silva
A/Prof Natasha Smallwood
Dr Sarah Whitelaw
After Hours Team
Dr Surya Tipirneni
Dr Antoinette Brennan
Dr Vanessa Andean
Dr Paik-Yee Ng
Dr Christine Longman
Dr Patrick Johnson
Dr Emmanuel Anthony
Meet the Board
Dr Roderick McRae, Chairman
Dr Andrew Rawlin
Prof Brendan Crotty
Dr Lucky De Silva
A/Prof Natasha Smallwood
Dr Sarah Whitelaw