Our Care Team

Dr Basu was born in Scotland and educated in England and India. She has an MBBS and a Diploma of Obstetrics and Gynaecology from Calcutta, India and has worked in Obstetrics in India and Australia. She was awarded Fellow Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and Diploma of Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (Advanced) in Australia after training in hospitals and practices in Victoria. She has worked in General Practice and Obstetrics in Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland. Dr Basu enjoys enjoys caring for older patients and patients experiencing mental health problems. Outside her professional life, Dr Basu loves her pet cockatiel, Joey and enjoys gardening.

• All aspects of general practice
• Child and family health
• Elderly care
• Family planning
• Gynaecology
• Health promotion
• Implanon insertion and removal
• Management of chronic disease
• Shared antenatal care
• Cervical screening
• Antenatal care
• Women’s health
• Pap smears

• Bengali
• English

Dr Faiza completed her medical degree in Pakistan. She started working in Australia in 2016 as a psychiatric doctor at Bendigo Health, before then Dr Faiza moving on to spend several years by the coast at Barwon Health as a Senior Doctor. Dr Faiza completed a Certificate in Women’s Health from RANZCOG at Barwon Health in 2018. She also finished a Diploma in Child Health (SCHP) from the University of Sydney in 2018. Dr Faiza commenced her training as a General Practitioner from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners in 2019, and thoroughly enjoys working in a community setting. Her passions include providing long-term and quality care to her patients. Outside of medicine, Dr Faiza is a mother to young children. Her hobbies include cooking and reading.

• Child and adolescent health
• General family medicine
• Chronic disease management
• Musculoskeletal
• Mental health
• Women’s health

• English
• Hindi
• Urdu

Born in Riyadh, Dr Jalal is a qualified registered General Practitioner and graduated from the International University of Africa with MBBS Degree in 2008. Dr Jalal completed the Australian Medical Council assessments and has gained the Australian Medical Council Certificate. Dr Jalal has completed the PEP educational part of the training for the fellowship with the Royal Australasia College of General Practitioners. Dr Jalal joined mecwacare Ballan Health and Care Services after working in Ballarat for more than three years. Dr Jalal has a background in treating blood disorders and cancer, with professional experience in haemato-oncology and bone marrow transplants. Dr Jalal enjoys being a chef for his family and friends, riding his bike, playing soccer and competing in chess. Dr Jalal’s message to everyone is, “To be happier, plan to become healthier.”

• Chronic disease management
• Geriatrics, aged care, palliative care
• Skin cancer
• Pain management
• Pediatrics
• Men and women's health
• Sexual health
• Counselling for smoking cessation and weight control
• Physical and Mental Health Plans
• Disability and multimorbidity management

• Arabic
• English

Dr May grew up in Myanmar and obtained her medical degree from University of Medicine in Yangon. Before joining the Australia General Practice Training Programme, Dr May worked at Ballarat Hospital for three years in different medical specialties. With a passion for general practice, she has practiced medicine as a General Practitioner since 2017 and worked in rural community health care clinics in Lorne, Warrnambool and Ballarat. Dr May has joined the Ballan GP Clinic team in early 2020 to pursue her career as a family doctor and to gain her fellowship with Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. She holds a Diploma in Child Health from Sydney Westmead Hospital. Dr May has firmly settled in Ballarat where she has lived with her young family for 9 years. On her days off, she enjoys her time with her little boy and cooking Burmese cuisines.

• Aged care
• Women and Children’s health
• Family planning
• Paediatric Health
• Diabetes management
• Chronic disease management
• Skin checks
• Minor surgical procedures

• Burmese
• English

Dr Mirza completed his medical degree in Bangladesh. He started working in Australia in 2003 as a Psychiatric Doctor at Southern Health for the following 3 years. He later rotated through the departments in Monash, Dandenong and Casey Hospital. Dr Mirza started in General Practice in 2009. He has completed Australian Medical Council Exam. Dr Mirza joined mecwacare in Ballan in October 2022 to pursue his career as a family Doctor. He has a keen interest and expertise in psychiatry, child and adolescent health, general family medicine, chronic disease management, preventative health care and minor surgery. Dr Mirza lives with his wife and children. He loves walking with family, loves watching soccer and taking road trips.

• Family health
• Mental health
• Chronic disease management
• Minor surgical procedures
• Aged care
• Skin checks
• Diabetes management
• Pediatrics, child and adolescent health
• Health assessments
• Preventive health

• Bengali
• English

Alison completed her Nursing Degree at Australian Catholic University in Ballarat in 2003. She then moved to Melbourne to pursue her career at Western Health Footscray campus, before moving to Ballan in 2007. A much valued member of the community in Ballan, which is home to her family and friends, Alison worked at ST JOG in Ballarat for five years, before commencing here at Ballan District Health & Care in 2015. Alison has extensive knowledge and experience in Acute Care and Chronic Disease Management, as well as childhood immunisations within a clinical and community based environment. Outside of work, Alison is a busy mum of three, who also enjoys gardening, camping and spending time with friends and family.

• Childhood immunisations
• Wound care
• Health promotion
• Health assessments
• Immunisations

• English

Leanne is an experienced and dedicated podiatrist with 18 years of experience in the field. She has been an integral part of the mecwacare team for the past 12 years, bringing a wealth of knowledge and skill to her role. In addition to her work at mecwacare, Leanne has successfully run her own podiatry business for 15 years, offering comprehensive care to her clients. Leanne’s expertise spans all areas of podiatry, making her a versatile and knowledgeable practitioner. Her commitment to patient care and her deep understanding of foot health have earned her a strong reputation within the community.  Whether addressing complex foot conditions or providing routine care, Leanne is passionate about helping her patients achieve optimal foot health and overall wellbeing.

Louise is our Healthy Ageing Advisor at mecwacare Ballan. This position is a program funded by Western Victoria Primary Health Network concentrating on the health of farmers, as well as the holistic health of older community members. Louise has been a registered nurse for 42 years and loves her job with a passion. Louise has held an array of positions throughout her time, including as a cardiac nurse, children’s nurse, district nurse and practice nurse. In her spare time, Louise loves camping, tennis, travelling and chatting with people.

Preeti is an accredited Mental Health Social Worker dedicated to transforming lives in community health. Known for her kindness and unwavering commitment, she provides heartfelt support to individuals facing mental health challenges. With a deep understanding of human emotions, she tailors care plans to meet unique needs, ensuring every person feels valued and heard. Her genuine compassion shines through in her work, as she tirelessly advocates for clients and builds trusting relationships. By facilitating support groups and collaborating with community partners, she fosters environments of hope and healing. Driven by a mission to uplift and empower, she inspires resilience and champions mental wellbeing for all.

Nadiesharni is an accredited Practising Dietitian with a Bachelor of Nutrition Science and a Master’s of Dietetics. With experience working as a community, private practice and aged care dietitian, she has knowledge and experience in prevention and management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular health, weight management and digestive health across different life stages. Nadiesharni is passionate about utilising an evidence-based approach to come up with individualised and practical dietary interventions that achieve positive and sustainable lifestyle changes to help rebuild clients’ relationships and connection with food. She also has experience conducting group education and cooking classes with the local older adult population, helping them feel empowered and knowledgeable to achieve healthier and happier ageing.

Thi graduated from La Trobe University with a Bachelor of Applied Science and Master’s in Physiotherapy Practice. Thi shows her dedication in helping her clients achieve their goals by showing up with a positive attitude, prescribing individualised exercises, reminding her clients of their progress and motivating them to come through the journey of rehabilitation. Throughout her study and working experience, she has had pleasure working with patients from a variety of settings. From patients with acute and subacute conditions to specialised populations such as chronic pain, multi-trauma and amputation in rehabilitation hospitals, community clinics and aged care facilities. Thi has special interest in working with people with non-English speaking backgrounds, as well as those that have complex care needs.

Teagan is an accredited Exercise Physiologist. She has a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science, Graduate Diploma in Clinical Exercise Physiology and is an accredited member with Exercise and Sports Science Australia. She has been working in the Ballan community health field for more than five years and is dedicated to improving patient health and wellbeing through personalised exercise interventions. Teagan offers effective rehabilitation and strength conditioning programs to clients of all health conditions and ages, specific to their goals. She conducts multiple exercise groups per week (cardiac and pulmonary, falls and balance, group fitness exercise, supervised gym groups and hydrotherapy groups), as well as initial assessments, reviews and 1:1 sessions.

Ryan is dedicated Allied Health Assistant with a strong foundation in exercise and sport science. He is committed to enhancing patient care through evidence-based practices. Ryan’s academic background equips him with a comprehensive understanding of human physiology, biomechanics, and the principles of exercise prescription. Ryan is currently advancing his expertise and experience by completing a Master’s of Exercise Physiology. He is extremely passionate about applying his knowledge to support patients in achieving optimal health outcomes.